When it comes to our busy and stressful everyday lives, sometimes simple is better; the samecalls for simple homes. After a hard day at the office, wouldn’t it be nice to be able to come home to a relaxing and undemanding environment? Simple house plans can offer that environment for you while maintaining a functional and attractive style. Simple house plans offer an abundance of styles for everyone, and you may just find the perfect one to call home!
What is the simplest house to build?
Building a home can be a daunting task; it takes a lot of time and dedication, and we understand that! When it comes to building a home, it can definitely take some weight off your shoulders to select a simpler house plan.
The idea of “simple house plans” is merely a blanket term to cover many different architectural designs that oftentimes have simple floor plans. There isn’t one specific style of home that calls to be “simpler” or “easier to build.” With that being said, there are certain floor plans that are more builder-friendly and affordable. When looking for a simple house plan, there are some key aspects to look for. One of the more desirable things about simpler houses is their open floor plans. Open floor plans are simpler to build as they require fewer materials and are more energy efficient than traditional closed floor plans. Many Modern styles such as Modern Farmhouse, Ranch, and Barndominium typically have open floor plans. Check out our extensive collection of homes with Open Floor Plans.
What are other simple house styles that can be built?
There are plenty of house plans that offer a simple style of living; here are just a few more examples:
Traditional House Plans
Traditional house plans may be deemed a more “obvious” example of simple, builder-friendly homes. These house plans have stayed consistently popular on the market, so builders are often familiar with the process of making these homes; this can call for less stress on you.
Traditional house plans hold all the character and charm of the past with all the conveniences of the future. These homes do not precisely fit into a particular style of houses but contain consistent characteristics; these homes often closely resemble Country, Farmhouse, or Craftsman designs on their exterior facades but often have more Ranch-style floor plans.
Small House Plans
Small house plans could possibly be considered one of the simplest homes to build. Although these homes lack in their square footage, it doesn’t mean they lack in character! Small homes usually don’t exceed more than 1,300 square feet, and because these homes have the less square footage, they need fewer materials to be built, resulting in a more affordable home.
The limited space in these homes allows designers to experiment more with their functionality. Small homes call for an open house plan, so you never feel like the spaces are too small. These homes are great for a starter home, an empty-nester, a retirement home, or even to use as a vacation or rental home.
Open Floor Plans
Homes with open floor plans can be considered simple because the architecture isn’t intimidatingly intricate. Spaces with open floor plans allow homeowners to feel comfortable while having uncomplicated access to their entire home. Open floor plans can also allow you to cut down the square footage of your home while still having plenty of room!
Eliminating walls, doorways, and room division helps create a spacious feel to the floor plan and highlights shared family experiences, as this allows for a flow between the exterior and interior of the home. Open floor plans are great for individuals in all walks of life.
How much does it cost to build a small, simple house?
There are a lot of variables that go into the cost of building a home; because of this, it’s hard to determine a “ballpark” amount for every home. The cost of building a house can vary based on several factors, including location, size, design, materials used, and labor costs.
When building a home, some costs can vary depending on what house plan you intend to build. Choosing a smaller, simpler floor plan can cut down some costs because you’re using fewer materials and have less square footage to cover. Choosing a simple house plan can help cut down on the time to build your home- potentially allowing you to build your home in 3 months. Oftentimes, builders will give estimates for how much a plan will cost per square footage; building a plan with less square footage can ultimately make it less expensive to build. It’s always beneficial to research the cost of building in your desired location before coming to a quick conclusion.
What are the different types of simple single-story homes?
Single-story homes have remained a desirable choice in the world of architecture for decades! Modern interpretations now emphasize sustainability, efficiency, and adaptable living spaces. Incorporating many other design styles like Modern Farmhouse, Barn or Barndominum, or Craftsman, has expanded the idea of simple house plans that were once associated with these single-story houses. The lack of stairs or a second level in these homes allows one to embrace the concept of simple floor plans!
What are examples of simple floor plans?
Simple floor plans can vary depending on the specific needs and layout of a space, but here are a few examples of common and straightforward floor plans:
Ranch Style Floor Plans
A single-story house with an open layout that usually includes a living room, dining area, kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms.
Bungalow Floor Plans
A small, single-story house with a cozy layout. It usually includes a living room, dining area, kitchen, one or two bedrooms, and a bathroom.
Small House Floor Plan
Small, often times single-story home including all the necessities of a kitchen, dining room, and living room. Typically includes one or two bedrooms and will not exceed more than 1,300 square feet.
The common theme amongst these homes is having the kitchen, living room, and dining room all in the same open space. When looking at simple house plans, keep an eye out for that flow throughout the home!
Is a simple house the home for me?
Determining if a simple house plan is the right home for you depends on your personal preferences, lifestyle, and specific needs. Simple house plans offer a refreshing alternative to complex and elaborate designs, focusing on functionality, cost-efficiency, and adaptability. By embracing simplicity, you can create a living space that is not only visually appealing but also practical and comfortable. Whether you prefer a contemporary, modern, or traditional style, exploring simple house plans opens up a world of possibilities for designing your dream home. So, why not simplify and start building the house you’ve always envisioned?
Brandon Hall
Our "go to guy" and company expert, Brandon is the visionary and dreamer of all we do here at America's Best House Plans. He manages quality assurance, audits existing processes for maximum effectiveness, and develops strategies to increase productivity and efficiency. With over 15 years experience in the home design industry, Brandon has a hand in every aspect of the day-to-day operations of our company, in addition to ensuring an unparalleled level of service to our customers.
