About this plan

An American cottage on a 30 foot square footprint, 875 square feet over two levels with two bedrooms and one bathroom, under a gable roof with a dormer. The 30x30 cottage plans arrive as a PDF plan set.

What the dormer does

A dormer is the difference between an attic and a room. It brings headroom, light and a window to the upper floor, so the space under the gable becomes usable rather than being storage you crawl into.

It also gives the elevation its character. A plain gable with a dormer in it is the most recognisably American cottage form there is, which is why it has been built continuously for two hundred years.

Nine foot ceilings and an optional loft

Ceilings are nine feet rather than eight, and a loft is drawn as an option, so the upper volume can be opened up or floored over depending on whether you want the extra room or the extra height.

The windows are large throughout.

Porches and structure

Covered porches run front and rear. The roof is rated to 95 pounds per square foot of snow load.

Drawn for a concrete pier foundation, which means minimal excavation and suits uneven or wooded ground.

What you get

The download is a full construction set: dimensioned floor plans for each level, exterior elevations on all four sides, building sections and construction details, a foundation plan with floor, wall and roof framing layouts, an electrical layout, window and door schedules, and a roof plan with pitch and overhang dimensions. It arrives as a PDF once payment is confirmed.

Before you build

Permit requirements depend on your location, site and proposed construction. Your building department determines which drawings, calculations and professional approvals are required, and local review may identify changes needed to the plans. Some departments ask for an engineer’s stamp or a foundation designed around your own soil report; arrange these with a local engineer.

Other plans to compare

If these 30x30 cottage plans are not quite the right size, browse every design in Cabin, or compare this one with Lean Cabin, 22×28 and Nordic Cabin with Walkout Basement, 24×36. You may also want to look at Small Cottage, 30×30.

Common questions

Can I modify these 30x30 cottage plans?

Often, yes. Common requests include moving a wall, mirroring the layout or adapting the foundation to your site, but what is possible depends on the plan, so ask for a free quote before you buy. Editable CAD files are not available for every plan; email us to confirm availability for this one.

How are the drawings supplied?

Plans are supplied digitally as PDF files. Our Shipping and Delivery Policy explains how and when files are made available.

Are there limits on printing?

No. Print whatever your builder, your subcontractors and your permit submission need.