A Small Home is a Big Deal

BODE PLANS OFFERS A SOLUTION TO HOUSING SHORTAGES.

 WHY BODE PLANS?

Bode Plans Inc. designs sustainable, net-zero-ready small homes that unite affordability with elegance—helping to address the housing crisis across North America.

Today, the United States faces a housing shortage of more than 4.7 million homes, while Canada is short 3.5 million. Housing costs have surged dramatically: U.S. home prices are up nearly 60% since the pandemic, and in Canada, average homes cost more than 9X the median household income.

Bode Plans offers a practical, scalable solution: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Built on the footprint of a two-car garage, our designs provide efficient, beautiful living spaces that can be integrated seamlessly into existing neighborhoods.

ADUs are discreet yet transformative. Often appearing as backyard cottages, garage suites, or studio apartments, they preserve the character of streetscapes while quietly increasing housing supply. This “gentle density” strengthens communities by making them more adaptable and inclusive. Because they are smaller and frequently built on land homeowners already own, ADUs naturally create more affordable housing options—ideal for first-time renters, young professionals, downsizing seniors, or families seeking multigenerational solutions.

For homeowners, ADUs also offer financial resilience. They provide rental income opportunities, enabling residents to remain in their homes while simultaneously easing market pressure for students, seniors, and young families.

Each Bode Plan—ranging from 575 to 1,120 square feet—is carefully crafted to maximize space, beauty, and efficiency. Developed to the 80% permit-ready stage, our plans significantly reduce design time while aligning with modern zoning requirements.

Our mission is to make these plans widely accessible, unlocking the potential for a profound impact. If just 5% of single-family homeowners pursued an ADU using Bode Plans, more than 4.7 million new homes could be created across the U.S. and Canada—without consuming additional land or compromising neighborhood aesthetics.

With strategic partnerships in place, we enable not only faster builds but also more sustainable construction, ensuring that every home is as efficient and environmentally responsible as it is beautiful.

    • ADUs are discreet. They often take the form of backyard cottages, garage suites, or separate studio apartments, blending seamlessly with existing homes. By keeping the streetscape intact, ADUs protect the look and feel of the community people love.

    • This type of “gentle density” blends seamlessly into residential areas, making communities more inclusive and adaptable. Because they are smaller and often built on land already owned, ADUs naturally provide more affordable housing options. Opportunities for first-time renters, young professionals, or downsizing seniors, all easing pressure on the traditional housing market.

  • ADUs are small, typically for one household, they add only a minimal number of cars. Many are built near transit lines or within walkable neighborhoods, further reducing the reliance on street parking. Smart design ensures that existing driveways or carports can comfortably support both homes.

  • ADUs provide housing that is naturally more affordable. Smaller units cost less to rent, making them ideal for students, young families, and seniors. At the same time, homeowners can benefit from rental income, helping them stay in their homes and build long-term stability.

  • ADUs often provide more affordable options naturally — smaller units cost less to rent or own. They’re also a way for homeowners to generate rental income, helping them stay in their homes while offering lower-cost housing to renters such as students, seniors, or young families.

  • ADUs represent gentle, incremental growth rather than sweeping change. They empower homeowners to meet the needs of their families — such as housing aging parents or adult children — while contributing to the wider community’s housing needs.

    Many cities are modernizing their zoning to support ADUs because they work within existing lot sizes and building rules. These streamlined policies encourage well-designed, high-quality units that are safe, attractive, and sustainable.

Follow our journey.