Embrace the coastal lifestyle with our collection of small beach house plans. These homes are designed to capture the essence of seaside living, offering a cozy and stylish retreat near the beach. With their open layouts, abundant natural light, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow, these small beach houses are perfect for those who want to make the most of coastal living. Whether you're dreaming of a weekend getaway or a year-round residence, our small beach house plans provide the perfect balance of comfort, functionality, and style. Enjoy the refreshing ocean breeze, soak in the sun on the porch, and create lasting memories in your own small beach oasis.
Small beach house plans are home designs under 2,000 square feet that are perfect for building by a beach. They offer coastal-inspired architecture and a modest size for year-round or vacation living.
Most of these house plans have compact footprints, because beachfront property comes at a premium. Small beach homes also typically offer open-concept living and large windows that bring views inside.
Small beach house plans come in a variety of styles, but the most common include traditional favorites like cottages and Mediterranean, as well as modern designs that maximize glass. Whatever your preference, you'll find plenty of options here.
It depends on the layout! Some homes have large, sweeping windows, but you don't necessarily need a lot of breadth to take in views. Many small beach homes have narrow floor plans that boost the main level over a drive-under garage for better sightlines.
The correct foundation for your needs depends on the local water table and soil conditions. We offer small beach homes with crawlspace, slab, basement, walkout basement, and screw pile foundations, so you can select the right one for your lot.
Your local building department can let you know the specifics, but most coastal regions do require additional engineering. This is because they are exposed to stronger wind and rain from storms than inland locations.
It costs more building at the beach than other places due to the price of land and labor in a hot market. Beach-specific raised pile foundations greatly increase the price of building compared to traditional foundations, too. Finishing products like windows and doors are also more expensive because they have to be more durable, corrosion-resistant, and rated for extreme weather events.
If you're worried about recouping your money with a small beach house, consider your goals. For some, living by the beach year-round is a dream come true and well worth the cost. For those looking for a vacation property, the expense can be offset by renting when you aren't using the property yourself. It's a great way to cover the mortgage, because there are always prospective renters for beach homes.
Nautical style is always in! Warm sand and cool water hues are popular no matter the location, but many people also finish their small beach home with regional flair. Think red tile roofs where Mediterranean influence is strong and shakes up north.