Real estate prices have reached unprecedented levels in several urban areas, leading to a growing demand for optimising comfort within limited spaces. A lavish lifestyle no longer requires a huge mansion; even the smallest home can cost-effectively offer elegance. The popularity of 600-sqft house plans is increasing rapidly, particularly among first-time homebuyers. We delve into some impressive 600-sqft house plans that prioritise comfort.
See also: 800 sq ft house plan designs as per Vastu
Benefits of a 600-sqft house plan
A key advantage of a 600-sq ft house plan is its cost-effectiveness. Smaller homes require less material for construction, particularly for the roof and foundation, which are major contributors to building expenses. Additionally, lower property taxes often follow due to reduced assessed value.
Such homes also save on heating, maintenance and cooling costs, making them energy-efficient. Compact designs like these can integrate eco-friendly features such as solar panels and modern materials like steel studs, further reducing long-term expenses.
Cleaning and organising are more manageable in smaller spaces, offering a clutter-free lifestyle. The compact layout naturally encourages minimalistic furniture choices, creating a sleek, contemporary aesthetic that combines style with practicality.
Who is a 600-sqft house suitable for?
A 600-sq ft house can be an excellent choice for various individuals. It’s particularly appealing to those who prefer living or working alone, as compact homes make ideal personal spaces or dedicated work environments. Couples looking for a simpler lifestyle or planning to save for retirement may also find these homes an attractive option.
These houses cater well to people embracing a minimalist, low-consumption lifestyle. Additionally, they can serve as cost-effective guesthouses, offering visitors a private retreat without disrupting the household. For multi-generational living, such homes make ideal in-law or granny flats. They allow family members to remain close while maintaining their independence and privacy.
How many floors can a 600-sqft house plan have?
The number of floors in a 600-sqft house plan is determined by various factors, including local building regulations and zoning ordinances. These regulations are specific to each city, rural area or metropolitan region and must be adhered to for approval by local authorities. It is essential to consider land size, the local economy, parking availability and the Floor Space Index (FSI) or Floor Area Ratio (FAR) before planning.
Local zoning regulations dictate the maximum FSI, which takes into account population density, building type (residential or commercial), land location, road width and access to utilities, such as water, power and sewage systems. For instance, if a city has an FSI of 2 and your land plot is 600-sqft, you can construct a building with a total floor area of 1,200 sq. ft, as per the below formula:
Floor Area Construction = FSI X Land Area (2X600)
The maximum number of floors allowed is determined by multiplying the plot’s square footage by the applicable FAR. If the FAR in your location is 1.5, you can build a total floor area of 900 sqft (1.5X600). In some cases, it may be possible to add one more floor if the ground level is utilised to a maximum of 500 sqft, leaving 400 sqft for construction.
What can be the layout of a 600-sqft house plan?
Visualising 600-sqft can be challenging for some. Imagine it as a rectangular space of 30X20 ft, resulting in a total area of 600-sqft However, not all 600-sqft house plans have to adhere to this exact shape. Often, floor plans come in irregular shapes and how you utilise the space depends on your needs. You can build a lavish 1 BHK, a modest 2 BHK or an elegant 1 BHK featuring a small study.
It is worth noting that ground-level construction space may be reduced due to car parking requirements, potentially leaving you with less than 500 sqft of space. Therefore, if you plan to build a 600-sqft house, it is essential to conduct thorough research on the local FSI regulations and zoning requirements.
How much do 600-sqft house plans cost to build?
Constructing a house without thorough planning can present numerous challenges. You should estimate the costs associated with labour, building materials and other essential factors that contribute to your home’s overall cost. For a 600-sqft house design, the required materials and estimated costs include:
- Cement: A bag of high-quality cement costs around Rs 360. For a 600-sqft house, you would need approximately 250 bags of cement, totalling Rs 90,000.
- Sand: You will require approximately 1,100 cu. ft. of sand, ranging from Rs 50-60 per cu. The cost would be close to Rs 55,000-66,000.
- Steel: Steel price can range from Rs 70-900/kg, depending on your location. Assuming a cost of Rs 70/kg, you would need about 1.5 metric tonnes of steel for a 600-sqft home, costing Rs 1,05,000.
- Aggregate: Aggregate costs roughly Rs 35/cu. A 600-sqft house plan would require 700 cu. Ft. of aggregate, amounting to Rs 24,500.
- Labour charge: The prevailing rate for labour is approximately Rs 300/sqft You would need to allocate Rs 1,80,000 for labour.
- Brick units: To complete the project, you will need 12,000 brick units at Rs 6/brick, costing Rs 72,000.
