The Desert Studio (400-500 sq ft)
Our most requested floor plan for rental income. An open-concept layout with a combined living/sleeping area, full kitchen along one wall, a complete bathroom, and generous built-in storage. The 400 sq ft version is compact but livable. The 500 sq ft version adds a defined sleeping nook separated by a half wall or sliding barn door.
400-500
Square Feet
Studio
Open Concept
1
Full Bath
Key Features:
- Open-concept living/sleeping area
- Galley or L-shaped kitchen
- Walk-in shower bathroom
- Covered entry patio
- Built-in closet + pantry storage
- Optional: stacked washer/dryer closet
Rental potential: Studios in Tucson rent for $1,000-$1,500/month. Airbnb rates for well-designed casitas near the university or downtown can run $80-$120/night.
The Saguaro Suite (600-750 sq ft)
Our go-to floor plan for families building a casita for aging parents or adult children. A true one-bedroom layout with a separated bedroom, full kitchen, living area, full bathroom, and covered patio. Feels like a real apartment, not a converted space. The 750 sq ft version adds a small second bathroom or walk-in closet.
600-750
Square Feet
1 Bed
Separated
1-1.5
Bathrooms
Rental potential: 1-bedroom casitas in Tucson rent for $1,300-$1,800/month. Strong demand from single professionals and retirees relocating to Tucson.
The Catalina Cottage (850-1,000 sq ft)
Our largest standard floor plan. Two bedrooms, a full kitchen, living/dining area, full bathroom, and covered outdoor living space. This layout works equally well as a rental property, a guest house for extended stays, or a home for a small family. The second bedroom can double as a home office when not used as a guest room.
850-1,000
Square Feet
2 Bed
Separated
1-2
Bathrooms
Rental potential: 2-bedroom units in Tucson rent for $1,600-$2,500/month. Highest demand and lowest vacancy rates of any unit type.
Design Tips for Tucson Casitas
Orient for shade
Position windows and covered patios to block western afternoon sun. This single design choice can cut cooling costs by 20-30% in Tucson.
Include outdoor living space
A covered patio or portal extends your usable space for 8+ months of the year. Budget at least 80-100 sq ft of covered outdoor area.
Go for light colors
Light-colored roofing and exterior stucco reflect heat. This is Tucson, not Minnesota. Dark exteriors can increase cooling costs significantly.
Invest in mini-splits
Ductless mini-split HVAC systems are ideal for ADUs. They are efficient, quiet, and don't require ductwork in tight spaces.
Ready to Design Your Casita?
Every floor plan we build is customized to your property, budget, and goals. Let's start with a free site visit.
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