The smallest house you can legally build depends on the zoning and building codes in your area. The majority of the states have adopted the International Residential Code (IRC) for their building codes. According to the IRC, all houses must be constructed on at least 320 square feet of land. However, it is possible to build a tiny house on a smaller footprint if you plan to use it as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) or an RV. Here are some examples of the smallest legally buildable houses:
Keep in mind that even if your home is considered legal, you may still need to obtain various permits depending on your location. Always check the codes and regulations in your area before starting any construction project to ensure that you are building safely and legally.
Zoning and Building Codes by the International Residential Code (IRC)
As the majority of states have adopted zoning and building codes derived from the International Residential Code (IRC), it’s important to have a grasp of the minimal requirements to build a home legally. Zoning dictates how you can use a property, while building codes define the minimum design and safety aspects of a house. Building codes can contain specifications for everything from smoke detectors and electrical outlets to structural requirements such as stair dimensions and wall thicknesses. All of these specifications serve to protect both the occupants of a house and the community as a whole.
Legal Minimum Square Footage for Building a House
According to the IRC codes, all houses should be constructed on at least 320 square feet. However, this number only refers to the total area of the structure itself, not the living space. So, there is a difference between the square footage of the house you should build and the minimal size of the living area. In most states, the minimum square footage required for an entire home is 120 square feet, with at least one of the rooms required to be habitable.
Habitability Standards on Minimum Square Footage
Despite the legal flexibility of building a house on a smaller foundation than 320 square feet, habitability standards still need to be met. The IRC mandates that all rooms in a house should have a minimum height of 7 feet. Additionally, they require every home to have at least one room where the floor area is no less than 70 square feet. This room should have a minimum horizontal dimension of 7 feet. IRC standards like these aim to ensure that even the smallest of residences can still provide adequate living space and fit basic amenities.
Exploring the 320 Sq. Feet Mandate of IRC Codes
It’s crucial to address the mandate of the IRC codes that requires the construction of a house on at least 320 square feet of land. This standard often puts off many people who have a desire to build a smaller home. However, this code is not for the whole house’s actual living space, but for the land area that can provide room for basic needs such as insulation and foundation. In addition, the minimum space required allows for architects to design more efficiently, applying smart design techniques to create pleasant, livable houses that do not compromise significant indoor space.
Living Options for a Home with Minimum Standards
The minimum standards set by the IRC present plenty of living options for building a small house. A homeowner may consider having the main living space account for the most square footage to create a comfortable living area. Smaller, secondary spaces such as bedrooms, bathrooms, or storage areas can be tucked away around the house’s perimeter to conserve interior space. Homeowners can also consider multi-functional designs that take advantage of the same area for multiple uses. Some models of such designs include adjustable furniture and multifunctional storage.
Bonus tip: Before planning to build a small house, ensure to check the zoning laws or restrictions in your area.
Creating a Small Yet Habitable Home
While challenging, the prospect of building a home under 320 square feet doesn’t tarnish the possibility of creating a small yet habitable space. Working with the IRC standards offers homeowners a framework that assures designers adhere to basic safety and comfort criteria while providing creative freedom in designing an efficient, comfortable, and stylish space. Natural light maximization and space management are some strategies for creating a compelling and comfortable miniature home. There are also countless opportunities offered by modern-day materials and technology to create a functional and comfortable dwelling well below the suggested minimum of 320 square feet.
