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This classic 20' wide farmhouse-style home is built with simple platform frame construction on your choice of nine different foundation types to adapt to your specific soils, budget and site. The home feels spacious and open but is efficient with its use of space. The plan has three bedrooms and three bathrooms, a utility hall and a full sized wrap around stair. The stair can go down to a basement or on up to the attic, should you need to expand up there in the future. Because of the simple framing system much of the interior layout can be modified by the owner or builder.
The Two Story Universal Cottage is a great starting platform for your own home building project because additional wings can be added in the future and the plans include options you might choose to build anytime, such as an add-on window seat or wrap around porch. The 16 page plan set includes all the drawings and information normally needed by builders and the building department, including:
Plans are ready to submit to your building inspector after you decide which foundation plan sheet to include and which way you want to build the roof. Electrical plans and plumbing locations are included. As with any building plans, you may be required by the inspector to make changes for your local codes and requirements. The 6 page materials list includes all materials for the post & pier foundation, house framing, hardware, insulation, windows and doors, drywall, electrical, plumbing and interior trim. This can be helpful for pricing materials and tracking costs.
Here is everything that comes with a plan set (note that paper orders come with 5 sets of printed plans, only one is shown here)
Here are a few photographs of a local builder’s version of the Universal Cottage. This was built by Sky Hoelting on Whidbey Island, Washington State. The owner used board and batt siding, with shingles on the gable ends. There are nice porch details and an attached carport in the rear. Click here to see a few more photos.