Hiring an architect, is always the best idea.

But there are plans to browse. Here’s a link to one source.

https://www.southernliving.com/home/house-plans-with-guest-house

Unless you are alone on one of the poles on this planet with zero restrictions ? You are going to need drawings, permits for all the structure to include plumbing, electrical, the window schedule, all of it.

You can Google "pool house" plans, you can google " tiny home" plans. One way is to get a good draftsman and a contractor to the site. The single BEST way, is to consult an architect at the site - with a budget in hand. That person will consider how the guest house relates to the rest of your existing home and property while also considering all the needs within the structure, and marry them with the exterior.

Thanks for that great link, which also led to other helpful links.

We have selected a builder who has done other work in our community. Mostly reno work, though. His quality is excellent. He has a dedicated architect, who will be part of the process, but to save us money, (his suggestion), he is trying to hash out the big picture with us prior to engaging the architect.

We are motivated! and are actively researching floorplan & design ideas. Lots of tiny house ideas out there, but we don't need the full kitchen. I am trying to fine tune the search. Thanks again for responding!

We added a guest house to our previous house. We used a local architect to design a layout that met our needs/wants, complemented the existing house, fit in the limited space and met local zoning laws. Lots of plans on google to get you some ideas.

Also think about access. In addition to our front driveway, we had a side driveway that gave full access to the guest house at the rear of the property for deliveries/repairs. So twice the cost in pavers and labor to get that access. Think about the additional costs you might not have thought about.

Thanks for your reply JAN MOYER. We live in a community in FL, and have already gone through a number of reno projects on the main house, so we are well aware of all the permit, architectural control and other requirements. The builder has already sited the guest house, taking into account easements, setbacks, underground utilities, etc.

We are now focusing on developing a floor plan that will fulfill our needs/desires while efficiently (and perhaps creatively?) maximizing the use of the space. I know there are lots of great ideas out there, beyond the basic. Trying to efficiently find them!

Remove the builder from the pre-design and design process, other than cost estimating and review of the design. Have your architect design the house with you.

Beware: Some people refer to an unlicensed designer as an "architect", there is a BIG difference and are legal ramifications.

"Have your architect design the house with you."

Those are the Eight best words in the design of any sized home, any locale.

You provide: How many guests at same time and whom? The details of their foreseen needs : )

I highly recommend hiring an architect. There is a multitude of reasons to do so, one of which is to keep certain programmatic information private. "Looking to have a wetbar for guest convenience as opposed to a full kitchen." speaks volumes.

Just a comment on the wetbar idea: a bar sink can be too small to wash a dinner plate. A full size sink is much, much better. Take a paper plate the size of your own dinner plates with you when looking at small sinks in showrooms.

@periksencat I had no idea that software was that inexpensive. This forum used to have a guy on here, Rabbitt Design, that regularly blew people away with really quick renders using that program. Can you scan in a floor plan or elevation and get a photorealistic 3D render? Couldn't figure out how he did it so quickly.

Paul F.

They used Home Designer Professional which is developed and sold by Chief Architect, and marketed to DIY and professional users that do not need the features of Chief Architect Premier.

CAD software makes an architect like a scalpel makes a surgeon.

Paul F, I don’t know if I could scan in a floorplan. I’m tied up the next couple of days but I’ll try to check my version to see if that feature is offered.

Search Guest House Floorplans on Pinterest. Obviously square footage, needs and structural restrictions, etc. all come into play, but they may trigger some combinations that might help from a conceptional perspective and start a discussion around wishes with your architect.

I guess if you ahve already explored what you can do on the property then an architect Is IMO the next step. Where I live the rules for extra living spaces added to your property is big deal and needs real careful thought . Most places have rules in place for ADUs and make sure you have those ducks in a row.

Thanks for the recommendation/consideration on sink size, Apple-pie-order. We do not want a full kitchen with all the works, but we do want some conveniences in there for our overnight guests, - like a coffee/drink center & a below counter fridge.

Depending on your location and style preference, you may wish to consider a pre-fabricated accessory dwelling unit (ADU) or kit. They are available from a number of sources. If you find one reasonably close, then the shipping cost won't be a deal breaker.