How to Make Plans to Build a Small Cottage

Use software to design your dream cottage.

Small cottage designs have become increasingly popular in recent years, and it can be easy for you to design your own plans to build a small cottage of your own. By using a architectural software program on your home computer, you can effectively execute blueprints that can be used to build your dream cottage.

Things You'll Need

• 3D home architect program

Instructions

1. 

   Purchase the 3D Home Architect program from a software or computer store. This program will allow you to create your own home design plans for a small cottage without having to pay an architect to create blueprints. Once you load the onto your computer, open a new file by clicking on the word "File" in the upper-left hand side of the screen, and select the word "New" from the list. The plan file is now ready to be customized.

2. 

   Build the walls. Click on the wall icon at the top of the screen, which resembles a cross-section of a wall. Click and drag the wall across the screen. You will notice that the dimensions of the wall will be drawn along with the wall section, allowing your to get a realistic perspective of the proportions of the cottage. Once you draw the outside walls, start drawing the interior walls that will enclose specific rooms. Make sure to include bathrooms and closets.

3. 

   Build the windows and doors. Click on the door icon at the top of the page, resembling a wooden door. Once the icon is selected, you can click anywhere on the walls of the cottage to insert the door. Once all of the doors are placed, click on the window icon, resembling a window. A pop-up screen will appear that will allow you to select the specific window style you prefer. Insert the windows in the same way that you inserted the doors.

4. 

   Build the roof. Click on the roof icon, resembling a picture of a gable roof. A pop-up screen will appear that will allow you to select the specific roof type and roof pitch. Once you have made your selection, click "OK" and the roof will automatically be inserted onto your cottage plans.

5. 

   Save your file. Click on the word "File", and select the word "Save As" from the drop down list. Another window will appear requesting a file name. Type in any name you wish, then click "OK." You can now take your plan file to an architect or building planner to get approved for construction.

References

• 3D Home Architect Program