24' X 24' House Plans (with Drawings)

Have you ever wondered if you could live comfortably in less than 600 square feet? When tiny houses became popular, many people started on a path of shedding clutter and living a more minimalist life. Although technically, a tiny house is typically less than 500 sqft, 576 sqft is still a small living arrangement.

If you’re planning on living in a one-story 24’ x 24’ home, 576 square feet, you’ll undoubtedly face some challenges. Of course, if you make it a two-story house, then you double your square footage within the same footprint. Either way, you shouldn’t enter into living in a smaller space without some careful planning and forethought.

A good layout can make all the difference in a space’s functionality. However, when you’re talking about overly small spaces, the layout becomes even more critical. Plus, storage and multi-purpose furnishings should be at the top of your priority list.

Unlike the majority of houses in the US that have three bedrooms, 576 sqft likely has one. Otherwise, you could potentially find two really small bedrooms. Or, conversely, you could have a bedroom plus an additional sleeping space in the form of a loft. A loft provides extra space without requiring a larger footprint, letting you sneak in extra square footage.

If the home has two stories, then you would be more likely to have two bedrooms. You could possibly squeeze in three, although it would be tight with roughly 1,152 sqft. You would certainly sacrifice room size to have three separate bedrooms.

No matter what size home you live in, you’re sure to want a bathroom. The typical formula for bathrooms is two for every three bedrooms.

However, in a one-story 24′ x 24′ sqft, a toilet, sink, and shower would be the likely scenario. If you can squeeze it in, maybe you could manage a shower/tub combo. In a two-story home, you’re more likely to fit two bathrooms.

You’ll also need some storage space, which is where creativity becomes essential. You’ll want to sneak storage into every nook and cranny you can find. Of course, a laundry area is also preferable, but you might get a stackable unit instead of a side-by-side.

If you’re able to build your home with high ceilings, you can maximize your vertical space for storage. Think things like lofts and shelving to store items you don’t need to access often.

Then, go for multifunctional furniture, like storage ottomans, drop-down tables, and even a Murphy bed with shelving or a desk. You could then use a spare bedroom as an office or study when it’s not time to sleep.

Considering room sizes in a home under 600 square feet is a little different than for larger homes. The most significant difference is you simply don’t have as many rooms and extra spaces.

For example, builders try to allocate a certain percentage of a home’s overall square footage to each room. They factor in bedrooms, bathrooms, a kitchen, living room, dining room, and more. Plus, they include things like a laundry room, study, walk-in pantry, and foyer area.

According to the National Association of Home Builders, these percentages vary based on whether your home is small (under 2,000 sqft) or large (over 3,500 sqft). However, when you’re talking about such a small home, you need to remove some rooms altogether. Instead, it’s best to focus on the essential spaces when planning the layout for your 24′ x 24′ house.

Based on the recommended percentages, your room spacing might look something like this.

Nowadays, the rule of thumb is that each person needs between 200 and 400 square feet of living space to be comfortable. Even three people would be pushing it in a single-story 24′ x 24′ house based on these numbers. Therefore, it might be a better fit for a small starter home for a single person or a couple.

It’s also a good option for empty nesters ready to downsize and ditch the demands of a larger home. If you’re set on raising a family in such a small space, you could expand it with some comfortable outdoor areas. If the house has two stories, it might work for three to four people.

Of course, if you’re looking for low housing costs and little maintenance and upkeep, then a small house becomes a viable option. But if you have a ton of stuff and have problems letting go, then you could feel overly cramped. It’s all about weighing the pros and cons and honestly assessing whether a 24′ x 24′ house works for you.

Related Questions

Roughly how much does a 24′ x 24′ home cost to build?

How much it costs to build a house depends on a few different things. The most significant factors are the size of the home and the location. For example, in Myrtle Beach, SC, you could build a house for roughly $121 per square foot. Conversely, in Richmond, VA, you would spend closer to $157 per square foot. Then, the numbers could drop to around $109 per square foot in Omaha, NE. Of course, the numbers vary based on the cost of available materials, accessibility, labor availability, and supply and demand. Therefore, if you’re building a 24’ x 24’ home in Richmond, you’d pay about $90,432. However, the same house in Omaha would only cost about $62,784. Keep in mind; these figures don’t include the cost of the land, just the home.

Are there special restrictions to consider if you build a small house?

It all depends on where you’re building. In some states, the building code states a home must be a certain minimum size, which can vary greatly. For example, some states require new homes to be at least 1,000 square feet. In other cases, there may be stipulations on room sizes and so forth. If you’re planning to build a new house, no matter the size, it’s vital to know the local building codes. Ensure you work with a reliable and professional contractor that will stay on top of all code restrictions and permits.