Are you dreaming of owning a modern home without breaking the bank? In that case, 1 bedroom house plans are worth a look. They are popular among those looking to build an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) on their land or to downsize.
Building a small house doesn’t require you to compromise on quality of life. In this collection, we focus on 1 bedroom 1 bath house plans that efficiently use every inch of space.
Furthermore, we will explore how small house designs help you save money while building your dream home and in the long run. From cost per square foot by state to property tax rates, there are many costs associated with homeownership.
So, explore the collection of professionally designed small spaces. Next, start planning to build your small house using cost-effective building materials and clever interior solutions.
Check out our curated collection of 10 trending 1 bedroom 1 bath house plans.
1. Modern Tiny ADU
This tiny ADU combines the modern comforts inside with the rustic charm of the exterior. Certainly, you will appreciate a space filled with natural light, modern appliances, a well-equipped bathroom, an open living area, and a spacious bedroom.
Furthermore, you don’t have to worry about storing your belongings. For this reason, this tiny 1 bedroom house has a walk-in closet. Most importantly, you can customize any professionally designed plan to fit your needs.
2. Ultra Modern Small House
If you a searching for a 1 bedroom house with a garage, this plan deserves your attention. Tiny in size but big on charm, this contemporary house plan has ultra-modern aesthetics.
Firstly, you have a spacious 2-car garage on the lower level. An open and spacious living area is on the second level, where cathedral ceilings and big windows make it feel larger. Moreover, the glass sliding doors give you access to a private deck to enjoy fresh air and views.
3. 1 Bedroom House Plan with Garage/Shop
As a growing trend, house plans with a workshop are rapidly gaining popularity. Homeowners want to be able to work from home in a spacious shop that is big enough for large projects.
Notably, it will be easy to have a work-life balance in this small house. As shown above, the huge shop/garage has access to the first-floor 500 sq ft apartment.
Furthermore, you have an adjacent covered porch with an outdoor kitchen and a covered front porch. Among all featured 1 bedroom house plans, this design has the most potential for extension.
As the height of the ceiling allows, you can add loft space above the garage. As a result, it can accommodate a home gym or home office.
4. 1-Bedroom Traditional Cottage
Looking for traditional charm? You can build this cozy single-level cottage with a covered porch, open-concept kitchen and living room, spacious laundry room, and a bath with bathtub/shower combo.
As illustrated, the C-shaped kitchen has a sink set below a window and a peninsula with bar seating. With 506 square feet of heated space, not a single inch is overlooked.
5. Barndominium with 1-bedroom Apartment
Shop-house combo is a growing trend among homeowners looking for a place to set up shop. As a result, you have a place to work close to home and without paying for additional workshop rental.
As illustrated, this house plan offers a 39’x32′ shop with 16′ feet ceilings and a spacious living space. The 725 sq. ft. house plan features an open concept with a flowing living room, breakfast nook, and efficient kitchen with a prep island.
Furthermore, enjoy a wrap-around porch as an ultimate must-have feature for country living. Make a note of this plan as barndominiums offer the most budget-friendly solutions for building a small house on a budget.
6. Modern 1-Bedroom ADU
Because of its layout, this 1 bedroom house plan is perfect as an ADU, in-laws cottage, or even a home office. As can be seen, this flexible single-level plan gives an efficient use of 648 square feet of space.
Also, the open floor plan connects the living room and kitchen, creating an airy and spacious feel. Altogether, large windows and sliding glass doors bathe the interior in natural light. As a result, you have an enhanced sense of openness and connection to the outdoors.
7. Modern 1-Bedroom ADU House Plan
Surprisingly, this small house offers an open-concept kitchen and living room in a compact layout. Designed to offer both style and functionality, this thoughtfully crafted space features just one bedroom and one bedroom.
Furthermore, a cozy family room serves as the heart of the home, providing a comfortable space for relaxation. The L-shaped kitchen boasts ample counter space and seamlessly connects to the dinette area, creating a cozy atmosphere for dining and socializing.
Overall, it is a perfect small dwelling to use as a guest house, in-laws’ cottage, or a rental Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). The only thing that is missing is a covered porch or patio. But it is a quick and easy backyard project.
8. 1-Bedroom House Plan with Garage
Among all 1-bedroom house plans, this spacious design checks all the boxes:
- 1 bedroom 1 bath
- walk-in closet
- pantry
- open-concept living-dining room
- 24’x24′ garage
- covered porch
As illustrated, the vertical metal siding gives this 732 square feet house its modern look and barndominium vibe. Furthermore, the plan has a flex space that can serve as a home office, gym, or craft room. Note, that laundry is located in the back of the 2-car garage.
9. 418 SqFt ADU over Garage
Check out this floor plan of a modern 418 sqft ADU built over a 2-car garage. As illustrated, a set of external stairs gets you to the 418-square-foot apartment above.
