

Southern Trace provides residential construction services throughout Moneta, Virginia and the greater Smith Mountain Lake area. We work with homeowners building lake homes, expanding family spaces, and updating older properties for modern living. Many families exploring home additions in Moneta are looking for ways to gain space while staying close to the lake lifestyle they already love, whether that means adding guest suites, larger kitchens, or flexible living areas designed for entertaining.
Southern Trace provides residential construction services throughout Moneta, Virginia and the greater Smith Mountain Lake area. We work with homeowners building lake homes, expanding family spaces, and updating older properties for modern living. Many families exploring home additions in Moneta are looking for ways to gain space while staying close to the lake lifestyle they already love, whether that means adding guest suites, larger kitchens, or flexible living areas designed for entertaining.
Moneta sits between Bedford and Franklin Counties along Route 122 and serves as one of the primary gateways to Smith Mountain Lake. The area blends quiet residential neighborhoods with lakefront properties, rolling hills, and wooded lots. Because many homes are positioned around water access or elevated terrain, construction here often focuses on balancing views, privacy, and long-term durability.
Homeowners choosing to build or expand in this area often prioritize outdoor space, storage for lake equipment, and layouts that work well for both everyday living and seasonal gatherings.
Building in Moneta means working with sloped terrain, mature trees, and waterfront setbacks. Some properties sit high above the lake while others are tucked into wooded coves. Proper site planning matters — from drainage and foundation design to driveway placement and retaining walls.
For homeowners starting from scratch, custom home construction in Moneta requires careful planning around lot orientation, sunlight exposure, and long-term maintenance. The goal is not just to build a house, but to create a home that fits naturally into the landscape and performs well year after year.

Smith Mountain Lake is one of Virginia’s largest reservoirs and a defining feature of life in Moneta. The lake spans Bedford and Franklin Counties and attracts full-time residents as well as second-home owners who want easy access to boating, fishing, and waterfront recreation. Homes here frequently include large decks, screened porches, or flexible entertaining spaces designed to take advantage of views and outdoor living.
Because lake properties vary widely in lot shape and elevation, many Moneta projects include outdoor living construction that connects indoor and outdoor areas while improving long-term usability of the property.
Smith Mountain Lake is one of Virginia’s largest reservoirs and a defining feature of life in Moneta. The lake spans Bedford and Franklin Counties and attracts full-time residents as well as second-home owners who want easy access to boating, fishing, and waterfront recreation. Homes here frequently include large decks, screened porches, or flexible entertaining spaces designed to take advantage of views and outdoor living.
Because lake properties vary widely in lot shape and elevation, many Moneta projects include outdoor living construction that connects indoor and outdoor areas while improving long-term usability of the property.

Over the last decade, more families have transitioned lake properties from vacation homes into primary residences. That shift often leads to renovation projects that improve storage, expand kitchens, and update older layouts to support everyday living. Many homes built decades ago were designed for occasional use, which means thoughtful home remodeling in Moneta can dramatically improve comfort and function without changing the character of the property.
Larger lots around Moneta make accessory structures especially useful. Detached garages, workshops, storage buildings, and guest spaces help homeowners keep lake gear organized while freeing up living space inside the main home. These projects also help properties grow with changing needs, whether that means hobby space, home offices, or additional guest accommodations.
For many families, adding accessory structures in Moneta is a practical way to increase property value while maintaining the open feel that makes lake living attractive in the first place.


Southern Trace understands how different Moneta is from other parts of the Roanoke region. Building near Smith Mountain Lake requires experience with hillside lots, drainage considerations, and county permitting processes that may differ depending on which side of the lake your property sits on. Our team works closely with homeowners to design practical solutions that fit the property and the lifestyle.
Whether you’re planning a custom build, expanding your home, or updating a long-standing lake property, we focus on quality craftsmanship and clear communication from planning through completion.
We build custom homes, home additions, accessory buildings, outdoor living spaces, and full remodels for homeowners throughout Moneta and the Smith Mountain Lake area.
Yes. Lake properties often include slope challenges, water drainage considerations, and design choices that maximize views while protecting the structure from weather changes long term.
Yes. Depending on your location, projects may fall under Bedford County or Franklin County permitting. We manage the permitting process so everything stays compliant and moving forward.
Absolutely. Many lake homes were built in the 70's and 80s for seasonal use and benefit from updated layouts, insulation improvements, and modern materials suited for year-round living.



Enjoy the Process, Love the Result
5694 Roanoke Rd, Troutville, VA 24175
+1 540-904-4114
Enjoy the Process, Love the Result
5694 Roanoke Rd, Troutville, VA 24175
+1 540-904-4114