Your Guide to Building Detached Garages in Roanoke, VA
Are you running out of space in your home? Maybe your car is stuck in the driveway, your lawnmower is taking over the basement, or you dream of having a dedicated workshop for your hobbies. If that sounds familiar, building a detached garage might be the perfect solution for your family.
A detached garage is a great way to add storage and useful space to your property. Here’s a quick answer for you: Building a detached garage in Roanoke, VA, gives you a separate, flexible space for vehicles, storage, or a workshop, and it can make your home’s value go up. As a family-owned construction company in Troutville, we at Southern Trace have helped many homeowners in Southwest Virginia build the perfect garage for their needs.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from how much it costs to what kind of permits you’ll need right here in the Roanoke area.
Why Build a Detached Garage?
Before we get into the details, let's talk about why a detached garage is such a good idea for homeowners in our area. It’s more than just a place to park your car.
More Than Just Storage: A garage is a perfect place to store your car and protect it from our Virginia weather, but it’s also great for lawn equipment, bikes, kayaks, and holiday decorations. It helps keep your main house from getting cluttered.
A Space for Hobbies: Have you always wanted a woodworking shop, a place to work on cars, or an art studio? A detached garage gives you a separate space where you can make a little noise or a mess without disturbing the rest of the family.
Added Home Value: A well-built garage is a really attractive feature for homebuyers. It adds usable square footage and function to your property, which can be a big plus if you ever decide to sell your home.
Flexible Space: Your needs might change over time. A detached garage can be turned into a home gym, an office away from the house, or even a fun hangout spot.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Detached Garage in Roanoke?
This is one of the first questions on everyone's mind. The cost to build a detached garage can change a lot based on size, materials, and what features you want to add.
In general, you can expect the cost to range from $40 to $70 per square foot. Here’s a simple breakdown:
A standard two-car garage (around 24x24 feet, or 576 sq. ft.) could cost anywhere from $23,000 to $40,000.
A smaller one-car garage might start closer to $10,000 to $17,000.
A larger three-car garage or a custom workshop with extra features will cost more.
What Factors Change the Price?
Size: The bigger the garage, the more it will cost in materials and labor.
Foundation: A simple gravel pad is cheaper than a poured concrete slab, but a concrete foundation is stronger and more durable for our local climate.
Materials: Do you want vinyl siding to match your house? Or maybe a classic wood or sturdy brick exterior? These choices will affect the final price.
Finishes: The price will also depend on the type of roof, windows, and garage doors you pick.
Extras: Do you need electricity for lights and tools? What about plumbing for a utility sink or bathroom? These features add to the cost but also make the space much more useful.
At Southern Trace, we provide clear, upfront pricing. During our first chat, we can give you a good idea of the costs for your specific project.
Getting a Permit: Roanoke Rules You Need to Know
Building a new structure on your property means you’ll have to follow local rules. Don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it sounds, and a good contractor will handle this for you.
In Roanoke County, you generally need a building permit for any detached garage or accessory structure that is larger than 256 square feet. (For reference, a 16x16 foot building is exactly 256 sq. ft.).
Here’s what the process usually looks like:
Submit a Plan: You’ll need a site plan or plot plan. This is a simple drawing that shows where the new garage will go on your property. It needs to show the distances from the garage to your property lines, your house, and any other buildings. This is to make sure you meet the "setback" requirements.
Building Drawings: For bigger or more complex garages (usually over 500 sq. ft.), you may need to provide building plans that show how the structure will be built.
Inspections: A county inspector will need to check the work at a few key stages. This usually includes checking the foundation before concrete is poured (the footing inspection), checking the framing, and a final inspection when everything is done.
Navigating permits and inspections is a standard part of our job at Southern Trace. We have over 30 years of combined experience working with local codes in Roanoke, Salem, Blacksburg, and Lynchburg. We make sure everything is done right so you don’t have to worry about it.
Designing Your Perfect Garage
Now for the fun part! What will your new garage look like? You can design it to perfectly match your home and the beautiful landscape of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Popular Garage Styles
Traditional A-Frame: This is a classic style with a pitched roof that matches many homes in Virginia. It’s great for shedding rain and even a little bit of snow.
Barn-Style (Gambrel Roof): This style gives you a lot of overhead room, making it perfect for a second-floor loft or extra storage space.
Modern/Shed Roof: A single-slope roof can give your garage a clean, modern look.
Thinking About a Workshop or Studio?
If you plan to use your garage for more than just parking, think about these features:
Extra Windows: For natural light in a workshop or art studio.
Taller Ceilings: Great for storing large items or if you plan to install a car lift.
Insulation and HVAC: If you want to work in the space comfortably year-round, you’ll want to add insulation and a small heating and cooling system.
A Second Floor: A garage with a finished room above can be a great home office, guest suite, or recreation room.
Why Choose Southern Trace for Your Project?
Choosing the right builder is the most important step. You want a team you can trust to build a strong, high-quality structure that will last for years.
Southern Trace is a family-owned, 5-star rated construction company based in Troutville, VA. We don’t just build structures; we build relationships with our clients. We treat your home like it’s our own. We specialize in all kinds of construction projects, from custom homes to home remodeling and, of course, building beautiful and useful accessory structures.
Are you ready to add more space and value to your home? Let’s talk about your ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to build a detached garage?
A: A typical detached garage can be built in a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the size, complexity, and inspection schedule.
Q: Can a detached garage match my house?
A: Absolutely! We can use the same siding, roofing, and trim colors to make your new garage look like it was always part of your home.
Q: Do I have to hire an electrician separately?
A: When you work with Southern Trace, we manage the entire project, including coordinating with trusted electricians and plumbers to make sure everything is done correctly.
Q: Where on my property can I build a garage?
A: Roanoke County has "setback" rules that say how far a structure must be from your property lines. We will help you figure out the perfect spot for your new garage that follows all local zoning laws.