First, a galley kitchen greets you as you enter from the covered landing. Ahead, a vaulted space leads you into your 9’x11′ living room. You can separate a bedroom from the living area with a wall and sliding doors or leave it open.
Furthermore, check a gallery with photos and videos of those who used this plan to build real-life projects.
10. 1-Bedroom House Plan with High Ceilings
The emphasis of this floor plan is on the openness of the main living area with soaring cathedral ceilings. In essence, the eat-in L-shaped kitchen offers an ideal spot for cooking and enjoying casual meals.
Lastly, the bedroom with access to the walk-in closet, serves as a tranquil retreat on the back of the house.
What do we love about this small house design? This home boasts a layout that maximizes every square inch, leaving no room for wasted space. Gone are the long hallways and awkward nooks. Instead, every inch of the floor plan has been carefully considered and utilized to its fullest potential.
According to a recent study, homes with a more open layout with lots of natural light have been linked to increased levels of happiness and overall well-being. Also, with the rise of minimalist and sustainable living, this small house design is not only practical but also aligns with current trends.
What is Included with Professional Plans by Architectural Designs
- Cover Sheet: Shows the front elevation and typical notes and requirements.
- Exterior Elevations: Shows the front, rear, and sides of the home
- Floor Plans: Shows the placement of walls and the dimensions for rooms, doors, windows, stairways, etc. for each floor
- Electrical Plans: Shows the location of outlets, fixtures, and switches.
- Foundation Plans: details the layout and construction of the foundation.
- Roof Plan
- Typical Wall Section
- Typical Stair Section (if applicable)
- Cabinets Elevations (if applicable)
What is Not Included
- Architectural or Engineering Stamp – handled locally, if required
- Site Plan – handled locally when required
- Mechanical Drawings (location of heating and air equipment and duct work)
- Plumbing Drawings (drawings showing the actual plumbing pipe sizes and locations)
- Energy calculations – handled locally when required
11. Scandinavian Cabin Maja by PinUp Houses
If you need to build a 1-bedroom simple cabin on a tight budget, check out this plan by PinUp Houses. Designed by a professional architect, this minimalistic plan is perfect for DIYers. What are you going to get if you choose this Scandinavian 1-bedroom (+loft) cabin plan:
- complete set of cabin plans
- construction progress + comments
- complete material list + tool list
- eBook ‘How to Build a Tiny House’
- DIY Furniture plans.
Also, the plan can be modified to meet your needs. For example, you can have a bedroom instead of the hall on the first floor. As a result, you won’t have to climb stairs to a sleeping area. Thus, it can be used for storage or occasional guests.
Some Benefits of Living in a Smaller House
- costs less to build
- pick your prime location
- faster to build
- smaller mortgage (or no mortgage)
- lower home insurance costs
- smaller utility bills
- lower property taxes
- less maintenance
- less cleaning
- minimalism and simplicity
- coziness
- more time left for family and hobbies
- financial freedom
While you can write a whole article on any of these valuable points, the advantages are obvious for anyone who spends time studying the issue. So, whether you are downsizing from a bigger home or need a small rental for extra income, 1 bedroom house plans may become your road to financial freedom.
Cost per Square Foot to Build a Home
Of course, the cost per square foot for a residential home varies greatly from state to state, if we are comparing in the Untides States. For example, the highest estimated cost is in the state of Hawaii ($300-600*) with California holding the second place ($200-400*) * per HomeCost at the time of writing.
Many factors influence the costs, including:
- cost of land
- cost of materials
- labor wages
- local taxes
- building regulations.
According to HomeCost which gives the list of average price per square foot for all states alphabetically, the national average is $158, as at the time of writing.
Interestingly, some of the least expensive states are Mississippi ($120), Arkansas ($125), and Alabama ($130).
Property Taxes by State
One other aspect of downsizing which is often overlooked, is the reduction of property taxes. Even if you own your huge mansion downright without a monthly mortgage payment, you’ll always have a yearly property tax bill.
Here is a helpful list of states ranked by property tax, from lowest to highest, according to RocketMortgage. Before making your final decision on the location of your new small home, make sure to talk to the local professional and check the effective tax rate.
Also, many factors determine your specific property taxes. Remember, that they vary greatly by locality and tend to increase every year if your property value goes up.
Versatility of 1 Bedroom House Plans
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of this small house design is its ability to cater to a variety of lifestyles. It’s perfect for young professionals, young families, families looking to downsize, or even retirees looking for a cozy low-maintenance home.
1 bedroom plans make a perfect ADU, lake retreat, cozy cabin in the woods, or backyard cottage for multi-generational living. The versatility of the floor plan ensures that it can meet the needs and desires of many lifestyles.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, building a small house on a budget may be a wise financial and lifestyle decision in the long run. Of course, make sure to do your homework by comparing different floor plans, the best cost-effective building materials, smart design choices, and low-maintenance solutions.
As a result, you can create a beautiful and functional home that meets all your needs without breaking the bank. After all, it’s not about the size of the house, but the quality of life it provides you.
