If you found a great spot by the lake, building a waterfront house is a great idea. These properties are highly valued for their location, with most of them being used as vacation homes. They offer direct access to water through a deck, making it easy for you to fish or swim. Building a waterfront home starts with the most important step – finding and purchasing a layout. In this article, you will be presented with 6 options that offer great value for the money.
6 Best Waterfront House Plans
The best waterfront house plan is 010H-0003 as we love its vaulted ceiling, and how it works so well for your average family.
1. 073H-0088
SPECS
| Total Heated Space | 1,375 sq ft |
| Porch | 235 sq ft |
| Bedrooms | 2 |
| Baths | 2 |
| Width | 43’4” |
| Depth | 48’ |
This compact yet efficiently designed waterfront home has 1,375 square feet of living space. It is built on one level so you won’t have to worry about going up and down the stairs every day. An 18’x20′ family room sits at the center of the layout, which is a suitable place to spend the evenings with your family. The 14’4″x10’7″ kitchen comes with an L-shaped island that can also act as an eating bar.
We love how this plan incorporated back-to-back fireplaces in the family room and external deck. If you live in an area with a cold climate, you’ll make good use of this feature. Two 12’4″x16′ patios are similar in size and they can be found on each side of the front porch.
Pros:
- L-shaped island/eating bar in the kitchen
- A laundry is included in this layout
- Great combination of indoor and outdoor living spaces
Cons:
- There is no pantry in the kitchen
- This plan does not feature a garage
2. 010H-0003
SPECS
| Total Heated Space | 1,235 sq ft |
| First Floor | 893 sq ft |
| Second Floor | 342 sq ft |
| Porch | 169 sq ft |
| Bedrooms | 3 |
| Full Baths | 2 |
Here’s an option suitable for an average family. It has a total heated space of 1,235 square feet, three bedrooms and two full baths. On the main level, the 13’6″x12’4″ living room is combined with the 11’6″x8’8″ dining area in an open floor format. We have to mention the skylights, which will allow for plenty of natural light to come in during the day. Two bedrooms are also found on this level and they share a common bathroom.
Upstairs, the master suite is conveniently placed to maximize privacy. It measures 13’6″x11’8″ and it has a vaulted ceiling. From here you have direct access to a sundeck through a glass sliding door. Keep in mind that the second floor is open to below so adequate railing should be installed for your family’s safety.
Pros:
- The best option for an average family
- The master suite benefits from privacy on the second level
- Skylights in the living and dining rooms
Cons:
- This plan does not include the electrical layout
- We find the downstairs bedrooms to be too small
3. 062H-0331
SPECS
| Total Heated Space | 1,154 sq ft |
| First Floor | 954 sq ft |
| Second Floor | 200 sq ft |
| Deck | 458 sq ft |
| Bedrooms | 2 |
| Full Baths | 1 |
With 954 square feet on the first floor and 200 more on the second level, this waterfront home plan is perfect for someone who wants a vacation house. If you build it on the shore of a lake, you can even fish from the 36’x10′ deck. Inside, two bedrooms allow you to take a friend with you on this trip. They both share an 8’x10′ bathroom which also acts as a laundry.
If you plan to live there permanently, you have plenty of storage space. There’s a 9’x4′ room where you can set up shelves and place all sorts of items. When it’s time to cook the fish you caught from the deck, a 14’x10′ kitchen awaits you with countertops, two sinks, a stove and a refrigerator.
Pros:
- Both bedrooms have their own closet
- The large deck can be built above the water
- Art loft on the second level
Cons:
- There are no stairs, you will have to use a ladder to get to the upper floor
- Some people prefer a shower cabin instead of a tub in the bathroom
4. 052H-0088
SPECS
| Total Heated Space | 477 sq ft |
| Porch | 180 sq ft |
| Bedrooms | 1 |
| Full Baths | 1 |
| Width | 33’ |
| Depth | 29’ |
Our budget pick is this vacation home that has 477 square feet of heated space. Because it has a pile foundation, you can build it above shallow water. The landing zone takes you up the stairs to a 13’8″x11’4″ porch where you can set up a sofa, a table and two chairs. As you step inside, a spacious 14’x11’8″ bedroom with a vaulted ceiling awaits you.
