You can consider a 1,200 square foot house a golden mean if a living space of 1,000 square feet isn’t enough for you, but you can’t afford 1,500 square feet yet. In fact, this footage is inspiring because it opens up many opportunities for comfortable and ergonomic planning, not to mention other benefits, though it may seem small to someone. However, first things first.

1200 Square Foot House Features

The house of 1,200 square feet is usually planned at a ratio of 30 by 46 feet or something like that. You might think it’s small. And yet, think about what benefits you can derive from this space. Believe us, there are a lot of them!

You can afford it!

One can hardly deny that almost any budget can withstand 1,200 square feet of living space. Your mortgage payments are smaller (or their period is shorter), and you don’t spend huge amounts on electricity, heating, and other utilities.

Finishing and furnishing are the other benefits of the footage, though it may seem not so obvious. You spend less money on plaster, wallpaper, paint, shiplap, furniture, and interior items, so the house does not seem empty. Besides, the same quantity goes into quality, as you can afford even fewer things, but they are more beautiful and expensive.

You spend less time cleaning

You don’t have to work hard washing floors and dusting as big house owners would. The area of 1,200 square feet is sufficient for a family with two children, yet it is easier for you to keep it clean. Besides, it always looks settled and well-maintained, as all the premises are occupied and used by the owners.

You find time for yourself

This benefit derives from the previous two. A big house means big problems, and sometimes you have to put all the effort into its maintenance and cleaning, as well as the landscaping, decoration of the house, and rearranging the furniture. The 1,200-square-foot house looks more solid and complete (especially if you stick to a thoughtful plan and design) and does not require all of your attention. You can travel, do hobbies, or spend time with your children while your home remains a safe and cozy fortress for your whole family.

In short, a 1,200-square-foot house has enough functionality without extra space and visual overload. It may offer you everything for a comfortable life with a small family or with your partner.

How Big Is A 1200 Square Foot House? 

Someone might be a little arrogant about a 1,200 square foot house because it’s not too big. However, it is not even the space but the ability to aright it!

This footage is enough for three bedrooms and even two bathrooms. You can arrange other rooms in a way you do not feel constrained. For example, an open layout, where the kitchen, dining room, and living room cross into each other, will give a sense of freedom, space, and will provide maximum daylight.

Refusing the traditional layout and furnishing of the dining room in favor of the kitchen island will also contribute to the freedom and ease of movement inside the house. The functionality of the kitchen island is wide, as it can act both as a dining table and as an occasional item for table games or a leisurely drink while watching a movie or a conversation. Homeowners often say that kitchen islands become the social center of the home throughout the routine and a lifesaver during parties.

The exterior and the architecture of a 1,200 square foot house usually includes a terrace or patio that you can customize. You get extra space for lunch, dinner, or lazy outdoors, as well as the possibility of having a barbecue for friends any time.

1200 Square Foot House Plans

We can go on extolling the merits of 1,200 square feet, but you may want some visualizations. We are ready to offer you a few houses plans to give you an idea. However, be sure that there are many more options.

1200 Sq Ft Modern Two-Bedroom Cottage with a Huge Front Porch

The strict modern geometry of the exterior makes this cottage visually exceptional and airy. The wide ribbon of the covered front porch encircles the part of the house with a kitchen, a dining room, and a living room. Thus, you get several areas at once for a variety of recreation, and the interior space with windows on all sides allows maximum daylight. The right-wing provides an ergonomic layout of two cozy bedrooms, two bathrooms, a dressing room, and a laundry. The open home office in the transition between the bedroom and living wing becomes the highlight of the house.

1200 Sq Ft One-story Southwest House with 3 Bedrooms and a Carport

This extended brick house looks inspired with its southwestern style with a light ranch vibe. The carport for one car has got an arched entrance adding a certain smoothness to the exterior. The layout of the house successfully combines classic solutions, including an open kitchen, dining and living space in the middle, and the concentration of three bedrooms and two bathrooms in one wing of the house. One bedroom has a bay window, which opens up more design possibilities. The door in the living room leads to a small porch perfect for a barbecue or a chill-out.

1200 Sq Ft Traditional House with Loft and 2 Bedrooms

Source: ABHP

This house can be called a model of harmony with its perfect rectangular base and classic gable roof. The wide glazed doors lead you into a spacious open living room, combined with the kitchen and the dining room. The right part of the house is given under two large bedrooms with bathrooms for each and a dressing room in one of them. The spacious loft on the second floor allows you to arrange it the way you like.