- Vitrified tiles: Vitrified tiles for bathroom use cost around Rs 35/sq. For an area of 40 sqft, the cost is approximately Rs 1,400.
- Granite: Priced at around Rs 150/sqft, you would require 17 sqft, resulting in a total cost of Rs 22,500.
- Ceramic tiles: These tiles cost Rs 20/sqft and you would need 200 sqft of tile, totalling Rs 4,000.
- Kota stone/other natural stone: With a price of Rs 20/ ft and an area of 250 sqft, the total cost would be Rs 5,000.
- Painting and wall putty: Budget approximately Rs 15/ssqft, with the total cost varying based on your requirements, averaging around Rs 50,000.
- Door: Allocate Rs 3,500/unit and with 6 units needed, the total cost would be Rs 21,000.
- Exterior door frame: Each unit costs Rs 1,800 and you would need 6 units, amounting to Rs 10,800.
- Window grill: Estimated at Rs 1,800/grill, with 2-3 units required, the total would be Rs 3,600.
- Sliding window: Priced at Rs 2,500/unit, with 2-3 units needed, the total would be Rs 5,000.
- Excavation rate: Budget around Rs 10/cu. Ft., with 1,700 cu. Ft. required, resulting in a cost of Rs 17,000.
- Water tank: At approximately Rs 10 per litre, for a 1,000-litre tank, the total cost would be Rs 10,000.
- Curing rate: Budget approximately Rs 200/day for six months, totalling Rs 30,000.
- Rate of filling: Estimated at Rs 15/cu. Ft., with 1,600 ft. needed, the total expenditure would be Rs 24,000.
- Electrician’s fee: Rs 35,000 (approx.).
- Plumbing fee: Rs 14,000 (approx.).
Additionally, plan for around Rs 50,000 for miscellaneous expenses. Hence, the total construction cost of a 600-sqft house plan amounts to Rs 829,300 (approx.).
Challenges of a 600-sqft house plan
Designing a home within 600 square feet requires smart planning, but it also comes with certain limitations that homeowners must prepare for:
- Limited space: Small floor area restricts movement, especially in homes with more than one occupant.
- Storage constraints: Without custom-built or vertical storage, it can be hard to store daily essentials.
- Furnishing difficulties: Standard-sized furniture may not fit, making compact or foldable options a necessity.
- Ventilation issues: Fewer windows or cramped layouts can lead to poor air circulation.
- Privacy concerns: With fewer rooms or partitions, maintaining privacy can be a challenge.
- Difficult layout planning: Balancing living, dining, kitchen, and sleeping areas in one small layout requires precision.
600-sqft house design tips
Here are some tips to maximise a 600-sqft house space
Use vertical space
Make the most of the room height by elevating furniture like beds and closets to create additional vertical storage and living space. Consider adding strategically placed mezzanines to efficiently use vertical space.
Smart design and layout
Every inch of space in your 600-sqft house plan should be used wisely. Rooms should be appropriately sized and located to optimise functionality. Minimise unnecessary partitions and corridors to avoid space wastage. Consider using sliding doors to save space, especially in bedrooms and bathrooms. Utilise vertical storage solutions, extending cabinets in bedrooms and kitchens up to the ceiling.
Multipurpose furniture
In smaller living spaces, furniture often serves multiple roles. Choose furniture that offers built-in storage or multifunctionality, such as coffee tables with hidden compartments, sofa-cum-beds, wall-mounted folding desks and kitchen countertops that double as workspaces.
Colour palette
The choice of colours can significantly impact the perception of space and mood. Opt for muted shades, earthy textures and primarily whites and greys for an expansive and pleasing visual effect. Add strategic pops of colour to enhance the overall look.
Focus on lighting
Maximise natural light by incorporating large windows on the east and west sides of your house while ensuring cross-ventilation. Complement natural light with a well-planned lighting scheme, combining ambient and task lighting. Smart placement of mirrors can create the illusion of a spacious environment.
Popular 600-sqft house plans
Here are some popular examples of 600-sqft house plans:
1 BHK 600-sqft house plans
A 600-sqft house plan is ideal for a spacious 1 BHK apartment. In this layout, you can incorporate a generous 12’X12’ bedroom, complete with an attached bathroom. There is room for an open-plan living, kitchen and dining area. While you could create a direct pathway from the kitchen, it is essential to consider the overall floor space.
A 12’X12’ bedroom can accommodate a standard king-sized bed (6’X6’). You can comfortably accommodate bedside tables within this space. Remember to maintain sufficient walking space around the bed; ideally, 2 ft of free floor space on three sides of the bed, excluding the side with the headboard.
