What Are The Different Types of Single Family Homes?

The end goal of most Americans is to live in single-family homes. In fact, seven in ten Americans actually live in singlefamily homes.

Single-family homes are detached and not attached to any other home in any way. It is completely separate from other houses around it because it stands on its own property. These homes are mostly found in the suburban areas of the country.

Do you also want to live in a single-family home? Did you know there are several types of single-family homes that you can choose from?

Let's take a look at the different types of single-family homes.

Types of single-family homes

Single-family homes became more popular after World War II. Before that, only 13% of Americans lived in the suburbs. However, by 2010, nearly half the population of America began living in the suburbs. Single family homes are best for people who want privacy and plenty of outdoor space to spread out. However, they should be able to afford the maintenance and upkeep of single-family homes.

With single-family homes growing in popularity, here are some of the different types of single-family homes.

Bungalow

The word "Bungalow" stems from an Indian word meaning small houses. Bungalows were developed because the thick-walled cottage-style houses were not suitable for the hot Indian weather.

Bungalows are typically small, single-story homes with a front porch. You will find stairs leading to the front port because the single floor is raised. You may also find a dormer window built into the roof of the attic.

Bungalows began to be built in the US as early as the twentieth century. They are now found all over the country. However, considering that larger homes are more popular, bungalows are not as common as you would expect.

Most bungalows are between 1,000 to 2,000 square feet, making them a great option for young families. They can also be a great option for retirees and homeowners who do not want the hassle of managing a large property.

Bungalows can often look very similar to cottages and cabins. So, how can you tell if a home is actually a bungalow? Look for the following:

-       A low, open roof

-       A small porch in the front is accented by square columns.

-       A compact but proportionate front

Ranch-style homes

Like bungalows, ranch-style homes are also single-story homes. The difference is that a ranch-style home is more rectangular than a bungalow. Ranch homes are influenced by the hacienda style homes of Spain.

During the 1950s, ranch-style homes started to become popular in America. That was the time when suburbs started being developed, making larger plots available compared to urban homes. Since these homes are built on larger plots, they tend to have more open outdoor space.

Ranch-style homes feature large windows, low-pitched windows, sliding glass doors, open living spaces, large backyards, and attached garages. There are a variety of ranch houses, such as California, storybook, split-level, and raised ranch. For instance, California-style ranch houses are mostly L or U shaped, with a backyard that encourages outdoor living.

Split-level ranch-style homes have multiple floors connected by a short flight of stairs. Usually, multi-story homes have long flights of stairs, but split-style homes do not.

If you prefer single-story living, you will love ranch houses. 

Cottages

Cottages are heavily influenced by homes built in England. However, most people would think about a vacation home whenever they think of a cottage. That is because most affluent people prefer to refer to their vacation homes as cottages. Historically, cottages were small homes with thick walls and a high thatched roof. These houses usually had a single interior room.

Many people are attracted to cottage-style houses as they are charming and cozy. Although they are small in size, these houses do tend to have a big personality. In England and Europe, cottages were mostly home to working-class people, such as farmers.

In the US, cottage-style homes are popular as residences, but they are mostly seen as vacation homes. Most cottages feature wood siding, small porches, and a cozy fireplace.

Mansions

If you have a big budget, then you would love mansions. Mansions are big homes, usually upwards of 5,000 square feet. However, they are so much more than just single-family homes. Most mansions incorporate a lot of high-end amenities, such as swimming pools, huge gardens, tennis courts, and more. No wonder you have to be very rich to afford one.

McMansions are also big homes, but they are different than Mansions. These homes are usually 2,000 square feet or more, but they are not as grandiose as Mansions. McMansion can be considered a large, luxurious, single-family home.

Townhouse

A townhouse is a single-family home with two or more floors. Traditionally, townhouses are set side by side between other townhouses forming a tight row down a block or street.

In densely populated areas, townhouses were built so that as much real estate could be utilized as possible. Townhouses are different than condominiums in that townhouse owners own the interior as well as the exterior of the unit. That makes them financially responsible for caring and maintaining for the inside and outside of the house.

Townhouses are a great option for people who are buying a house for the first time. They are also great for budget-conscious people who want more space than offered by a condominium.

Tiny homes

Tiny homes, as the name suggests, are very small homes. They can be mobile or stationary. Usually, these homes measure about 100 to 400 square feet. Despite their small size, tiny homes are very efficient and functional. These homes are extremely popular among those who prefer to live mortgage-free and those who are looking to downsize.

What are the advantages of a single-family home?

The benefits of having a single-family home include:

More privacy

Single-family homes are detached from other homes and sit on separate properties, so they offer more privacy. Since you do not share walls with other homes, you will be less disturbed by noise levels coming from your neighbors' houses.

More space

Compared to multi-family homes like apartments and condos, single-family homes offer a lot more space. Since these houses are typically bigger, you also get a lot more storage space. Many people also have an exterior storage space, such as a garage or shed.

More exterior options

When you live in a single-family home, it is up to you how you get the landscaping done. You can have a vegetable garden or a flower garden, or a small pond. You can modify the structures or build more structures easily in this type of home.

Conclusion

Single-family homes are best for people who want to have more space and privacy. It will suit a family that has the time and money for maintenance and upkeep of the property. Nevertheless, they are one of the most popular real estate options out there.

If you are in the rental business, renting out single-family homes and multi-family homes involves a lot of effort and stress. However, with ExactEstate's property management software, running your rental business need not be stressful anymore. With numerous features like online leasing, maintenance, document management, tenant screening, and more, ExactEstate makes life easy for all property managers.

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