Build your own Shed, Backyard Cottage
or Tiny House — using this easy to modify free plan.

This is an adjustable small cottage plan that does not require a building permit in many areas of the U.S. and Canada.

In many places local building codes exempt structures under 200sf from permit requirements. This project is an experiment to see what can be done with a 14’ x 14’ (196sf) gable roofed cottage.

Explore the links further down the page. You can download the free cad files and run them on a $6 cad program to make modifications. All the basic structural information is included. See the CountryPlans website discussion forum for more information and an update on alternative layouts for this small structure.

Perspective in 3D Home Architect ver 3.

Floor Plan in 3D Home Architect ver 3.

Cross Section from 3DHA

Anyone familiar with building can build this little house from information in the PDF and the 3DHA cad file.

Notes on plan modifications:
• The walls are set at 10’ with a ledger to support a loft that might be done later. This is the normal code limit for an unsupported wall. It can certainly be lower.
• For a one story cottage you could use either a simple stick framed gable or trussed roof. Adjust to the desired pitch, 12:12 is shown.

The main floor is undeveloped. You can work up your own layout with this free download file using the inexpensive 3D floorplan software 3D Home Architect.
• Free zip file of 3DHA ver 3 layout of this house. Print to scale, change windows, add walls, etc.
• Scaled version of this page in easier to print PDF format.
• Link to low cost 3DHA CD (Windows only).
• More information on using 3DHA. (The CD comes with a good manual, videos, and help file on the disc.)

Such a little house could be modified for use as:
• Starter cabin on rural land
• Backyard office, guest room, garden shed, etc.
• What can you come up with?

Other plans we have that have helpful details that could be added to this cottage:
• Enchilada
• Victoria Cottage
• 20’ wide 1 ½ story
• Free information on foundations.

Link to the Plans Order Form — click on any blue item number for more detail.
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