1200 Sq Ft Ranch House with 3 Bedrooms and 2-Car Garage

This one-story house is a godsend for those who want to have everything at once on 1200 square feet. You will just find it here, as the layout provides a 2-car garage, a spacious two-zone living room, a kitchen, and a dining room. Three bedrooms with two adjoining bathrooms offer a vast and cozy space, and you can use the deck in the back of the house for barbecue and landscaping.

1200 Sq Ft 2-Story Country House with 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, and a Vast Covered Front Porch

Source: The Plan Collection

The laid-back exterior of this house looks impeccable thanks to the cozy covered front porch with a high fence and symmetrical rows of windows. The main floor will delight with a spacious living room, a separate kitchen, and a primary bedroom with a primary bathroom. The second floor provides opportunities for recreation, study, and self-care. A small regular-shaped home office balances the symmetrical layout of the bedrooms with wardrobes and a shared bathroom.

How Much Does It Cost to Build A 1200 Square Foot House?

We’ve already mentioned that a house of 1,200 square feet is budget superior. However, it’s time to get to the facts and figure out how much it will cost to build a house if you start from scratch.

Developers and realtors in the United States propose to start with $100-200 per square foot, given the most basic building options. So, prepare $120,000 if you want to spend a minimum on your home. If you do not want to squander money but are not content with little, expect to spend around $180,000-200,000. The unwillingness to have any limits and the desire to build a house at most will cost you at least $240,000. The pricing policy of different states offers various approaches to the final cost. We offer you some examples of the expenses of building a house from scratch in different states.

State	Cost to Build a House
Arizona	$151,000
Connecticut	$207,000
California	$244,000
Delaware	$197,000
Florida	$158,000
Georgia	$166,000
Illinois	$158,000
Kansas	$122,000
Maryland	$176,000
New York	$216,000
Ohio	$133,000
Texas	$158,000
Washington	$205,000

Just in case, we remind you that the total amount spent on the house includes the following expenses:

• Land works. You save time and effort if your land plot is completely ready for construction. Otherwise, add 10-15% to the cost of your house.
• Floor number. One or two floors are just two options you can afford for a 1200-square-foot house. One floor can be more than enough. However, if the top view is better for you, add another 20% to the final price.
• The roof. The more complex the top is and the more technology it uses, the more money you spend. Count from the starting price of $6,000-7,000 for an ordinary gable roof.
• Accomplishments. The well-groomed territory is the hallmark of your home and requires money. The more actions you have planned, the more expensive your home will be in the end.
• Appliances. Ordinary devices can cost you inexpensively. However, we will not be surprised if you want to equip your home with the latest appliances. Here we mean the cost of about 5% of the total amount spent on the house.
• Labor costs. This expense item varies from state to state. However, prepare to spend about $38,000-42,000 on workers’ wages, given their average earnings of $34 nationwide.
• Home plan. You can choose a designer depending on the recommendations or your preferences, but the work of a pro is unlikely to be cheap. Experienced homeowners claim that the cost of $2,000-2,400 per a 1,200-square-foot house plan is quite normal.

Another aspect to consider is the choice of the contractor. You can turn to a development company or contact a custom home builder. However, practice shows that you save about 15% of your housing costs when working with a developer, while a custom builder can provide a more personal approach to building your home.

How Much Does It Cost to Buy A 1200 Square Foot House?

Building a house has benefits since now you can count everything exactly as you want. However, lack of experience, desire, and time makes buying a house of 1,200 square feet a reasonable option. You can enter it almost immediately after purchase and sometimes even save your money compared to the building. So, we offer you to consider the average cost of this footage in some metro areas:

• Arizona – $85,000-340,000
• California – $150,000-300,000
• Colorado – $135,000-235,000
• Florida – $180,000-450,000
• Illinois – $160,000-230,000
• Massachusetts – $210,000-370,000
• New Hampshire – $175,000-360,000
• Utah – $275,000-370,000
• Vermont – $165,000-330,000
• Washington – $180,000-400,000
• South Carolina – $120,000-250,000

Conclusions

A 1,200-square house may undoubtedly become a serious bid for a cozy nest. Singles, childless couples, and small families can feel great, finding all the conditions for a comfortable life, privacy, warm fellowship, and even those who strive to realize their ambitions as a decorator or a designer.