Single-Story House Plans

A single-story layout is one of the most requested features we hear from owner-builders. Everything lives on one level, so there is no staircase to frame, no upstairs load path to engineer around, and an easier path to aging in place if you plan to stay in the home long term. Single-story designs are also generally simpler and less expensive to build than a comparable two-story home of the same square footage.

This collection spans cabins, cottages, farmhouses, and barndominium layouts in a wide range of sizes, from compact one bedroom retreats to larger three bedroom family homes with an attached garage. A single-story footprint does mean a larger roof and foundation relative to the living space, so your per-square-foot cost can run slightly higher than an equivalent multi-level home, though many owner-builders find the simpler framing and easier access worth the trade-off.

Every plan includes a full PDF drawing set plus a material list, so you can price the build with a local contractor before you buy. Most builds in this collection run between $130 and $220 per heated square foot, so a 1,500 square foot single-story home typically costs $195,000 to $330,000 before land, permits, and site work.