Small Houses Design for Small Plots

A small house can feel generous when every square foot is planned. Browse compact, loft and low cost homes with plans, 3D models and cost estimates.

Tips for designing a small house

  • Use a simple rectangular footprint and avoid long corridors
  • Combine living and dining into one open space
  • Go up with a second floor or a loft instead of out
  • Add built-in storage and a store room
  • Place windows opposite each other for cross ventilation

How small can a house be?

Many families live comfortably in 2 bedroom homes of about 600 to 900 sq ft built-up area. Try a few plot sizes in the designer and compare the layouts and costs.

Low cost does not mean low quality

Compact plans reduce structural spans, wall length and roof area, which lowers cost. Use the cost estimate to compare options before you commit.

Sample designs

See all 1,072 small house design plans

Frequently asked questions

How do I design a small house?

Keep the footprint simple, merge living and dining, build up rather than out, and plan storage early. Enter a small plot size in the designer to see layouts that fit.

Related pages