Why are small house plans with a porch so popular? When you intentionally build a small house, having a porch lets you:
- expand outdoor living space
- enjoy scenic views
- implore seamless indoor-outdoor flow
- protect the dwelling from the elements
- enhance curb appeal.
However, building a small house with a porch has its challenges. From choosing the right floor plan to getting the best materials to ensuring proper structural support, there are many factors to consider. But with the wealth of resources available online, novice woodworkers can easily learn the necessary skills and techniques to tackle this project.
We are going to explore the collection of unique small house plans by PinUp Houses that are perfectly tailored for DIY builders. Most importantly, you can make changes to these plans to fit your vision. Also, they come with an instant e-file download (CAD set), step-by-step building instructions, lists of tools and materials, and a free e-book: ‘How to Build a Tiny House.’
1. Small House ‘Rose’ with Wrap-Around Porch
As the warm breeze filters through the open windows and the birds chirp a cheerful tune, there’s no denying the charm and comfort of a cottage adorned with a porch. This quintessential addition to any home has been a beloved feature of rural properties for centuries.
However, with the rise of the DIY movement and the increasing availability of easy-to-follow woodworking plans, the humble cottage porch has become a highly sought-after project for amateur woodworkers.
For example, this small country home has approximately the same amount of indoor (430 sqft) and outdoor (427 sqft) space. The layout is simple: downstairs, you have a kitchen, a full bath, and a 133 sqft living room connected to the wrap-around porch. Lastly, upstairs, you’ll find modest sleeping quarters which can be divided into two rooms.
A porch provides a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living, allowing for a greater connection with nature. Porch is a versatile space that you can enjoy year-round, from sipping coffee on a crisp autumn morning to hosting a barbecue on a warm summer evening.
2. Shed Roof Tiny Cabin with Porch (357 sqft)
This small weekend cabin can be considered a tiny house with 357 sqft of space and a 79 sqft porch. Shed roofs are extremely popular among DIYers thanks to their durability, ease of construction, and low cost.
One of the main reasons for the popularity of shed roofs is their impressive durability. Unlike other roofing options, shed roofs are built to withstand the test of time. As a result, they don’t require frequent maintenance or replacement.
This is due to their simple yet sturdy design, which typically consists of a single flat surface with a slight incline for water runoff. This simple yet effective construction makes shed roofs resistant to the elements, from heavy rain and snow to strong winds and even hail.
3. Small Farmhouse with Wrap-Around Porch
This traditional farmhouse plan is similar in layout to a small house, ‘Elizabeth’ featured above. But it has a bigger footprint (32’x32′), more living space downstairs (276 sqft), and a 600 sqft porch. A staircase will take you upstairs to a sleeping loft (162 sqft). Also, the total living space is 1,108 sqft, which is a popular size for a comfortable small country home.
As you step onto the sprawling front porch of this charming country home, you can’t help but breathe in the fresh air and admire the peaceful surroundings. With a total living space of 1,108 square feet, this quaint abode may be small, but it’s bursting with character and warmth.
The expansive roof could be equipped with solar panels. Depending on your climate, your home could be completely off-grid, or you can greatly reduce your energy bill.
4. Hillside Rustic Cottage – Claire, 438 sqft
This rustic small cabin is designed for a challenging terrain, though you can place it anywhere. A 94 sq ft porch extends the big living room even further. Downstairs, you’ll find a spacious great room with a kitchen, storage, and a full bath. As you climb a flight of stairs to the second level, you’ll discover a sleeping loft with additional storage.
And while the total living space may be considered small by some, it’s the perfect size for those seeking a simpler, more minimalistic lifestyle. With less space to maintain, you have more time to enjoy the little things in life, like spending time with loved ones and creating memories.
5. Modern Cottage with Porch
This tiny cottage has an undeniable modern curb appeal. It is the perfect tiny house for those who love contemporary style and DIY building.
A two-story cabin boasts a spacious living room and kitchen on the lower level, easily divided by a partition or bookshelf for customizable space. Upstairs, you’ll find a versatile space that can serve as an office and a bedroom. And with a roof designed for both natural light and solar panels, you can power your home while saving money.
Plus, add your own personal touch with a porch that can be covered with a simple roof or sunshade, offering a great view through the windows.
If you are wondering how to achieve the ultimate black color for your new modern cabin, there is a brilliant age-tested technique of Japanese black wood called Shou Sugi Ban (or Yakisugi). It is a traditional method of charring wood surfaces with fire, then brushing and sealing, to make them naturally resistant to fire, rot, pests, and weather. Also, it creates a unique and beautiful black finish that ranges from a deep matte to a shimmering dark black.
6. Small Cottage with Wrap-Around Porch
As you approach this small cottage, you are immediately charmed by a cozy wrap-around porch enveloping the house on two sides. Firstly, it gives you 275 sq ft of additional outdoor space. Furthermore, it protects the dwelling from direct sunlight, rain, and other elements, thus reducing maintenance costs.
