A tiny house is a stretchable concept everyone understands in their way. The same can be said about a 1600-square-foot place. Few prominent families dream of this footage, but if you are single or your household is modest, you will appreciate the attractive ergonomics and comfort of such housing. Let’s talk about the strengths and merits of a 1,600-square-foot home.

1600 Square Foot House Features

If you have already studied the plans for 1,600 square feet of houses, you have surely noticed no extra or unmanageable spaces. Indeed, this footage is a history of ergonomics and not the scale or prestige at all, so the typical features of such housing are as follows:

• Open layout. Living, dining, and kitchen areas are often combined and zoned visually. The absence of walls and partitions gives you extra space and allows you to breathe freely.
• From two to three bathrooms and bedrooms. The house of 1,600 square feet lets you accommodate a family of 3-5 people without being cramped and discomfort, so the layout is appropriate.
• Plenty of storage space. On 1,600 square feet of the house, you can make room for closets and one or two walk-in closets, so your things will be in order.
• A little space for amenities. You will find a corner for a play area or a small office if you want, but you can only equip it at a time.

Besides, a 1600-square-foot house implies enough space for outdoor activities. Indoor decks and porches allow you to spend time behind the grill or in cozy conversation and enjoy the views of the garden.

As for the architecture, this footage fits perfectly for cottages, farmhouses, and modern concise residential buildings.

How Big Is A 1600 Square Foot House? 

A 1600-square-foot house is small. Moreover, experts consider this footage less than average for a single-family house. However, do not think it is tiny because the formula “necessary and enough” works perfectly here!

When you are going to build or purchase such a house, you get a lot of space without bells and whistles! You can arrange a main suite for yourself and a couple of rooms for children, equip wonderful baths and storage systems, and even enjoy the spacious living room. You don’t have to worry about adding a couple of square feet. You maneuver and make the most of the small space, always successfully, and this is the crucial home bonus of 1600 square feet.

1600 Square Foot House Plans

1,600 square feet of living space opens up enough opportunities for your ideas to come true. You will not walk on the wild side, but you can afford to realize some modest dreams. Let’s look at a few examples and see how that can be.

1600 Sq Ft Mid-Century Modern House with 3 Bedrooms and a 2-Car Garage

Source: Truoba

This small house consists of several small cubes crowned with single-slope roofs. This architecture gives the house more visual volume, making it look modern and prestigious. The internal layout implies everything you need for life, including a large open-plan living room, a kitchen, two bedrooms, and a comfortable main suite with a private bathroom. A two-car garage and a spacious covered porch contribute to a thoughtful and ergonomic plan.

1600 Sq Ft Three-Story Cottage with 5 Bedrooms and 3.5 Bathrooms

Source: MaxHousePlans 

This small cottage is a masterpiece of architectural and design thinking because it looks at least twice as large as the declared footage and provides twice as many accommodations. The intricate design of the roof provides individuality and extra volume on the outside, but inside, even more exciting things are waiting for you. Vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, and the fireplace in the main floor’s living room create an unconditional rustic vibe. The dining area has a magnificent view of the bay window, and the spacious main suite encourages staying in it forever.

The second floor offers two more bedrooms with a shared bathroom and a deck from which you can view everything that happens on the first floor. The highlight of the house is the lower-level floor with a relaxation room, a flex room, a guest bedroom, and an elegant covered patio.

1600 Sq Ft Beachfront Stilt House with 3 Bedrooms and 2 Full Bathrooms

Source: The Plan Collection

This impressive beach house on reliable wooden piles offers all the opportunities for a summer holiday for the whole family or permanent residence of a loner who does not want to leave the shore. Both bedrooms on the lower floors delight with an excellent view from the windows; three closets let you place everything in perfect order, and a spacious, perfectly shaped living room beckons to leisurely conversations and relaxation from the burning sun. The kitchen with an eating bar suits slow breakfasts and snacks between sunbathing and surfing. The upper floor, with a bedroom, a closet, and a bathroom, can be turned into a leading suite, and watching the magical sunrise and sunset is beautiful from a spacious balcony.

1600 Sq Ft 1-Storey Traditional Cottage with All the Amenities

Source: ABHP

You will find peace and harmony in this house if your soul craves traditional coziness without scope and vast spaces. A friendly exterior with wooden pillars and the front porch under the classic portico promises hospitality and relaxation. There are no boundaries between the living room, kitchen with eating bar, and dining area, which gives a sense of unity; a main suite with a walk-in closet and a large bathroom provide the perfect accommodation, while two extra bedrooms with shared bathroom can be used as a children’s or guest area.

1600 Sq Ft 2-Storey Modern House with Open Main Level

Source: Architectural Designs

The covered front porch on the three snow-white columns supporting the roof with overhanging eaves adds elegance to the tough exterior of this modern home. The first floor enchants a fully open space with a sitting area, a kitchen island, ample storage systems, and a small bathroom. After climbing to the second floor, you will find three bedrooms connected by a large closet and a bathroom with a tile shower.

How Much Does It Cost to Build A 1600 Square Foot House?

