Building a Dog Trot House: One Family’s Journey
One of the most rewarding parts of designing house plans is hearing from the families who build them. When Joey and Natalie decided to build one of our Dog Trot house plans, they weren’t just building a house —” they were making a life change. They sold their existing home, committed to building debt-free, and documented the entire process from clearing land to moving in.
Why They Chose the Dog Trot Plan
Joey and Natalie were drawn to the Dog Trot design for the same reasons it’s become one of our best-selling plans:
- The breezeway —” The signature open-air breezeway between the two main sections of the house provides natural ventilation and a unique outdoor living space that’s protected from rain and sun.
- Efficient layout —” The Dog Trot separates private sleeping areas from public living spaces naturally. One side holds the bedrooms and bathrooms; the other side holds the kitchen, dining, and living areas. The breezeway connects them.
- Affordable to build —” The Dog Trot plan has a straightforward rectangular footprint on each side, which keeps framing costs down. No complicated rooflines or wasted hallway space.
- Expandable —” The design lends itself to future additions. You can enclose the breezeway, add a room above the garage, or extend one wing without disrupting the original plan.
Lessons From Joey’s Build
Joey’s owner-builder experience offers valuable insights for anyone considering building from one of our plans:
Start With the Land
Before they ordered the plan, Joey cleared the land and understood exactly where the house would sit. This let them orient the breezeway to catch the prevailing wind —” exactly how the original Dog Trot homes were designed in the 1800s.
Budget Realistically
Joey’s goal was to build debt-free, which meant making smart choices about where to spend and where to save. They invested in quality framing and roofing (the stuff you can’t easily change later) and saved on interior finishes that could be upgraded over time.
Be Your Own General Contractor (If You Can)
Joey acted as his own general contractor, hiring subcontractors for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC while doing much of the finish work himself. This approach saved thousands but required significant time and project management skills.
What Makes the Dog Trot Plan So Popular
The Dog Trot is one of our top-selling plans year after year. Here’s why it resonates with buyers nationwide:
- Historic charm with modern function. The Dog Trot originated in the rural South as a practical solution to hot climates. Our modern version keeps the iconic breezeway but adds all the conveniences of contemporary living.
- Natural ventilation. The breezeway channels airflow through the home, reducing cooling costs and providing a comfortable outdoor space.
- Separation of spaces. Parents and kids on opposite sides of the breezeway —” enough said.
- Curb appeal. The Dog Trot has a distinctive, eye-catching look that sets it apart from every other house on the road. People remember a Dog Trot.
- Versatility. Our Dog Trot plans work on flat lots, mountain sites, and lakefront properties. The design adapts to almost any setting.
Build Your Own Dog Trot
Max Fulbright’s Dog Trot house plans are available in several sizes and configurations. Whether you want a compact 2-bedroom version or a larger plan with a bonus room and garage, the Dog Trot design delivers character, efficiency, and a way of living that families love. Browse our Dog Trot collection and start planning your build.
