Small floor plans are increasingly appealing to homeowners who are seeking a smaller home that is easier to manage, from cleaning and yard work to providing more flexibility within the budget. Smaller plans, often on one level, are also more accessible and appealing to those who wish to retire in place or for young families just starting out. Overall, choosing a small floor plan will enhance your lifestyle by simplifying day-to-day routines.

Smaller square footage is the primary way to cut down on expenses, as building materials and labor costs will be significantly reduced. First-time home buyers may want to build a small floor plan as their starter home, but leave room on the lot to expand in the future to accommodate children or guests. A wide lot will allow enough space to construct side wings, while with a longer lot you can maintain the façade of the home but extend the building to the rear. Alternatively, many of today's one-story plans include bonus space upstairs that can be finished later.

Small floor plans will probably not have a luxury kitchen or resplendent master suite, but you can still design with an open plan in mind that allows easy interaction. The rooms may be slightly larger to still provide a spacious ambiance, but cut down elsewhere such as on high end finishes and décor. The bones of the home are what will create a livable space. The house plan is even more important with a smaller home, as every inch should serve a useful purpose.