Building a house of 1,600 square feet is a workable task, as you can easily focus on any aspect of the construction and never worry that something will slip your attention. As usual, you will need a detailed construction plan, a carefully thought-out estimate, and a sober look at your budget based on knowing the rates in your metro area.

As of 2022, constructing a 1,600-square-foot house is estimated at $176,000-$256,000. If you build in the West, your housing will cost you more, but the South and Southeast construction will save your money. If the cost in each state is considered separately, the table below provides a more exact estimate.

State	Cost to Build a House
Alabama	$155,000-$189,000
Alaska	$240,000-$293,000
Arizona	$193,000-$236,000
Arkansas	$148,000-$181,000
California	$224,000-$274,000
Colorado	$197,000-$241,000
Florida	$155,000-$190,000
Georgia	$164,000-$200,000
Idaho	$185,000-$226,000
Iowa	$198,000-$1,214,000
Kansas	$193,000-$236,000
Kentucky	$165,000-$202,600
Maine	$246,000-$301,000
Massachusetts	$329,000-$402,000
Michigan	$205,000-$250,000
Mississippi	$155,000-$190,000
Missouri	$217,000-$265,000
Nevada	$211,000-$258,600
New Jersey	$315,000-$385,000
New York	$308,000-$377,000
North Carolina	$153,000-$187,000
North Dakota	$209,000-$256,000
Ohio	$210,000-$256,000
Oklahoma	$156,000-$960,000
Pennsylvania	$274,000-$335,000
South Carolina	$152,000-$192,000
South Dakota	$180,000-$220,000
Utah	$187,000-$229,000
Virginia	$157,000-$192,000
Washington	$229,000-$280,000
Wyoming	$197,000-$240,000

Besides, let us figure out your costs when building a house of 1600 square feet for all the implied aspects:

• Land ($5,000-$7,000). Often this is the first and the most crucial step in the construction, as the site should fit your planned house perfectly. If you need more experience, use the services of a real estate agent who can assess the site’s features properly and determine whether it meets the requirements for construction. Besides, agents often help bargain for a good discount, which is also a benefit!
• Site Works ($2,000-$3,000). Having all the necessary permits and utility lines will save you a lot of money, but if you still have to be enrolled, get ready to spend on everything you need. As a rule, the list includes leveling, excavating, and the demolition of old constructions as well.
• Floor Plan (up to $3,000). The designer must be inventive enough to plan all the rooms you need in a small house. If you have a familiar architect, everything will be much easier, as the work of an intelligent professional assumes the appropriate fees.
• Foundations ($5,000-$8,000). For a house of 1600 square feet, a slab, basement, or crawl foundation is possible. The first one is the cheapest, while the basement may cost you more, so estimate it thoroughly.
• Framing ($20,000-$35,000). It all depends on your preferred architecture, including walls, roof, and ornaments. Materials also have a tremendous influence here.
• Exterior ($30,000-$40,000). This aspect includes many activities, ranging from thermal insulation, wall covering, and roofing to the design of door and window openings. Here you can spend on the most or invest carefully, so the cost of the exterior varies significantly.
• System Installation ($30,000-$45,000). Electricity, HVAC, and plumbing are the minimum needed for a home. Besides the funds, you will need a detailed plan because even minor mistakes can lead to huge costs.
• Interior ($50,000-$65,000). This aspect is one of the most expensive because painting, ceilings, flooring, door panels, fireplace, and household appliances should be functional and pleasant to your eye. It is impossible to save money here, but it is unnecessary to waste too much. Your designer and decorator will help you, so pay attention to their tips and services.
• Outdoor amenities. ($2,000-$7,000). Depending on your dreams, the list may include landscaping, patio, decks, and paving. All this will provide the house’s charm and make your life in it more pleasant, so these expenses are not extra but required!

How Much Does It Cost to Buy A 1600 Square Foot House?

Buying a house of 1600 square feet may become a good idea, especially if you do not tend to build. Having studied the relevant sites, you can see many offers on almost any wallet. Here, we suggest studying the minimum price for a house of this footage in some metro areas.

• Utah – from $270,000
• New Hampshire – from $200,000
• Kansas – from $95,000
• Colorado – from $190,000
•  Florida – from $180,000
• Illinois – from $190,000
• New Jersey – from $200,000
• Idaho – from $240,000
• New York – from $200,000
• Massachusetts – from $245,000
• Minnesota – from $180,000
• California – from $275,000
• Vermont – from $140,000
• Washington – from $245,000
• South Carolina – from $100,000

Of course, you can find houses cheaper because when looking for a minimum price, we focused on the year of construction, the excellent condition, and no collateral obligations. Anyway, you calculate your budget, and it’s up to you how much you are willing to spend on your housing.

Conclusions

A 1600-square-foot house is a story of rationality and family warmth. It’s a narrative about how much we can get if we need more. If you prefer a minimalist lifestyle, but feel the space perfectly, if you care about the carbon footprint, or if you do not jump over your head and are grateful for what you can afford, this footage will be perfect for you and your family.