Outdoor Living
Enjoy the Process, Love the results
With our tried and true processes, we bring deep local knowledge and meticulous attention to detail throughout Roanoke, Smith Mountain Lake, and beyond, ensuring your building journey is as seamless as the final result.
At Southern Trace, we believe in making your custom outdoor project as seamless and enjoyable as possible. Our process ensures that every step is transparent, organized, and designed to meet your expectations from start to finish.
Outdoor living spaces extend usable square footage beyond the walls of the home, creating room for gathering, relaxation, and seasonal enjoyment throughout Roanoke and the surrounding Roanoke Valley. Well-designed decks, covered patios, and screened areas allow homeowners to make better use of their property while improving long-term livability.
In some cases, outdoor improvements are coordinated with a carefully planned home addition, especially when interior living areas open directly to new exterior spaces. When expansion and exterior design are considered together, transitions between inside and outside feel intentional rather than added later.
Strategic remodeling can also improve how outdoor areas connect to kitchens, dining rooms, and main living spaces. Door placement, traffic flow, and sightlines play an important role in how effectively outdoor areas function as true extensions of the home.
Before beginning construction, it’s important to evaluate layout, structural support, and long-term durability. Thoughtful deck design should account for span limits, footings, and how the space will actually be used throughout the year. Material selection also plays a critical role in performance, especially in a climate with seasonal temperature shifts and moisture exposure.
Our Building Process
Consultation & Project Planning
Our process starts with a conversation about your vision. Whether it's a custom home, home addition, or accessory building, we take the time to understand your needs, preferences, and goals. We’ll schedule a site visit to evaluate the space and discuss the scope of the project in detail. Once we have a clear understanding, we’ll provide an initial cost estimate and explore options to ensure the project aligns with your budget.
Design & Agreement
After you decide to move forward, we collect a small commitment deposit to begin the design phase. During this step, we’ll work closely with you to finalize the design, materials, and exact project scope. Once everything is set, we’ll present a detailed proposal with exact costs and timelines. Upon your approval, we’ll draft the contract, which will be ready for your electronic signature.
Construction & Completion
With the design and contract in place, construction begins! Our expert team works efficiently and keeps you informed every step of the way. We focus on maintaining the highest quality standards and ensuring that timelines are met. Throughout the build, we prioritize clear communication and attention to detail, so you’re always in the loop. Once the project is completed, we walk you through the final result, ensuring everything meets your expectations.