
FARMHOUSE PLANS - By Wallace Ashby, Chief, Division of Structures, Bureau of Agricultural Engineering
FARMHOUSE REQUIREMENTS - SIZE
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
COSTS
WORKING DRAWINGS
PLANS FOR HOUSES
This concise bulletin offers a hands‑on look at designing affordable farm homes that meet the everyday needs of a working family. Compiled by specialists in agricultural engineering, home economics, and farm‑related electrical services, the guide blends practical layout advice with clear, illustrated plans. Readers will find step‑by‑step considerations for choosing the right size, arranging sleeping quarters, and integrating kitchens, workrooms, and entryways that flow smoothly from the driveway and barn.
The material walks through comfort factors such as window placement, heating, plumbing, and lighting, while also weighing long‑term durability and the possibility of future adaptations—like closing off rooms or renting space. Detailed sections compare one‑story, multi‑story, and very small dwellings, and provide cost estimates based on unit prices. Whether you are building a new primary residence, an auxiliary house for workers, or a temporary structure, the booklet equips you with the essential information to make informed decisions.
Language
en
Duration
~1 hours (70K characters)
Series
United States Department of Agriculture Farmers' Bulletin No. 1738
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Tom Cosmas compiled from images made available by The Internet Archive.
Release date
May 25, 2019
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

b. 1890
Best known for practical books on farmhouses and rural buildings, this early 20th-century writer helped translate agricultural engineering into clear advice for everyday readers and builders.
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