Coastal Contemporary House Plans

What are the characteristics of contemporary home designs?

Open layouts, expansive windows, and an abundance of natural light characterize contemporary home designs. This architectural style feels fresh and uncluttered, using simple shapes, natural materials, and smart technology to make everyday living easy and comfortable.

Key characteristics of contemporary house plans include:

• Low-pitched gable roof with wide eaves that overhang
• Natural building materials (such as stone, wood, brick, and concrete)
• Open-concept floor plans
• Indoor-outdoor flow
• Large windows
• Clean, straight lines

What are the cost considerations to build a contemporary house?

The cost to build a contemporary house primarily depends on several key factors (such as the size and complexity of the design) and can range widely.

Key cost considerations include:

• Pre-construction costs (permits, preparing the lot, general contractors, etc.)

• Home size and layout: Larger homes usually cost more overall but may be less expensive per square foot than smaller ones.

• Location: Areas with higher living costs or strict building codes tend to increase expenses, so it’s wise to review local regulations early.

• Labor and construction: The price of skilled labor varies by region and can significantly impact your total cost.

• Materials and finishes: Choices like flooring, fixtures, and exterior details quickly add up and influence the final price.

To get a better idea of what a particular house plan will cost to build in your area, we recommend discussing your plan with your builder. You can also order a cost to build report for any house plan on our site. Just click the Get Cost to Build Report button on the plan detail page. Have more questions about cost to build? Check out our Cost to Build FAQ.

Can I customize a contemporary house plan to fit my needs?

Yes! All of our house plans can be customized. Whether you want to make a small adjustment or revamp the entire design, our modifications team is here to help.

Popular ways to personalize your plan include:

• Moving or resizing windows and doors
• Changing ceiling heights
• Expanding or trimming the overall footprint
• Rearranging rooms for better flow
• Adjusting the garage size or adding more storage
• Refreshing porches, patios, or outdoor spaces
• Requesting a different foundation or framing option

Have more questions about house plan customizations? Check out our Modification Guide, or give us a call.

What is the difference between contemporary and traditional house plans?

Contemporary house plans and traditional house plans offer two very different living experiences.

Traditional designs are known for their classic details, cozy rooms, formal layouts, and warm, timeless materials, like wood and brick.

Contemporary house plans have a more modern vibe with clean lines, open-concept layouts, and lots of natural light. They use sleek materials (like glass and concrete block) and focus on simplicity.

Are there small contemporary house plans available?

Yes, we have many small contemporary house plans available on our site. What makes them so great? Small contemporary house plans are all about living smart and simply.

With open layouts, lots of natural light, clever storage, and plenty of indoor/outdoor living, these designs live larger than their small footprint. Another perk? They’re easier to maintain and (usually) cost less to heat, cool, and build, making them a great choice for anyone who wants comfort and style in a modest footprint.

Are there contemporary house plans inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright?

Frank Lloyd Wright and his Usonian houses were a "moving force behind contemporary houses," Virginia Savage McAlester states in her book, A Field Guide to American Houses. Featuring a compact footprint and open layouts, these designs offered an affordable approach to architecture. They also showcased strong connections between indoor and outdoor areas, both visually and spatially. "Contemporary houses are sometimes called simply Mid-century modern, but, as used here, this is a broader category that includes other modern styles being built at mid-century," McAlester continues.

Many of the contemporary house plans on our site showcase these Mid-century modern features.

Have More Questions?

Discover more answers to frequently asked questions on the main Houseplans FAQ page.