The New Cottage Home; Cottage Construction Basics

Planning construction of the new cottage home requires special attention to several factors; including what the main purpose of the cottage will be.

For instance, will the cottage be used as a winter cottage, a summer home, or a cottage rental? Will it serve as a retirement home, a hunting cabin, or a guest house for visitors?  Once the main purpose for the cottage has been established, move on to cottage construction design.

Your Dream Cottage Floor Plan

Avoid getting caught up in selecting a cottage design and floor plan simply because it is �cute.� You want something that will meet the needs of you and your family long term.

Cottage size and floor plan layout should be your first consideration � as well as what you are realistically able to afford. Remember, the larger the cottage construction, the greater ongoing expenses are most likely to be.

If you have a larger family or enjoy entertaining, chances are you will want larger, more open spaces than classic cottage design. If you are married but haven�t yet started a family and plan to at a later date, consider a floor plan that will easily evolve to meet changing needs. With rooms that can easily be converted to serve more than one purpose.

For instance, a storage room in close proximity to the master bedroom that could be made into a nursery. Or, a home office or reading room that could later be turned into a family room or children�s bedroom. In addition, the kitchen area should be larger than what your current needs are.

Another aspect of cottage design will be type of materials used. Do you want a log cabin, a stone cottage, or something very unique � like a thatched cottage?  Part of the allure of cottage living is the variety of cottage style choices from which to select. Be practical; but also be creative and have fun with the design.