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High energy efficiency, economy, and less time and effort on cleaning inspire many Americans to choose small footage. We have described various options of this type and will go on like this! Today we will talk about a 1300 square feet house. Do you find this interesting? Well, here we go!
1300 Square Foot House Features
This footage offers everything you need for a comfortable and prosperous life of a loner or a family of up to five or perfectly three members. Typically, the plans of 1,300 square feet house have the following options:
- Fewer walls and partitions inside. Designers often combine the kitchen, dining room, and living room to provide more light and freedom of action. A kitchen island or an eating bar is usually preferred if zoning is needed.
- Up to three bathrooms and two bedrooms. Moreover, one of the bedrooms can be a complete main suite with its own bathroom and a walk-in closet. The other bedrooms often share another bathroom and can be arranged as a children’s or guest room.
- Storage and utility rooms. They are not spacious in a house of 1,300 square feet, but you will place everything you need there and may have your laundry.
- Ergonomic outdoor spaces. You will likely carve out a place for the pool outside, but a small patio, a deck, or a covered porch are affordable.
As for the garage, you can see them in many 1300 square foot house plans. Usually, they accommodate one car, but the unique plan provides a bay for three vehicles and a workshop or a craft room.
The architectural styles for this footage deserve a few words, as many of them exist. Among the traditional cottages and modern buildings can often be seen chalets and rustic, which the owners of lake and mountain houses love.
How Big Is A 1300 Square Foot House?
Is a 1300-square-foot house small? It is. However, we cannot say it is cramped because it implies all the amenities for a serene living. We agree it does not promise excesses. However, you will find it perfect if:
- You dream of your own home, but your funds are modest.
- You’re a young couple planning a family expansion.
- You are single, and you need absolutely all the comforts at hand.
- You are a couple of retirees who want to avoid taking care of great spaces but are still willing to sacrifice the amenities and facilities to welcome guests.
- You have a big house to live in, but you would like a small cottage for recreation and weekends in nature.
1300 Square Foot House Plans
Designers offer various plans for 1,300-square-foot houses, both modern and traditional. Most of them have a lot of similarities in the layout, as the tiny house gives less space for imagination. However, each has its flavor, which you can see by studying at least a few examples.
1300 Sq Ft 1-Story Modern House with 3 Bedrooms, Two Bathrooms, and a 1-Car Garage Bay
Source: ABHP
The geometric and balanced exterior of this house inspires confidence and calm. The modern architecture perfectly harmonizes with the interior space, where a one-car garage and three bedrooms, including a master suite with a full bath and walk-in closet, are planned within one floor. The kitchen island separates the working space from the combined kitchen and dining room, which is enchanting with plenty of light and air.
Equally noteworthy is the deck with a grill in the backyard. Make it your own and get even more opportunities to enjoy your outdoor activities.
1300 Sq Ft Two-Story Cottage with 2-3 Bedrooms and 2.5 Bathrooms
Source: Architectural Designs
The traditional exterior of this house, with symmetrical dormers and stone chimney pipes, provides a sense of warmth and hospitality. The cozy, covered front porch leads to a square family living room with vaulted ceilings and a slide into an L-shaped kitchen with enough space for a dining room. Conversely, there is enough space for several utility rooms and an inspiring master bedroom with a walk-in closet.
On the top floor, there is another bedroom and flexible space which can be adapted for either a loft or another bedroom. The extra bathroom completes the rest, making this house suitable for vacations and residences.
1300 Sq Ft 2-Story Log Cabin with 3 Bedrooms, 2 Full Bathrooms, and a Garage Bay
Source: The Plan Collection
This house is full of a natural vibe and may become a godsend for fans of chalet style. Spectacular wooden building with a pitched roof, soaring windows, and wraparound deck harmonize with mountain and lake landscapes. The combined dining room and living room on the main floor boast the cathedral ceiling and the rugged stone fireplace. The two bedrooms have convenient access to the shared bathroom, and the designer found a place for the study room next to the stairs.
The upper floor provides a spacious master suite, a full bathroom with a bathtub, a closet of somebody’s dreams, and an impressive view of the main floor from a small balcony.
1300 Sq Ft 2-Storey Narrow Lot Cottage with 3 Bedrooms and 2 Bathrooms
Source: ABHP
Do you have a small plot in a picturesque area and want to build a cozy vacation house there? Be sure to look at this plan designed for a narrow plot! This well-built construction reaches for the sun, and the tall windows create a sense of lightness. The balcony, the upper terrace, and the solarium on the main floor create an extraordinary composition and become the highlight of the plan.
The main floor provides:
- A family living room.
- A spacious and cozy dining room.
- A bedroom with a private bathroom.
The upper floor is a proper resting place, with two bedrooms, a closet, a shared bathroom, and a splendid view from the windows.
1300 Sq Ft 2-Storey Contemporary House with a 3-Car Garage
Source: Architectural Designs
This house can be safely called a model of functionality and modern aesthetics. The impeccable geometry and a sloping roof, tall windows, and a balcony across the facade provide true harmony and let the house fit into any landscape.
The main floor is designed for motorists and technicians with golden hands, as it offers a spacious three-car garage next to the woodworking room and craft room. The utility room is also provided there, letting you stay busy for a long time. You can relax in the spacious square living room with balcony access, enjoy dinner in the cozy kitchen with an eating bar or rest in one of the two bedrooms with a shared bathroom with a shower.
This plan is perfect for a mountain house or a lake house. However, no one prevents you from choosing it for permanent residence.
How Much Does It Cost to Build A 1300 Square Foot House?
