Virginia's Trusted Shed Dealer
Guest Houses in Virginia — Give Your Family Their Own Space
The air mattress in the living room isn’t hospitality. It’s an apology.
Why Virginia Homeowners Are Building Guest Houses
Private, self-contained space for visiting family. No shared bathrooms, no couch surfing. Adds property value and multi-generational living flexibility.
Guest House Configurations
Private Suite Design
Bedroom, bathroom, and kitchenette in a self-contained cottage. Guests get privacy, you keep your routine.
Multi-Generational Ready
Aging parents, adult children, or long-term guests. ADA-accessible options with zero-threshold entry.
Income Potential
Short-term rental on Airbnb when guests aren’t visiting. Offset your investment with vacation rental income.
10x16
160 sq ft
A 160 sq ft guest suite with room for a bed, sitting area, and optional bathroom. Shell from $4,200.
12x20
240 sq ft
Our most popular guest house at 240 sq ft — full bedroom, bathroom, and sitting area. Climate controlled. Shell from $6,000.
14x24
336 sq ft
A 336 sq ft guest house with bedroom, bathroom, and kitchenette zones for extended stays. Shell from $8,500.
14x28+
392+ sq ft
The full 392 sq ft guest house — one-bedroom suite with kitchen, bath, and living area. Turnkey from $35,000.
Pro tip: Include a small kitchenette and half bath in your guest house design — it gives visitors real privacy and can double your property’s rental income potential.
Richmond Permits & Codes
Virginia exempts one-story detached structures under 256 square feet from building permits — that’s why the 12×20 is the most popular shed in the state.
Important: “Permit-exempt” doesn’t mean “regulation-free.”
- ✓ Zoning permit — Required in virtually every Virginia jurisdiction regardless of size
- ✓ Electrical permit — Mandatory if you run any wiring to the structure
- ✓ Setback rules — Distance from property lines varies by locality
Structures under 256 square feet are exempt from building permits, but a zoning permit is still required. Setbacks are typically 3–5 feet on the side and rear in urban districts, though this varies widely. For specifics on your lot, reach out to City of Richmond Dept. of Planning & Development Review ((804) 410-5052).
Urban lots are often narrow, and historic district overlay zones add restrictions. Many areas are R-6 or R-48 zoned.
Pricing
- ✓ 10×16 Shell — Starting at $4,200–$5,500
- ✓ 12×20 Shell — Starting at $6,000–$8,000
- ✓ 12×20 Turnkey — $18,000–$28,000 (insulated, wired, finished)
- ✓ 14×28 Turnkey — $35,000–$55,000+ (premium pub/theater)
Product lines: Presidential (lifetime warranty), All-American (mid-range), Eagle (value), Cottage and Cabana (architectural). Shell includes structure, roof, siding, windows, doors, and delivery. Turnkey adds insulation, electrical, HVAC, interior walls, flooring, and trim.
Financing
- ✓ Rent-to-Own — No credit check. Low monthly payments. Own it at the end.
- ✓ Traditional Financing — From 6.99% APR with approved credit.
- ✓ Cash/Check — Best pricing. No fees.
Free delivery included within our service area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the difference between a guest house and an ADU?
A kitchen with a stove. Guest houses typically have a bedroom and bath but no permanent cooking. Some counties allow guest cottages where full ADUs are restricted.
Q: Can I put a bathroom in a guest house shed?
Yes. Plumbing runs below the frost line from your main house. We spec drainage and water supply for your layout.
Q: Do I need a permit?
Yes. Guest houses with plumbing and electrical need building, plumbing, and electrical permits. We guide you through the process.
Guest House Sheds Across Virginia
We deliver guest house sheds across Virginia including Richmond, Fredericksburg, Hampton Roads, Northern Virginia, Charlottesville, and surrounding areas.
Ready to Build Your Guest House?
Tell us who is staying — weekend visitors, aging parents, returning kids, Airbnb guests — and we will spec the right structure for your property and budget.