Get ready to build your dream home with this collection of Southern Living house plans—designed by the South’s top architects and builders. You’ll find our most popular Idea Houses, from a Virginia farmhouse to a Lowcountry cottage, complete with renderings, color photographs, floor plans, and more. We’ll also share ideas and advice from Southern interior designers for decorating your new home, including favorite paint colors, furniture arrangements, art ideas, kitchen and bath design ideas, and tips for outdoor living spaces.

The Resource Guide contains detailed information about the Coastal Living Cottage, by Coastal Living for the 2018 Idea House in Habersham near Beaufort, South Carolina. Search for home plan SL-1986 to order construction drawings for this design.

Idea House Resource Guides contain detailed descriptions of the featured homes, as well as manufacturer names, item numbers, and other specifications for finishes, fixtures, and furniture.

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Photos and detailed information about the Celebration Cottage, by Southern Living for the 2016 Idea House in Mt. Laurel, Alabama. Search for home plan SL-1891 to order construction drawings for this design.

Idea House Resource Guides contain dozens of photographs and detailed descriptions of the featured homes, as well as manufacturer names, item numbers, and other specifications for finishes, fixtures, and furniture.

Download it Today!

Whether you're planning to build your first family home or a small weekend cottage, the venture may seem a bit overwhelming. But by understanding the homebuilding process, step-by-step, the experience can actually be pleasant and very interesting.

Building a home is a relatively simple process that has changed little over the years. However, the diversity of technologies used, variety of choices available, and complexity and cost of materials have changed dramatically.

Although we can't advise you on all the decisions you'll have to make, this manual, written by noted architect John Tee, AIA, can help guide you through the process. Consider it an overview of each phrase of construction, explained in straightforward, simple, non-technical terms, with just enough details to help you visualize each phase.

Each chapter contains information that will help you understand each phase of construction, the terms used, and the people involved. A Checklist at the end of each chapter will remind you of some of the important aspects of each phase. Familiarizing yourself with the Glossary of Building Terms will help you communicate with your builder. Samples of Specification Outline and Change Order form will clarify important details between you and your builder.

Now, take a deep breath and relax. You're off to a great start! With this manual and a little homework, you'll have a good understanding of how a house is built-from the ground up. Available in downloadable format. Approx. 150 pages.

Available as a downloadable PDF.

Printing/shipping fees apply if a printed copy is requested; call for details.

Get ready to build your dream home with this collection of Southern Living cottage house plans—designed by the South’s top architects and builders. You’ll find over 50 of our best-selling plans, complete with renderings, color photographs, floor plans, and more.

We’ll also share ideas and advice from Southern interior designers for decorating your new cottage, including favorite paint colors, kitchen and bath design ideas, and tips for outdoor living spaces.

Farmhouse Style, Our Best House Plans and Design Ideas

For over 50 years, Southern Living has collaborated with our region's best architects and designers to develop house plans that reflect the Southern vernacular - from modern farmhouses to classic cottages. Find an exclusive selection of best-selling plans in these pages.

Farmhouse Style, Our Best House Plans and Design Ideas

For over 50 years, Southern Living has collaborated with our region's best architects and designers to develop house plans that reflect the Southern vernacular - from modern farmhouses to classic cottages. Find an exclusive selection of best-selling plans in these pages.

Farmhouse Style, Our Best House Plans and Design Ideas

For over 50 years, Southern Living has collaborated with our region's best architects and designers to develop house plans that reflect the Southern vernacular - from modern farmhouses to classic cottages. Find an exclusive selection of best-selling plans in these pages.

204 plans, organized by square footage.

Includes our easy-to-use plan selection guide and 44 of our editor's favorite cottages.