A lot of Americans prefer to build 1,300-square-foot houses on their own. Indeed, you can deploy a large-scale construction, and with skills, experience, and talent, everything is entirely feasible.
When estimating for construction, focus on the metro where you will live. According to Casaplorer, a 1300 square feet house will cost you an average of $185,000 if you choose the housing in the Northeast and $208,000 in the West. If you want to build cheaper, consider the Center and the Southeast, where the construction costs $165,000 and $143,000, respectively. If you see the disposition by state, see the table below.
State | Cost to Build a House |
Alabama | $126,000-$154,000 |
Alaska | $195,000-$238,000 |
Arizona | $157,000-$192,000 |
Arkansas | $120,000-$147,000 |
California | $183,000-$223,000 |
Colorado | $160,000-$196,000 |
Florida | $127,000-$155,000 |
Georgia | $133,000-$163,000 |
Idaho | $150,000-$184,000 |
Iowa | $161,000-$197,000 |
Kansas | $157,000-$192,000 |
Kentucky | $134,000-$164,000 |
Maine | $200,000-$245,000 |
Massachusetts | $267,000-$327,000 |
Michigan | $166,000-$203,000 |
Mississippi | $126,000-$154,000 |
Missouri | $176,000-$216,000 |
Nevada | $171,000-$209,600 |
New Jersey | $256,000-$313,000 |
New York | $250,000-$306,000 |
North Carolina | $124,000-$152,000 |
North Dakota | $170,000-$208,000 |
Ohio | $170,000-$208,000 |
Oklahoma | $127,000-$155,000 |
Pennsylvania | $223,000-$272,000 |
South Carolina | $128,000-$156,000 |
South Dakota | $146,000-$179,000 |
Texas | $129,000-$157,000 |
Utah | $152,000-$186,000 |
Virginia | $127,000-$156,000 |
Washington | $186,000-$227,000 |
Wyoming | $160,000-$195,000 |
As we mentioned above, a 1,300-square-foot house is usually inexpensive. Of course, you will have to calculate and estimate carefully because it is the cornerstone of any construction, but in general, you will have to plan the budget based on the following aspects.
- Land ($5,000-$6,000). You do not need an enormous land plot to build a house, but you may want a bit of space if you have any landscaping dreams. Anyway, focus on this amount since it is usually enough.
- Site Works ($2,000-$3,000). Your spending on the development of the land plot will depend on its condition when buying. Having all the building permits and utility lines will already play in your hands, as you will save a little. However, an uninhabited site may require uprooting, excavating, or leveling, so they are usually included in the estimate. Besides, if some owners decide to demolish the old house on the plot and build a new one, the cost of the site works may increase even more.
- Floor Plan (up to $2,000). A 1300-square-foot house differs from the footage in which something extravagant is possible. As a rule, everything is quite simple and rational here. If you have some experience and spatial thinking, you can even plan the future house independently. However, the need for self-confidence is a reason to turn to a designer who is unlikely to take a price for the plan of a small house.
- Foundations ($5,000-$7,000). A basement foundation is a rare option for a 1,300-square-foot home, so choosing a more affordable crawl or reliable slab is common. Since the size of the structure is small, you are unlikely to overpay
- Framing ($20,000-$30,000). This footage often involves a wooden design, although you can also afford brick and stucco. You only need a few materials, but some architectural nuances may complicate the work and slightly increase the final cost of your home.
- Exterior ($30,000-$35,000). You indeed dream of a warm and beautiful home, and your desires turn into actual materials and costs in your estimate. The wall covering, roofing, thermal insulation, doors, window openings, eaves, and columns will provide the desired look of the house. Define what materials you need and how many of them you’ll apply, so your budget does not get an unexpected gap.
- System Installation ($30,000-$40,000). The new house involves unavoidable spending on electricity, plumbing, and HVAC. Because it’s technically challenging, they’ll take the lion’s share of your budget. Be sure to consult a specialist and get his support in developing a detailed plan to avoid costly and annoying mistakes.
- Interior ($50,000-$60,000). The interior of a 1300-square-foot house is rarely luxurious, overloaded, or multifaceted. As a rule, everything is functional and minimalistic, so the cost is not so high. You can afford better materials and modern kitchen appliances without terrifying waste.
- Outdoor amenities. ($2,000-$5,000). The plots for tiny houses are usually small as well. However, you should have a covered porch, patio, and driveway. If you find funds for these improvements, be generous; your home will seem even more beautiful.
How Much Does It Cost to Buy A 1300 Square Foot House?
What about purchasing a 1,300-square-foot house? We think it’s a great idea, especially if there’s no desire to build it for any reason. The range of house prices is impressive, but we have prepared a list of starting prices for some metro areas in the United States.
- Utah – from $230,000
- New Hampshire – from $190,000
- Kansas – from $100,000
- Colorado – from $160,000
- Florida – from $120,000
- Illinois – from $100,000
- New Jersey – from $155,000
- Idaho – from $230,000
- New York – from $110,000
- Massachusetts – from $225,000
- Minnesota – from $130,000
- California – from $240,000
- Vermont – from $240,000
- Washington – from $190,000
- South Carolina – from $115,000
Choosing the offers with the minimum cost, we focused on the houses in the best possible condition. Of course, there are diameter extremes here, when you can buy a house much cheaper (foreclosed or requiring an extensive renovation) or something atmospheric and with the newest refurbishment for almost a million dollars. Anyway, it’s up to you!
Conclusions
If you cannot scale, but the dream of having your own home haunts you, a 1300-square-foot house is just the choice that will help you find harmony. Do not miss the chance to build your corner, where you will be the sovereign master and where you can feel the fullness of life. Believe us; you don’t need extensive footage for that.