ADU floor plans 1200sf have a lot of space to address any family needs. The accessory dwelling unit of 1200sf can be a combo of guest house and home office, can be built wheelchair accessible, house a loft for storage space, can be used as a guest house and home office, place for older parents or adult kids, or as a rare rental that can house a whole family.
It can also be your home when you decide to downsize and move into this new low maintenance ADU while you rent your main house out for extra income or let you kids use a bigger house.
A 1200 sq ft house plan perfectly balances affordability, functionality, and comfort. Modern lifestyles demand efficient use of available space and a focus on energy efficiency, making this size especially popular with small families, first-time buyers, and those seeking easier maintenance. Homes within the 1000-1499 sq feet range provide just the right living area for your daily needs while leaving room for unique style, modern amenities, and storage solutions.

There is a number of pre-designed floor plans in our library – we have I shaped ADU, L shaped ADU and more.
Most ADU floor plans 1200sf boast two bedrooms and two bathrooms, but we can adapt floor plans to your requirements if you need a bigger bedroom, a bigger walk in closet or a luxury bathroom.
Every thousand dollars matters when you look at an ADU as an investment into your property. This is why we try to save you money with pre-designed plans.



– Efficient Layouts: Every inch of square footage is carefully planned for daily living.
– Open Floor Plans: Open concept design enhances flexibility and social interaction.
– Cost-Effective: Smaller area reduces construction and ongoing utility costs.
– Easier Maintenance: Less space means cleaner lines and less upkeep.
– Customizable: Various rooms suit different needs.

This 1200 sq ft ADU floor plan is one of the most expansive ones on our list! It features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a separate space for laundry. If you’re looking to house a family in your backyard—or the residents love to host —this makes for a great floor plan. You can also consider renting the rooms to individuals looking to stay near their workplace or college.
With open floor plans gaining popularity, the 1200-1300 sq ft house plan often features a great room—a combination living room, dining area, and open kitchen. This popular layout encourages easy access and social interaction and maximizes the perception of space.
This ample and welcoming space is ideal for relaxing, dining, and entertaining. It also seamlessly integrates with the outdoors with multiple windows and a glass door.
This floor plan includes three bedrooms of different sizes. One can be the primary bedroom, while the kids can take over the second bedroom. The third bedroom can be kept as a guest room or repurposed for other uses, such as a home office or for practicing certain hobbies (think an art room or a space for tech work).
One bathroom, ensuite to the primary suite, has a bathtub and a separate shower, and the other has a separate space for laundry.
This plan is currently under construction in San Jose – second time around will be even faster. The walls and roof come in a kit – framing is three times faster too.
1200 sf is the biggest square footage for an ADU in California. That is, unless you have a huge barn in the backyard, then you can convert the barn into an ADU even if it is 3000sf.
No barn? 1200sf it is. To make the investment work in this high price construction market, you need to maximize the size to minimize the cost per square foot. The smaller the ADU, the bigger the price per square foot. You are spreading fixed costs like utility connections, meter upgrades, solar panels on a smaller square footage. This is why we advice to maximize the size to whatever will make sense on the property and whatever you can afford. You only build an ADU once.
The price tag for a new accessory dwelling unit often seems high – additional burden on bigger ADUs: they are subject to impact fees. Remember to compare it to buying a new condo.
If you are working mostly from home you need additional space for work. The extra room helps you separate your work and family lives.
The pandemic has brought in a sense of insecurity in the minds of all. This is more so in the minds of the people close to retirement age. You may have to accommodate your aged parents or in-laws who want to have you near them. If you have space in the backyard, this is a great investment into your real estate and into your family’s piece of mind.
Explore, customize, and discover the small house plan that’s right for you. With expert help and a rich plan collection designed for 1000-1500 sq ft homes, your perfect layout is just a click away!

Choose from one of the 30+ pre-designed 1200 sq ft ADU plans

Type in your address to view unit on the map of your property

Review preliminary estimate of your selected ADU