Are you dreaming of building a small 800 sq ft (or less) house? Firstly, finding a perfect floor plan is the most important step in your journey.
Also, we will help you draw a road map for building a small house, including exploring 800 sq ft (or less) floor plans, picking the right foundation, obtaining permits, and hiring the best professionals.
Furthermore, it is important to decide what work are you qualified and willing to do yourself. Obviously, it can save you money in the process of building a small house. Whether it is doing research to pick the best value-priced materials or putting finishing interior design touches, don’t forget to factor it into your budget.
Let’s explore our collection of efficiently designed 800 sq ft house plans. These creative designs maximize the use of space with many modern clever solutions. Our analysis is geared toward helping you find the perfect plan to match your unique vision and personal lifestyle.
1. Modern 583 Sq Ft House Plan
This modern floor plan looks and feels bigger than it is in real numbers. With only 583 sqft of heated space, it features clearstory windows that bring plenty of natural light. As a result, a small space looks much bigger.
Also, keep in mind the simple roofline of this model under 800 square feet. While it maximizes the height of the open-concept living area, it helps to keep the whole construction process on budget.
GET THIS FLOOR PLAN FROM ARCHDESIGNS
2. 800 sq ft House Plan to Build a Cottage
Reminiscent of quaint European cottages found in small picturesque villages, this small house plan is a gem. Designed for a narrow lot, an 803-square-foot one-bedroom space has all the modern amenities to keep your guests and relatives comfortable. From a cozy fireplace in an open-concept main room to covered porches, you’ll enjoy indoors and outdoors in this small modern ADU cottage.
Need more space? Check a related floor plan as a 2-bedroom cottage.
3. 800 sq ft floor plan for Backyard ADU
GET PLAN 470300REY by Architectural Designs
If you need to build a budget-friendly backyard ADU, this simple plan deserves your attention among all featured 800 sq ft floor plans. With 720 square feet of space, this mid-century modern design has very important features: mud room, dedicated laundry, spacious bedroom, and great room with a kitchen island, fireplace, and panoramic views.
4. 602 sqft ADU Cottage House Plan
If you are feeling nostalgic, take a second look at this ADU cottage under 800 sq ft. It combines modern amenities with a cottage charm. Also, a classic cottage exterior featured white stone accents and a covered porch.
Inside, you’ll find a spacious family room with cathedral ceilings and a kitchen island. Additionally, there is a dedicated laundry space, a comfortable bedroom, and a well-appointed bathroom. Overall, the space is perfect for guests or as a backyard rental built on a budget.
5. 2-Story Modern Cottage Plan – 879 sq ft
FIND THIS 2-STORY COTTAGE PLAN HERE
As illustrated, this is one of the biggest of all featured here 800 sq ft floor plans. With 879 square feet of heated space, 2 bedrooms, a covered deck, and patios, there are plenty of modern features for comfortable living.
As a suggestion, you can add a fireplace to make the living room even more cozy. A design with a white exterior and modern black accents gives this cottage its contemporary flare.
6. Traditional ADU Floor Plan under 800 sq ft
GET THIS TRADITIONAL PLAN HERE
Looking for a budget-friendly project? Look no further than this traditional ADU small house plan. With a simple footprint, a traditional roofline, a covered porch, and 784 square feet of heated space, it has all the features you need. Also, to enhance the feeling of openness, stick to a light and bright interior color scheme.
Additionally, consider adding panoramic windows to take advantage of natural light. With these simple but effective tips, you can create the perfect space for your guests or renters.
7. Tiny ADU Cottage Plan with Home Office
Tiny cottage plans are very popular among all 800 sq ft house plans. Whether it is their timeless appeal or a small footprint, cottages make a perfect backyard guest house, mother-in-law’s quarters, or rental ADU. As illustrated, this 496 sq ft plan has even space for a small home office. With a spacious covered porch, an open living room, and plenty of closet space, it is comfortable for indoor and outdoor enjoyment.
8. Modern Small House Plan with Loft
Are you looking to save even more money? If you feel comfortable, you can build this modern small house yourself using professionally designed plans (pdf): layouts, details, sections, elevations, material variants, windows, and doors. Additionally, you get a step-by-step guide, a complete list of materials + tools list with a very detailed description of everything you need to build your modern house.
Dagmar is designed in a modern Nordic style with 2 covered porches on both levels and provisions for solar panels and rainwater storage. While an open great room, kitchen, and bathroom are on the first floor, upstairs you’ll find 2 sleeping lofts. With an estimated DIY building cost of ~$40,800, this floor plan deserves your attention.
9. Under 800 sq ft House Plan ‘Sarah’
With simple clean lines and plenty of natural light, this modern floor plan is perfect if you need to build a modern backyard cabin, ADU, guest house, or a rental property to earn extra income. With an estimated DIY building cost of $47,500, you can stay on budget and build a modern space to fit your needs.
Also, all PinUp Houses floor plans, come with an opportunity to make modifications. In addition to all PDF plans, you get detailed step-by-step instructions and complete lists of materials and tools needed to complete your DIY building project.
10. 455 sq ft Modern House Plan ‘Janet’
Are you ready for comfortable modern living on a budget? You can DIY build this 455 sq ft house with a porch, balcony, spacious living room, and a sleeping loft. Additionally, equip it with solar panels and rainwater collection for eco-friendly living. As a result, you can have a small backyard ADU or a guest house with style and on budget.
11. Modern Cottage 800+ sq ft Floor Plan
As illustrated, this is one of the biggest in this collection of 800 sq ft floor plans. With 2 spacious bedrooms and an open-concept great room area equipped with a fireplace, you’ll have everything for cozy modern living. One of the bedrooms comes with a bigger closet space and can serve as a main bedroom. A second one can serve as a great home office. Overall, it is a perfect floor plan if you need to build an ADU, mother-in-law suite, or backyard cottage.
12. 686 sq ft Modern Cottage Plan
This is one of our team’s favorite plans, thanks to its design features and clarity of floor plan. Designed with modern living in mind, this spacious modern cabin is filled with natural light. Boasting an open living area and 2 bedrooms, there is enough space for comfortable day-to-day living. Use it as a backyard ADU, guest house, or in-laws’ quarters.
Steps to Build a Small House Under 800 sq ft
Now that you are familiar with 800 sq ft house plans available on the market, you need to draw a road map for your building journey. Here are the steps to make your building process smooth and easy:
- Set up a realistic budget (and add 10%)
- Pick a floor plan that fits your lifestyle
- Hire an experienced local contractor (unless you plan to DIY it)
- Price all materials
- Obtain all necessary permits
- Obtain financing, if needed
- Pick up a type of foundation with your builder
- Find energy-efficient appliances eligible for rebates and tax credits
- DIY finishing touches