2 BHK 600-sqft house plans
For families, especially with small children, a 2 BHK layout is often a necessity as it offers privacy and a structured living arrangement. The 600 sqft house plan for 1 BHK can be adapted for 2 BHKs, albeit with smaller rooms.
In a 600-sqft 2 BHK layout, you can allocate space for one spacious master bedroom and a second, compact guest or children’s bedroom. Opt for a queen-sized bed in the master bedroom. The second bedroom could accommodate a single bed or a pull-out divan bed, making it suitable for one occupant. However, it could be challenging to incorporate attached bathrooms for both bedrooms. Plan a single shared bathroom.
The remaining space, around 225-250 sqft, is designated for the common areas, including the kitchen, dining area and living room. Numerous configuration options are available for this space. One straightforward approach is to adopt an open floor plan, with the dining table positioned near the kitchen to serve as a dining area and a prep table. When furnishing such spaces, foldable furniture can be a practical solution.
Duplex 600-sqft house plan
A duplex house plan is designed with two levels. The ground floor comprises a living room or foyer, a primary suite with an attached bathroom, a spacious sit-out, a children’s bedroom, a shared bathroom and a kitchen equipped with a laundry room. For parking convenience, the duplex offers a spacious 6.6’X6.6’ sit-out.
On the first floor, you can have a foyer/living room, a master bedroom with an adjoining toilet and a generous balcony, a children’s bedroom, a shared bathroom and a kitchen with a separate utility room. The upper level mirrors the lower one in layout and dimensions. Large windows can be strategically incorporated into the design to promote effective air circulation.
600-sqft house plan: Vastu tips
Vastu considerations are important when planning a house, regardless of its size. When designing or constructing a house from the ground up, it is advisable to position the entrance in the north or east direction. Here are some additional points to keep in mind:
- The living-dining room should be the first space people enter after crossing the entryway. Position your sofas and entertainment area along the western or southern walls.
- The kitchen is best placed in the eastern direction. Ensure that it does not share a wall with the bathroom.
- Bedrooms are ideally located in the south or west of the house. Placing them next to each other makes sense, especially if they share a bathroom.
- If you opt to use the second bedroom as a home office, arrange the desk so that you face east while sitting.
Common mistakes to avoid when planning a 600-sqft house
Making the most of a small house depends on avoiding some common planning pitfalls that can affect comfort and functionality:
- Using oversized furniture: Bulky pieces can crowd the space and disrupt movement.
- Neglecting vertical space: Ignoring opportunities for wall-mounted shelves or loft storage leads to wasted potential.
- Overlooking natural light: Inadequate window placement can make the house feel dark and smaller.
- Ignoring multi-functional design: Not using foldable or dual-purpose furniture reduces efficiency.
- Choosing dark interiors: Dark wall colours or finishes can make the space feel confined.
- Poor zoning: Improper separation of spaces (like the kitchen and bedroom) can cause practical issues and reduce privacy.
Housing.com POV
600-sqft house plans exemplify how thoughtful design can transform compact spaces into functional, stylish, and comfortable homes. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, someone embracing minimalism, or looking for a practical investment, these layouts cater to diverse needs while being cost-effective and energy-efficient. With the right planning, design tips, and adherence to local regulations, a 600-sqft house can offer a perfect balance of utility and aesthetics. Explore the possibilities and create a home that reflects your lifestyle without compromising on comfort.
FAQs
How many rooms can be built in 600-sqft space?
Two bedrooms and two bathrooms with common areas like kitchen, dining space and living room can be built in a 600-sqft area.
How much does it cost for 600-sqft house plans?
A 600-sqft house plan can cost upwards of Rs 8.5 lakh.
Can two people live in a 600 sqft space?
Yes, a 600-sqft house can provide a comfortable living space for two people and small families.
Is 600-sqft enough for 1 BHK?
Yes, a 600-sqft area is enough space for a bedroom, kitchen, living room, dining nook and bathroom.
What is the best size for a 2BHK?
A 2BHK configuration includes a master bedroom, a small bedroom, a hall, a kitchen and 1-2 bathrooms. In India, a space ranging from 900-1200 sqft is sufficient for a spacious 2BHK apartment.
How many bricks do I need for 600-sqft?
To complete the project, you will need 12,000 brick units.
How to style a 600-sqft apartment?
To style a 600-sqft apartment, focus on minimalism and functionality. Use light colours to create a sense of space, choose multi-functional furniture, incorporate wall-mounted storage and utilise mirrors for added depth. Keep clutter to a minimum and opt for open shelving to maintain an airy atmosphere.
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