Plan #21-0001: A Low-Maintenance 2-Bedroom Bungalow for Starters, Downsizers, and Garden Suites
Not every dream home needs to be big. Plan #21-0001 is a compact, single-storey bungalow that does a lot with a little: two comfortable bedrooms, a bright open-concept kitchen and living area, and a covered front porch, all on one level, all on a low-maintenance slab-on-grade foundation. At just 880 sq. ft., it's one of our most versatile plans, and it fits an impressive range of buyers.
Here's a closer look at the layout, who it's for, and how it can work as a home of its own or as a second unit on a property you already own.
What you get with Plan #21-0001
| Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type | Bungalow (single storey) |
| Foundation | Slab on grade |
| Finished area | 880 sq. ft. |
| Bedrooms | 2 |
| Bathrooms | 1 (with tub) |
| Overall width | 29'-2" |
| Overall depth | 35'-9" |
| Outdoor space | Covered front porch |
| Laundry | Dedicated laundry room |
The layout is efficient without feeling tight. Two bedrooms sit to one side, a primary at roughly 12' x 12' and a second bedroom at about 11' x 9'-8", while the other half of the home opens into a combined kitchen and living room that runs nearly 16 feet deep, anchored by a full-width window wall that pulls in natural light. A dedicated laundry room, a full bathroom with a tub, and a tucked-away mechanical room round out the plan. The covered porch across the front adds a genuine outdoor room for the cost of a roof overhang.
Who this plan is for
The first-time buyer or builder. A smaller footprint means a smaller build budget, and a realistic path to a brand-new, code-built home without stretching. Everything you need, nothing you don't.
The downsizer or single-level liver. With no stairs, one level, and a slab-on-grade foundation, this bungalow is a natural fit for retirees, empty-nesters, and anyone planning to age in place. It's the kind of home that stays comfortable and accessible for decades.
The cottage owner. Low-maintenance construction and a simple, durable footprint make Plan #21-0001 an easy choice for a seasonal getaway or a year-round retreat.
The homeowner adding a second unit. A standalone 880 sq. ft. bungalow is an ideal candidate for a detached additional residential unit (ARU), a garden suite or in-law suite in the backyard for family, guests, or rental income.
A strong fit for a garden suite or backyard ARU
Ontario has made it much easier to add a second home to an existing residential lot. Under the province's additional residential unit framework introduced by Bill 23, the More Homes Built Faster Act, most serviced residential lots now allow up to three residential units as-of-right, which can include a detached unit such as a garden suite or laneway-style home, without a rezoning application in most scenarios. The province also limits municipalities from setting minimum unit sizes and reduces parking requirements for these units.
A compact, single-storey bungalow like this one is exactly the kind of building that works as a detached ARU:
- Single level, no basement keeps construction simpler and the unit accessible for aging parents or tenants.
- Two real bedrooms and a full kitchen make it a complete, rentable home, not a bachelor add-on.
- A modest footprint leaves room on the lot for setbacks, parking, and yard.
A couple of things to keep in mind: as-of-right permissions, setbacks, lot coverage, servicing, and parking are all confirmed at the municipal level and vary by township, so your specific lot needs to be checked before you build. Not sure where your property stands? Our zoning search service will confirm what your lot allows. (This is general information, not legal or planning advice, your municipality has the final say.)
BCIN-licensed and permit-ready
Because we're a BCIN-licensed firm, Plan #21-0001 arrives as a professionally prepared, Ontario Building Code–compliant drawing set that's ready for permit submission. Your order includes:
- The full PDF plan set as shown
- BCIN-licensed drawings ready for your permit application
- A completed Ontario Building Permit Application form with your project address, Schedule 1 (Designer), and the Energy Efficiency Design Summary (EEDS) where applicable
- Delivery by email within 14 business days
Plans are drawn to the Ontario Building Code using wood framing, poured concrete foundations, and pre-engineered roof trusses, and we adjust each plan for the snow and wind loads specific to your region of Canada before it ships. Optional add-ons such as additional printed copies, a plot plan, a zoning review, or municipal permit submission are available if you need them.
Want a different size or a few changes? Our custom design and e-design services let you adapt this plan or start fresh.
Frequently asked questions
How big is Plan #21-0001? It's an 880 sq. ft. single-storey bungalow with two bedrooms and one bathroom. The overall footprint is 29'-2" wide by 35'-9" deep, plus a covered front porch.
What is a slab-on-grade foundation, and why does it matter? Slab-on-grade means the home sits on a concrete slab poured at ground level, with no basement or crawlspace. It's durable, lower-maintenance, and keeps everything on one accessible level, a good match for downsizers, cottages, and backyard suites.
Can this bungalow be used as a garden suite or in-law suite? Yes. As a compact, standalone single-storey home with two bedrooms and a full kitchen, it's well suited to use as a detached additional residential unit. Ontario permits up to three units as-of-right on most serviced residential lots, though you'll need to confirm your specific lot's zoning, setbacks, and servicing with your municipality first.
Is it a good option for aging in place? It can be. Single-level living, no stairs, and a slab-on-grade foundation make it easier to move through and adapt for accessibility as needs change.
Are the plans ready for a building permit? Yes. The drawings are BCIN-licensed and prepared to the Ontario Building Code, and your order includes a completed Ontario Building Permit Application form with Schedule 1 and the Energy Efficiency Design Summary where applicable. Submitting the application and paying permit fees remains the owner's responsibility.
How long does it take to receive the plans? Plans are emailed to you within 14 business days. That window lets us adjust the design for the snow and wind loads specific to your area of Canada.
Explore Plan #21-0001
Think this compact bungalow could be your first home, your next chapter, or the second unit on your lot?
View Plan #21-0001 and download the brochure →
Not quite right? Browse all of our pre-designed plans or get in touch — we also offer custom design, renovations, zoning searches, and e-design services.