Top-rated home builders.

Get matched with top home builders in White River, SD

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your home building project in White River, SD?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.
Home Building questions, answered by experts

The term “cottage” is subjective, so there’s no rigid definition, but it generally refers to a small home with simple and purposeful architecture that embraces nature and focuses on charm over everything else. Cottages are typically 1 or 1 1/2-stories tall, usually with gabled roofs, and are built out of natural materials that help make the structure a part of the surrounding nature rather than something that stands out from it. A big part of what makes a cottage a cottage is the decor, which includes natural materials from the nearby area.

Any straightforward rectangular home layout is more uncomplicated than custom rooms, additions, or stylistic features. In stock plans, single-story ranch homes, cape cods, and colonials are common. Layouts with a single roof ridge are easier to build than those with multiple dormers, chimneys, or ridges.

Yes, there are a few different ways you can finance new construction. Some lenders offer new construction loans that cover the building costs and then convert to a standard mortgage once construction is complete. Some custom homebuilders also offer financing options that only require a down payment before you begin the building process. Construction loans are possible, as well, although they typically only cover the building process, and you’ll need to pay in full once the house is completed.

The average guest house is between 600 and 1,500 square feet. If you are unsure of how large you should build it, a good basic rule is to have one bedroom for every two occupants, at minimum. Generally, one bedroom for every one to two people is a good ratio. 

Most cottages are around 1,000 square feet, making them smaller than most other styles. However, cottages are defined more by their decor and architectural focus on simplicity, functionality, and a connection to nature than they are by a rigid square footage or floor plan. While cottages are defined more by their charm and appearance than size, the smaller footprint does help maximize the comfort and charm, and it keeps the focus on connection to nature and family.

The White River, SD homeowners’ guide to home building services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

What do you need done? We’ll find top pros.
  • 🌱 "Mow a small front yard"
  • 🛠 "Fix a leaking pipe under the sink"
  • 🏠 "Repair shingles on an asphalt roof"