Your Ultimate Guide to Custom Home Construction in Roanoke VA
Thinking about building your very own home here in Roanoke VA? It’s a great idea! You get to pick everything, from the floor plan to the paint colors, making it a space that’s truly yours. But where do you start? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about building a custom home in our beautiful part of southwest Virginia.
Building a custom home means you get to create a house that fits your family’s needs perfectly. As a trusted, family-owned construction company in Troutville, Virginia, we at Southern Trace have more than 30 years of combined experience helping people build their dream homes. We’re a 5-star rated home builder, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Custom Home
in Roanoke VA?
This is usually the first question people ask, and it’s a big one! The truth is, the cost can change a lot depending on what you want.
A quick answer is that building a custom home in the Roanoke area can range from around $150 to $400 per square foot. This doesn't usually include the price of the land. So, for a 2,000-square-foot home, you might be looking at a cost between $300,000 and $800,000. But remember, this is just a general idea.
What Changes the Cost of a New Home?
Several things can make the price of your new home go up or down.
Size and Design: A bigger house with a more complex design will cost more to build. Simple, open floor plans are often more budget-friendly than homes with lots of angles and corners.
Materials: The things you choose to build your home with matter. High-end materials like granite countertops, custom cabinets, and hardwood floors will cost more than standard options. We can help you pick materials that look great, last long, and fit your budget.
Land: The cost of the lot you build on is a big part of the total price. A piece of land in a popular neighborhood in Roanoke will cost more than a spot further out in the country. You'll also need to think about the cost of getting the land ready for building, like clearing trees or leveling the ground.
Permits and Fees: You’ll need to get permits from Roanoke County or the City of Roanoke before you can start building. These fees can add a few thousand dollars to your project. Don't worry, a good contractor like Southern Trace will handle all the paperwork for you.
Working with an experienced home builder like Southern Trace helps you understand and manage these costs. We believe in being open and honest about pricing, so you won't have any surprises. You can learn more about how we work by reading about our process.
What Are the Steps to Building a Custom Home?
Building a house is a journey with several steps. Knowing what to expect can make the whole process feel less overwhelming.
Step 1: Plan and Get Your Finances Ready
Before you even break ground, you need a plan. This is the time to think about what you want in a home. How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? Do you want a big kitchen for family gatherings or a cozy home office?
This is also when you should figure out your budget. Talk to a bank or lender to see how much you can borrow. This will help you know what you can afford and guide your decisions later on.
Step 2: Find the Right Land and a Good Builder
Once you have a budget, you can start looking for the perfect piece of land. Think about things like the neighborhood, schools, and how close you are to places like Mill Mountain or the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Choosing the right construction company is just as important. You want a home builder you can trust. Look for a company with a lot of experience, great reviews, and a strong connection to the Roanoke area. As a family-owned business in Troutville VA, Southern Trace is proud of the homes we build and the relationships we make with our clients. We have a 5-star rating because we care about doing great work.
Step 3: Design Your Dream Home
This is the fun part! You get to work with designers to create the floor plan for your new home. You’ll decide where the rooms go, the size of the closets, and the style of the house. Do you like the look of a modern farmhouse or a more traditional brick home? We can help you design a home that fits the beautiful scenery of the Shenandoah Valley.
Step 4: The Building Begins
After the plans are done and the permits are approved, it's time to start the home construction. This part of the process includes:
Foundation: Pouring the concrete foundation that your house will sit on.
Framing: Building the walls and roof of the house.
Plumbing and Electrical: Putting in all the pipes and wires.
Interior and Exterior Finishes: This is when your house starts to look like a home. We’ll install drywall, flooring, cabinets, and paint the walls. On the outside, we'll put on siding, windows, and the roof.
We know that living in southwest Virginia means dealing with all four seasons. We build homes that are ready for hot summers and chilly winters, making sure your house is comfortable all year round.
Step 5: The Final Touches and Moving In
Once the main construction is done, we’ll do a final walkthrough with you to make sure everything is just right. We’ll take care of any last-minute details. After that, you’ll get the keys to your brand-new custom home!
Popular Home Styles in Roanoke and the Blue Ridge Mountains
When you’re building a custom home, you can choose any style you like. Here in the Roanoke Valley, we see a few popular trends.
Modern Farmhouse
This style is very popular right now. It mixes the simple, clean lines of modern design with the cozy, rustic feel of a farmhouse. Think big windows, open living spaces, and natural wood touches.
Craftsman Style
Craftsman homes are known for their quality workmanship and attention to detail. They often have low-pitched roofs, wide front porches with thick columns, and a mix of natural materials like stone and wood.
Traditional Homes
You can’t go wrong with a classic. Traditional homes, like Colonials or Cape Cods, have a timeless look that fits in well in many Roanoke neighborhoods.
No matter what style you choose, we can help you design a home that you'll love. We can even build beautiful outdoor living spaces like decks and patios so you can enjoy the stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Why Choose Southern Trace as Your Home Builder?
When you’re looking for a contractor for a big project like a custom home build, you want someone who is reliable, experienced, and easy to work with.
Southern Trace is a family-owned construction company right here in Troutville, Virginia- just north of Roanoke. We’re not a big, faceless corporation. We’re your neighbors, and we care about building high-quality homes in our community. With over 30 years of combined experience, our team knows how to build houses that last.
We also offer other services like home remodeling, building home additions, and creating accessory structures. Whether you’re building from scratch or making your current house better, we can help.
Ready to start talking about your dream home? Contact us today for a free consultation. We’d love to hear your ideas and show you why Southern Trace is a great choice for your custom home project in Roanoke, Salem, Blacksburg, or Lynchburg.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to build a custom home in Roanoke VA?
A: Building a custom home usually takes between 9 to 12 months, but it can change depending on the size of the house, the weather, and how quickly decisions are made.
Q: Can I make changes to the plan during construction?
A: Yes, you can make changes, but it's best to have most things decided before building starts. Changes during construction can add to the cost and make the project take longer.
Q: Do I need to hire an architect and a builder separately?
A: You can, but working with a design-build company like Southern Trace can make things simpler. We handle both the design and the construction, which means everyone is on the same team from the start.
Q: What makes Southern Trace different from other builders?
A: We are a family-owned company with deep roots in the Troutville community and over 30 years of combined experience. Our 5-star rating shows our commitment to quality work and making our clients happy.