The 7’6″x14′ kitchen is situated on the right side of the house. It has a 2 burner gas stove, a sink and a refrigerator installed under the counter. Because it lacks several day-to-day appliances, this property is more suitable for a vacation home. On its left side, the 8’10″x14′ bathroom has a clawfoot tub, a steam shower and a designated space for a stacked washer and drier.
Pros:
- Shelves in the bedroom increase the storage space
- The bathroom has a shower and tub
- A pile foundation allows you to build this home above the water
Cons:
- The kitchen is not equipped properly for day-to-day living
- The porch is not covered
5. 062H-0254
SPECS
| Total Heated Space | 750 sq ft |
| Deck | 230 sq ft |
| Bedrooms | 1 |
| Full Baths | 1 |
| Width | 25’ |
| Depth | 40’ |
Couples seeking a minimalist lifestyle should choose this plan for their future home. It offers 750 square feet of living space on one level with a spacious interior. The 16’x18′ living room is combined with the 9’x9′ kitchen and 9’x9′ eating area in an open floor layout. We love how many windows have been put here by the designer. Due to an abundance of natural light, you can expect lower electricity bills.
The only bedroom in this home measures 12’x11′ and it has enough space for a bed, two nightstands and an armrest. To maximize the walkable space, you can install a wall TV here. A hallway holds the linen closet and pantry on its side and it leads directly to the 9’x11′ bath.
Pros:
- Vaulted ceiling and large windows
- Even though this house is small, there is a pantry included
- The bedroom has a closet on its side
Cons:
- There is no laundry in this layout
- The kitchen could use an island in the center
6. 027H-0352
SPECS
| Total Heated Area | 1,146 sq ft |
| Garage | 486 sq ft |
| Bedrooms | 2 |
| Full Baths | 2 |
| Width | 35’4” |
| Depth | 60’8” |
If you are willing to spend more on a waterfront house, this option has everything you need. It is built on one level where you will find two bedrooms and two full baths on 1,146 square feet of living space. Whether you are a professional chef or an amateur cook, we’re sure you will appreciate the island in the 15’x10′ kitchen.
The master suite measures 13’x11’6″ and it has a double-vanity bathroom with a custom shower cabin. Pay attention to the measurements on this layout and notice the size of the second bedroom. Its size is reduced but you can fit a single bed and a cabinet. We love how this plan has a garage incorporated, which is a useful addition to a waterfront property.
Pros:
- There is an island in the kitchen
- Both bathrooms have a shower cabin
- 2-car garage attached to the side of the house
Cons:
- The second bedroom is smaller than average
- Only a small area of the deck is covered
Factors To Consider
The process of building a waterfront home is complex. It is easy to get lost in the details, measurements and all sorts of features. Sometimes it is recommended to go back to the basics if you want to make sure you’ll get everything right. Read the following factors to consider and keep them in mind while you look through house plans.
Weather and Climate
Waterfront homes can be exposed to severe weather such as hurricanes, floods or high winds. Natural disasters come unexpectedly and they do a lot of damage. Look through historical data and build your house in stable environments where this risk is lower.
Protection Against Insects
Mosquitos are commonly found near bodies of water. If you build a waterfront home in a remote area in nature, set up adequate protection against insects. In some cases, the noise and lighting from your house can also attract nearby wildlife.
Storage Space
Most people build a waterfront home with comfort and relaxation in mind. If you use this property during weekend getaways and trips with family, make sure to incorporate plenty of storage space which you can fill with supplies and equipment suitable for unexpected situations.
Why You Should Trust Us
Manually searching, analyzing and comparing waterfront home plans is a difficult task. It takes away precious time and energy from you, which could be better used in the process of building your new home. Leave the hard work for us and choose from the 6 best layouts you can currently find on the market. They are the only ones who passed the strict requirements enforced by our team of expert architects.
How Much Do These Designs Cost?
A waterfront home does not feature a lot of living space and you will notice how their price is slightly lower than average. Expect to pay between $800 to $1,400 for such a house plan. Before you purchase the layout for your future home, consider the price of materials, workforce and building permits.
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