With a comfortable bedroom on the first floor, it serves as a perfect granny flat or guest house for in-laws. The open-concept main room (292 sq ft) is connected to a spacious kitchen with a bar and a dining area for the whole family. Moreover, a 275 sq ft porch almost doubles the space while ensuring a flowless indoor-outdoor connection.
Lastly, the staircase leads you to the second level with a 305 sqft open loft. You can use this flex space anyway you want: a gameroom/guest room, a library, a home gym, or an art studio.
7. Small House Plan with Porch
Are you ready to trade the hustle and bustle of city life for the peace and tranquility of country living with an iconic wrap-around porch? Look no further than the 980 sqft plan ‘Hannah’, the top choice for DIY builders looking for small house plans with a porch.
With its charming gable roof and inviting porch, this small house fits right in for those looking for 4-bedroom homes. Inside, you’ll find two floors with an open-concept living area, 4 bedrooms, and a full bath. The downstairs layout is an ideal family space with a cozy living room, functional kitchen, and one bedroom.
Furthermore, the second floor offers space for up to three additional bedrooms. With lots of windows and glass doors, you would fill the home with natural light and stunning views. Whether you need a weekend getaway for a family or a permanent cottage, Hannah is the perfect choice.
8. 500 SqFt Modern Cabin with Porch
Get ready to fall in love with this charming small modern cabin. Boasting a 30′ x 24′ footprint and 504 sqft of comfortable living space, it’s the perfect blend of simplicity and functionality. This single-level dwelling features a spacious living area that is flooded with natural light, a cozy bedroom, and a cozy 120 sqft porch.
And the best part? This well-designed shed-roof home is budget-friendly, with a DIY building cost of only $41,000 (per designer). Keep your wallet happy as the costs of lumber and building materials continue to rise. Plus, construction is a breeze for DIYers, making it a low-cost, simple, and enjoyable project.
With a quick set of downloadable plans, you can start building your own little piece of paradise as soon as today.
9. Tiny Cabin Plan with Porch
Looking for simplicity? You can build a cozy haven with this set of plans for a tiny 353 sqft cabin with a loft and a porch. The downstairs area is a thoughtfully designed space offering an open-concept main area connected to an 88 sqft porch. Imagine cozy evenings in front of your warm fireplace or stargazing in a rocking chair!
Furthermore, a flight of stairs takes you to the second level, where you can find a spacious loft with an added dormer for extra storage or room to relax. With a DIY building cost of $15,225* (*per designer), you can enjoy simple country living on a budget.
Why Do People Prefer Small House Plans with Porch?
Why do people prefer to have a home with a wrap-around porch? There are many reasons why homeowners are drawn to the charm and functionality of a wrap-around porch. From creating a welcoming entrance to expanding outdoor living space, this architectural feature has been a staple in American homes for centuries. But what exactly makes a wrap-around porch so desirable?
Curb Appeal of Homes with Porch
For starters, it’s all about the curb appeal. According to a survey by the National Association of Home Builders, curb appeal is the number one reason why people choose to buy a certain home. And a wrap-around porch certainly adds to the overall aesthetic of a house. Not only does it create a grand entrance, but it also adds character and charm to an otherwise plain exterior.
Functionality
But it’s not just about looks. A wrap-around porch also serves as a functional living space. Its versatility allows it to be used for a variety of activities, from sipping lemonade on a warm summer day to hosting a neighborhood barbecue. It’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the outdoors, without having to leave the comfort of your own home.
Indoor/Outdoor Connection
Not only that, but a wrap-around porch also serves as a transition between the indoor and outdoor spaces of a home. It blurs the line between the two, creating a seamless flow and making the porch feel like an extension of the living space. This is especially appealing to those who love to entertain or have children who need space to play.
But it’s not just homeowners who appreciate a wrap-around porch. Real estate experts also recognize its value. In fact, a study by the National Association of Realtors found that homes with porches sell for an average of 3-5% more than homes without. This added value makes it a wise investment for homeowners looking to sell their property in the future.
Furthermore, wrap-around porches have stood the test of time, making them a timeless architectural feature that transcends trends. They have been a staple in American homes since the 19th century, and continue to be a sought-after feature in modern homes. With its classic design, a wrap-around porch adds a touch of nostalgia and history to any home.
In Conclusion
So, whether it’s for its aesthetic appeal, functionality, added value, or timelessness, it’s clear to see why people prefer to have a home with a wrap-around porch. It adds both practicality and charm to a home, making it a desirable feature for any homeowner. As the saying goes, a house is not just a home, it’s a feeling. And a wrap-around porch certainly adds to that feeling of warmth and comfort, making it a must-have for many homeowners across the country.
