How to Build a Small Cottage That Is 400 Square Feet or Less

Backyard cottages make great retreats.

Small cottages make great vacation cabins, artist studios or backyard retreats. They can also be mother-in-law or guest homes, or even rental properties. Small cottages are relatively inexpensive to build and use less energy than larger homes. Before you begin planning, decide how you want to use the cottage and how elaborate you want the design to be. If you build in your back yard, find out if your city or neighborhood has any restrictions on building.

Instructions

1. Purchase cottage plans. Rosschapin.com offers a number of 400 square foot plans for backyard cottages, and plans can be purchased for less than $1,000. Countryplans.com and Jamaicacottageshop.com are other great resources for purchasing small cottage plans.

2. Decide if you want to hire a contractor to build your cottage. You can build a 400 square foot cottage with almost any budget. A cottage that is essentially a small home with electricity, plumbing, a kitchen and bathroom will cost $50,000 to $100,000. Ask your contractor for references and make sure you sign a contract that specifies budget and a deadline for the project.

3. Hire a company that manages the entire planning and building process. Backyardbox.net services Washington, Oregon, California, British Columbia, Nevada, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. Their buildings start at $79,500 for a turnkey cottage. You can upgrade to a more energy-efficient cottage as well.

4. Lay out concrete foundation piers first if you decide to build the cottage yourself. These will support the main beams. Install main beams over the concrete foundation piers and then wood sub flooring over the beams, in 4x8-foot sheets.

5. Frame and brace walls, then roof rafters. Sheath the walls. This will give you a basic cottage exterior. You can then drywall the inside of the cottage and install the flooring of your choice.

References

• Seattle's Backyard Cottages
• Building a $1400 Backyard Cottage
• Backyard Box