Among all small house ideas, 800-square-foot house plans offer a highly functional, compact living space. Most importantly, 800 sq ft plans (or slightly less) work well for single homeowners, couples, retirees, or those building an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in their backyard for extra income.
However, living in a smaller footprint requires deliberate lifestyle choices and smart design options. We are going to review a growing collection of popular 800 sq ft (or slightly less) house plans. Furthermore, we’ll evaluate the pros and cons of small houses, and then analyze current trends in residential architectural design.
1. Modern ADU Cottage
This modern ADU cottage offers 1 bedroom, 1 bath, and a cozy covered porch. It is a perfect blend of contemporary design and cozy comfort in a modest footprint of 29′ x 27′ 4″. For those exploring small house ideas, it offers a practical choice for building a vacation getaway, an ADU rental, or a guest house for in-laws on your property. With an open-concept great room and a well-appointed kitchen with a walk-in pantry, this small dwelling feels bigger than it is on paper. A cathedral ceiling peaks between the great room and the island kitchen for an open, bright, and airy interior. Also, step outside for some fresh air on a 7’4″-deep front porch. Most importantly, a spacious bedroom has immediate access to a full bath and a dedicated laundry space.
2. Modern House Plan (707 sq ft)
If you are looking for a small modern house with a garage, this design deserves a closer look. The compact design offers 707 square feet of living space, 1 bedroom plus flex room, 1 bath, and two covered porches. Also, a mid-modern exterior offers immense curb appeal with large windows that usher in tons of natural light. Inside, a living room flows into the kitchen with a peninsula-style eating bar. On the left, a small hallway gives access to a spacious bedroom, a flex room/home office, and a full bath with double sinks. Also, enjoy BBQ with friends or a quiet candlelight dinner on a large covered back porch.
3. Rustic Small Cabin (714 Sq Ft)
Looking for budget-friendly small house ideas? This small rustic cabin is an exclusive design offering 714 sq ft of total heated space, 1 bedroom, 1 bath, and a charming front porch. The board-and-batten siding mimics the ribbed metal roof, offering a cohesive rustic exterior. As you step inside, you’ll find a great room with a vaulted ceiling that combines the living room, dining area, and a corner kitchen. Also, U-shaped cabinetry defines the small kitchen with plenty of storage. Enjoy a breakfast bar or dining room for casual meals. At the end of the day, retreat to a spacious 13′ x 11′ bedroom for a well-deserved R&R. A well-equipped full bath has space for a side-by-side washer and dryer.
4. Small House Idea: 716 Sq Ft Cottage
Picture yourself living in this charming small cottage! This popular plan boasts 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, and a sought-after attached 418 square-foot one-car garage. Step inside from the inviting front porch and be greeted by a modern open-concept great room, complete with an electric fireplace. With vaulted ceilings and a seamless blend of the living, dining, and kitchen areas, this cottage exudes an airy and welcoming vibe. Plus, the great room offers access to both the front and back porches, allowing you to entertain your guests in true style. Also, the front porch spans 176 sqft, while the rear porch measures 205 sqft, providing ample outdoor living space. And in this single-level layout, the bedroom includes a convenient washer/dryer in a closet that doubles as a laundry room. An ideal and practical use of space, perfect for those who prioritize both style and functionality.
5. Small Modern Cabin (728 Sq Ft)
If you are evaluating small house ideas, check out this trending contemporary cabin. This 26′ wide and 28′ deep dwelling gives you 728 square feet of heated living with 1 bedroom and 1 bath. Step inside from a small covered porch to be greeted by an open great room with vaulted ceilings, going as high as 20 feet. As you continue to explore the floor plan, step into a small hallway with a linen closet leading into a spacious bedroom and a full bath with a washer and a dryer to simplify daily tasks. Whether you plan on building a wilderness getaway, a lake cabin, or a small guest house, this plan offers a practical solution within a small footprint.
The Pros of Small House Plans
- Lower Building and Utility Costs: Firstly, for budget-conscious consumers, a smaller footprint means fewer building materials, less labor, and significantly lower monthly heating, cooling, and electricity bills.
- Suitable for Smaller or Narrow Lots: Secondly, whether you have a challenging lot or want to fit an ADU on an existing lot, these plans fit easily onto awkward or narrow parcels of land, leaving more space for a garden or patio.
- Design Flexibility: Also, as you could save on total square footage, you would be able to reallocate your budget toward higher-end finishes, luxury appliances, or premium building materials.
The Cons of Smaller Houses
- Space Limitations: As you have less space, hosting large gatherings and entertaining guests could feel cramped and uncomfortable (that’s why flex spaces are so popular in small house designs).
- Storage Limitations: Many retirees and young adults feel attached to their stuff and toys, and have trouble decluttering. Creative built-in storage solutions, walk-in closets, and dedicated laundry rooms are viewed as luxury.
- Lack of Privacy: In an 800-square-foot home, sound travels fast. If one person is watching TV in the living room, it can easily disrupt someone’s sleep or work in an adjacent bedroom.
- Lower Resale Value: While highly desirable for a specific niche (like retirees and young professionals), smaller homes generally appeal to a smaller pool of buyers than 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom suburban homes.
