Direct Answer
A 700 square foot home plan generally provides a bit more flexibility in layout compared to a 660 square foot plan, mainly due to the additional 40 square feet that can be allocated to better circulation, extra storage, or larger kitchen and bathroom spaces. However, with smart design that emphasizes open areas and effective storage solutions, a 660 square foot home can offer nearly the same level of usability.
Quick Takeaways
Introduction
When clients wonder whether a 660 square foot or a 700 square foot house plan is superior, they often believe the larger equals better. Having designed numerous compact residences in California and several accessory dwelling units (ADUs) under 750 square feet, I can confirm the answer is more nuanced.
The difference between 660 and 700 square feet is about the size of a small closet. Yet, how that extra space is utilized—whether for circulation, storage, kitchen depth, or bathroom design—can greatly affect the feel of a home.
Interestingly, many poorly planned 700 sq ft homes feel more cramped than some carefully designed 660 sq ft layouts. The key lies not in square footage but in how well the interior space flows.
If you're curious about how professionals create efficient small home layouts, tools like Homestyler provide visual guides and smart zoning strategies that demonstrate room organization for optimal functionality.
In this article, I will dissect the real differences between 660 and 700 square foot house plans—from layout adaptability and storage options to building costs and suitability for different households.
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Overview of 660 sq ft and 700 sq ft house plans
Key Insight: Functional differences between homes of 660 and 700 square feet depend far more on the design approach than on square footage alone.
Both fall within what architects typically classify as "compact single-family" or "large ADU" sizes. In my experience, these homes generally follow one of three layout types:
The extra 40 square feet in a 700 sq ft home often appears allocated to one or more of the following areas:
For several ADU projects I’ve managed in Los Angeles, the biggest perceived advantage of the larger plan was not the living area but improved storage. Even a single extra 24-inch wardrobe can significantly enhance daily convenience.
Key layout differences between the two sizes
Key Insight: The most notable difference in layouts is circulation space—such as hallways, room clearances, and bathroom entries.
Designers sometimes overlook how circulation influences comfort in small homes. An extra 40 sq ft allows smoother movement, especially connecting the kitchen with living spaces.
Common layout differences resemble the following examples:
A frequent misstep in 700 sq ft designs is adding hallways to separate rooms, which ironically can consume space and make the home feel more confined than a well-planned 660 sq ft open layout.
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Space efficiency and room flexibility comparison
Key Insight: A 660 sq ft house typically requires stricter multifunctional room design, while 700 sq ft plans permit somewhat more dedicated spaces.
When space is limited, every room must serve multiple roles.
Typical differences between the two sizes include:
In a recent ADU project, increasing the space by just 38 square feet—which nearly matches the difference between these two sizes—allowed a full-height pantry and a stacked laundry closet. The homeowner reported a noticeable improvement in daily living.
When testing layout variations, interactive 3D room planning software like Homestyler makes it easier to visualize how slight dimensional changes impact traffic flow and usability.
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Construction cost and land use differences
Key Insight: The price difference between building a 660 sq ft versus a 700 sq ft home is generally modest; however, complexity in the design often impacts the budget more than square footage.
Structurally, adding 40 square feet rarely necessitates major changes. Main cost differences usually involve:
In many U.S. regions, that additional area might add just a few thousand dollars, depending on the materials selected.
Yet, more complex layouts encouraged by extra space can introduce hidden costs; for instance:
Hence, thoughtful design planning usually has a greater financial impact than merely increasing square footage.
Which size fits best for different household types
Key Insight: Choosing between a 660 sq ft and a 700 sq ft home plan largely depends on the household’s composition and everyday activities.
From experience designing small homes, the sizes typically suit different lifestyles as follows:
Additionally, furniture dimensions are often overlooked. Larger sofas or king beds may overwhelm compact interiors. Many successful small home designs use strategic furniture planning integrated with architecture.
If you want to visualize furnished interiors within these small footprints, Homestyler’s real-life interior renderings of compact homes reveal how furniture and storage can efficiently coexist in limited space.
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Answer Box
A 700 square foot home plan offers slightly more options for storage, kitchen design, and circulation. Nevertheless, a thoughtfully planned 660 square foot home can provide nearly equal day-to-day usability by focusing on open layouts and built-in storage.
Final Summary
FAQ
Is 700 square feet significantly larger than 660 square feet?
Not substantially. The difference amounts to roughly the size of a small walk-in closet.
Which is better: 660 or 700 sq ft houses?
A 700 sq ft house generally gives slightly more layout flexibility, though a well-designed 660 sq ft home can perform just as effectively.
Can a family live comfortably in 660 sq ft?
Yes, especially a couple or a small family with one child, as long as the design includes efficient storage and multifunctional furnishings.
Does building a 700 sq ft house cost a lot more?
Typically not. Building costs rise only marginally compared to the overall budget.
What rooms are typically found in a 660 sq ft house?
Most layouts incorporate a living room, kitchen, one or two bedrooms, and a bathroom depending on design efficiency.
Can a 700 sq ft house accommodate two bedrooms?
Yes. Many 700 sq ft plans include two compact bedrooms alongside shared living spaces.
Do design layouts matter more than square footage in small homes?
Definitely. Intelligent floor plans often boost functionality more than simply adding a small amount of square footage.
What type of layout is best for a 660 versus 700 sq ft house?
Open-concept living areas, integrated storage, and minimized hallways usually result in the most efficient designs for small homes.
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Homestyler is an easy-to-use online home design platform offering powerful 3D rendering, a vast collection of interior design projects, and helpful DIY video tutorials. It’s perfect for visualizing and creating your ideal living space with confidence and creativity.
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