Reverse Gable Roof Garage – Unique Style with Smart Functionality
A reverse gable garage offers a bold and distinctive look that breaks away from traditional garage designs. With the gable facing the shorter side of the structure, this roof style delivers enhanced curb appeal, better door placement options, and efficient runoff control. Whether you’re seeking a more dynamic exterior or improved functionality, the reverse gable roof garage is a top choice for homeowners in Chicagoland.
Reverse Gable Garage Dimensions & Layout

Understanding garage dimensions is essential when selecting a layout that works for your vehicles, tools, and storage needs. Reverse gable garages can be built in a variety of sizes, but they all share one thing in common—the gable end faces the front, offering extra overhead space above the garage door.
Garage Type | Dimensions (ft.) | Features |
---|---|---|
Basic Reverse Gable Garage | 20 x 22 | Compact layout with a stylish front gable design |
Standard 2-Car Layout | 24 x 24 | Room for two cars and additional side wall storage |
Extended Reverse Gable | 28 x 26 | Allows for workspace, loft storage, or larger equipment |
These garages typically provide between 440 and 728 sq. ft., depending on your custom requirements.
What Is a Reverse Gable Garage?
Unlike a traditional gable roof garage where the ridge runs from front to back, a reverse gable roof has the ridge running from side to side. This means the sloping sections face the front and back, making the gable the prominent feature of the front facade.
This layout is ideal for emphasizing a garage door, window, or trim feature on the front, and it adds architectural interest to the detached garage structure. Homeowners who want their garage to make a statement often lean toward this roof sty
Benefits of the Reverse Gable Design
Improved aesthetics: The front-facing gable creates a dramatic and symmetrical focal point.
Functional door placement: Allows more flexibility with door height and location.
Efficient water runoff: Front and back slopes ensure rain and snow slide away from the sides.
Increased curb appeal: Stands out in neighborhoods with typical front-gabled homes.
In addition, this configuration can be adapted for homes with similar rooflines, creating a match in design.
Cost of a Reverse Gable Roof Garage in Chicago
While reverse gable garages are not significantly more expensive than standard gable roofs, the orientation and framing require skilled craftsmanship.
Garage Type | Estimated Cost ($) |
Basic Reverse Gable Garage | $21,000 – $29,000 |
Reverse Gable Garage w/ Electric | $24,000 – $34,000 |
Insulated Reverse Gable Garage | $26,000 – $36,000 |
Custom Features (windows, trim, loft) | $32,000+ |
Final pricing depends on features like garage door type, insulation, siding, and storage enhancements.
Reverse Gable vs. Traditional Gable vs. Hip Roof
Feature | Reverse Gable Roof | Traditional Gable Roof | Hip Roof Garage |
Ridge Orientation | Side to side | Front to back | Center peak with 4 slopes |
Curb Appeal | High | Moderate | Subtle and uniform |
Drainage Efficiency | Excellent (front/back) | Excellent (side slopes) | Good on all sides |
Cost | Moderate | Lower | Highest |
Interior Space | High front clearance | Sloped ceilings | Lower loft potential |
If you’re comparing hip vs gable roof garages, the reverse gable adds an extra layer of style and visibility.
Custom Options for Reverse Gable Garages
Reverse gable garages are highly customizable. Popular options include:
Loft space above the door for extra storage or workshop use
Enhanced trim and gable-end windows
Covered porch or overhang extensions
Modern or carriage-style garage doors
These details can dramatically improve both function and aesthetics, while increasing the overall value of your property.
Construction & Permitting Process
As with all garage construction in Chicago, a reverse gable garage requires proper permitting and site preparation. At Prairie Land Garages, we manage the entire process:
Site consultation and custom garage design
Excavation, foundation, framing, roofing, and siding
Garage door installation and electrical setup
Our experienced crew ensures timely and code-compliant construction for every project.

FAQs: Hip Roof Garages in Chicago
What’s the main difference between gable and reverse gable garages?
The ridge orientation—reverse gables run side to side, making the gable the front-facing element.
Is a reverse gable garage more expensive to build?
Slightly. It requires custom framing and precise roof alignment but offers great value through enhanced curb appeal.
Can I build a reverse gable garage in a narrow lot?
Yes. This design often works well on narrow city lots, placing the wider side of the garage front-facing.
Does this roof style affect attic or loft space?
It can improve vertical space above the garage door, especially with vaulted ceilings.
Your New Garage STARTS HERE
Summary: Why Choose a Reverse Gable Roof Garage?
Visually striking with high curb appeal
Ideal for showcasing custom garage doors and trim
Better door placement and interior ceiling height
Competitive cost with functional design benefits
Built to handle Chicago’s weather conditions
Interested in a Reverse Gable Garage for your property? Contact Prairie Land Garages today and let’s design a garage that’s both stylish and smart.
Testimonials from our clients
goran veselinovic2024-03-02 Great service, reliable, exceeded expectations, great price! George Cahill2024-03-02 Darek and his crew showed up at 7:30 am on the day they said they would be here and at 1:30 I had a garage. Can't beat the price or the service. djfullaflava2024-01-21 This company is awesome, they do top notch work at affordable prices. They show up when they say they will and get the job done fast. I highly recommend this company to build your garage. - Mark Fuller RJ de Leon2024-01-19 Working with Derek was amazing. He built our garage very quickly and it was easy to communicate and work with. Not only that, we had issues with the garage door after freezing cold. He was quick to respond and explain the problem. He has been great to work with. I highly recommend! Francisco Lopez2024-01-11 Exelent job 100% satisfy. I recommend. Katherine Waller2023-12-08 Absolutely awesome work. Darek was so easy to work with (even when we added/changed things at the last minute) and his team was courteous, really talented, and cleaned up after themselves beautifully. They put up our 2 car garage in just under 2 days, and it’s beautiful and sturdy. I cannot recommend them enough! rick gonzalez2023-10-05 Profesional and adaptable . Good to work with. High quality work and very recommended Cindy Traczyk2023-09-19 We are so pleased with our new garage! PrairieLand garage was such a pleasure to work with. They are professional and on time; clear with the expected timelines and then meet those timelines. We also really liked that they are easy to work with and flexible as we made some small changes along the way; and they were helpful in guiding as us we considered options. Most importantly, the new garage looks great!! Peter Domaleczny2023-09-07 Super easy and very responsive. Replaced 3 garage doors Helen Greco2023-08-07 I have recently had a garage put up by Prairie Land. Within a week, the old one was demolished, new cement was poured and a new three car garage was put up. The hard workers never slacked off. Derrick, the owner, never failed to return a phone call promptly, or meet in person, to answer any questions. A couple of adjustments that were not originally discussed, were seen to within days. I would recommend this company to anyone looking for a job well done.