Compact Floor Plan for ADUs or Cottages

Are you thinking about building an additional dwelling unit (ADU) in your backyard? Or maybe you're dreaming of a cute little cottage to escape to on weekends? Either way, you're going to need a floor plan that maximizes space without sacrificing functionality.

Plan #21-0001 is compact but it packs a lot of punch into 895 square feet. With 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and just enough extra space for a mechanical room, this open-concept bungalow was designed to fit into small spaces. So, if you’re looking to invest in a personal getaway or a rental property, but you don’t have a lot of space to work with, keep reading.

About Plan #21-0001

One of the standout features of this plan is its simplicity. The layout is straightforward and easy to navigate, with an open-concept kitchen and living room that create a cozy and welcoming space. The living room is spacious and well-lit by large windows, while the kitchen boasts ample counter space and storage, making it the perfect spot for whipping up a meal or entertaining guests.

Both bedrooms are comfortable sizes and offer plenty of natural light, meaning they’re designed for relaxation and restful sleep. The bathroom is conveniently located just down the hall from the bedrooms and includes space for a tub and shower combo and a vanity. And just outside the bathroom is a laundry closet.

Overall, this pre-designed plan offers the perfect mix of simplicity, practicality, and comfort.

Details:

• Kitchen 9'-10" x 15'-10"
• Living Room 13'-1" x 15'-10"
• Master Bedroom 12'-0" x 12'-1"
• Bedroom 11'-2" x 9'-8"

Who Is This Floor Plan For?

This compact floor plan is perfect for those looking to add some extra living space to their property or for those who want a simple, easy-to-maintain cottage. Its compact size and efficient use of space make it a practical and affordable option for many different needs.

Plan #21-0001 could be perfect for you if you’re looking to build a rental unit on your property, as it’s suitable for a variety of tenants including small families, single tenants, or roommates. If you’re looking to build an independent unit for your older child or for your elderly family members, this plan offers a lot of personality and flexibility to suit your family member’s needs.

The patio and large windows make this floor plan perfect for cottage country as well. So if you’re trying to find a comfortable space to unwind and take in the views, you’ll find Plan #21-0001 has everything you need.

Key Advantages of The Floor Plan

Versatility

When considering building or renovating a home, one of the most important factors to consider is its versatility. You want a space that can grow and adapt to your changing needs, and the versatility of Plan #21-0001 will let you do that.

One major advantage of this plan is that it doesn't have windows on the back wall, which allows that wall to be closer to a lot line. This can be very important if you're building in a densely populated area where space is at a premium. By positioning the building closer to the lot line, you can maximize your available space and potentially even fit a third building on your property—and this can be very important for Ontarians, as Bill 23 now allows you to build two additional dwelling units on your property. You can read more about Bill 23 here.

Another advantage of this plan is that a basement could be easily added. By building a walkout on the outside, you can create easy access to the basement without having to disrupt the living space inside the home. This can be a great option if you need additional storage space or if you want to create a separate living area that's private from the rest of the home.
Adding additional windows is also easy with this plan. The design of the home already includes ample natural light, but if you want even more, it's a simple matter to add additional windows. This can be a great way to bring more light into a room or to take advantage of a particularly nice view.

And finally, while this plan was designed with a furnace in mind, you could easily install electric baseboards instead—which would lower the upfront costs of an already cost-effective plan.

Cost-Effectiveness

First and foremost, the compact design of the plan means that it would be more affordable to build compared to a larger home. This is especially true if you are looking to add an additional dwelling unit or affordable cottage to your existing property, as the smaller size of the building means that there will be less material and labour required during construction.

Additionally, the fact that the plan is slab-on-grade means that there will be less excavation required during the building process, which can also help to reduce costs, as only the perimeter walls need to be excavated. A slab-on-grade foundation is also known for its durability and longevity, meaning that it can save money on potential repairs or replacements down the line, when compared to most cottages which are often built on piers.

And in a funny way, the versatility of the plan is another reason why Plan #21-0001 is so cost-effective. The ability to easily augment this plan to suit future—and perhaps unforeseen—needs means you’ll save money on renovations when they come up.

In Conclusion

Plan #21-0001 offers a versatile, cost-effective, and practical option for anyone looking to build a backyard suite or cottage. Overall, this pre-designed plan offers the perfect mix of simplicity, practicality, and comfort, making it a great choice for anyone looking to build a personal getaway or a rental property.