House Plans by Sq Ft and Size Generally (Collections)

What's a mansion? How big must a house be to be referred to as a mansion?

As lame of an anser that it is, square footage alone doesn't determine whether a house is a mansion. The term "mansion" generally refers to a large, luxurious house and is subjective depending on local standards and cultural context.

However, in the United States, houses that are 5,000 to 12,000 square feet are often referred to as "mansions." Above 12,000 square feet (this figure is debatable... a mega mansion could arguably start at 20,000 sq ft), a house might even be referred to as a "mega mansion." Again, these are not strict definitions and can vary depending on the area and the real estate market.

In addition to size, the term "mansion" often implies certain features such as multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, high-end amenities, and often, a large amount of land. But the most important factor is generally the luxury and quality of the construction and furnishings.

In the United States, a small house is generally considered to be around 1,000 square feet or less. The definition can vary, and some might consider houses up to 1,500 square feet to still be "small." This is also dependent on the local housing market and standards of living.

It's important to note that there's a difference between a "small house" and a "tiny house." Tiny houses are a specific category of very small homes, often around 400 square feet or less, and are sometimes built on trailers so they can be mobile.

A carriage house, also known as a coach house, is a structure that was originally built to house horse-drawn carriages and the related tack. In many cases, these buildings also included living quarters for staff such as a groom or coachman.

In the modern era, the term "carriage house" can have several meanings. Many original carriage houses have been converted into separate, standalone residences, often referred to as "guest houses" or "granny flats." They may be rented out or used as accommodation for extended family.

Carriage houses can also refer to detached garages with living spaces above them. These are often designed to mimic the look of traditional carriage houses and can be a valuable addition to a property, offering extra space for guests or rental income.

It's important to note that the exact definition of a carriage house can vary from place to place, and in some areas, the term may be used more loosely to refer to any secondary building on a property.

Tiny houses are a specific category of very small homes, often around 400 square feet or less, and are sometimes built on trailers so they can be mobile.