5 Popular House Types

5 Popular House Types

Cape Cod
Despite having roots in the 17th century, this fashion was only really popularized in the 1930s. With a central front door, two symmetrical multi-pane windows, and hardwood floors, Cape Cods are primarily one-story homes. The purpose of the steep roofs was to reduce the amount of snow from New England that would accumulate on the roof. The distinctive shutters were installed to deflect brisk winter winds, and the low ceilings were intended to conserve heat. Due to the small size of the Cape Cod-style, an addition on the side or around the back may be necessary.

Before Boston architect Royal Barry Willis revived the Cape as a modern housing choice in the 1920s, the design was on the decline, according to HGTV. Although he modified the interior for modern life, he kept the basic outward shape of a Cape.

Colonial
One of the most well-liked types in the nation, this one comes from the late 19th century. A brick or wooden front, fireplaces, and two or three floors are common features of colonial-style residences. The bedrooms are located on the second floor of the traditional Colonial, while the kitchen and living area are on the first floor. The easiest types of homes to build on to are colonials.

According to SFGate, architects and homeowners added their own distinctive spins on the style as Colonial architecture flourished in the United States. Items like brass door knockers, cut-glass doorknobs, and gilt indoor mirrors were among them. The Colonial style also led to the development of the front window shutters.

Victorian
The "Victorian Era" roughly spanned the years 1860 to 1900. The "Queen Anne" is arguably the most well-known design element of the Victorian era. Traditional Victorian architecture is used, yet it incorporates and integrates more contemporary textiles and colors. Victorian houses frequently have an asymmetrical front with a partial front porch, a steeply pitched roof, a gable that faces the front, patterned shingles, and bay windows. The majority of Victorian-style homes are found in Louisville, Kentucky, and "Old Louisville" mansions from the 1870s have been almost totally maintained.

Tudor
The Tudor dynasty in England erected a number of timber-framed cottages during the 16th century that gave rise to the name. However, modern Tudor homes are modern adaptations of a number of late medieval English prototypes. Homes built in the Tudor architectural style frequently have a steeply pitched roof, cross gables, half-timbering, and small, narrow windows.

Cottage
Although the original idea for these pleasant cottage-style homes came from English countryside designs, they feature distinctive American characteristics. Despite having a similar design to the contemporary Craftsman-style, they only started to gain popularity in the 1920s and 1930s of the previous century.
Cross gables, arched entrances, casement windows with small panes, and brick, stone, or stucco siding are all characteristics of cottage-style homes. Although this design was first popular in the Northeast, searches on vacation rental websites like Airbnb and Vrbo now turn up cottage-style residences all over the country.

Is There a House I Can Afford?
Knowing how much house you can afford before starting your search is always a smart idea, regardless of the type you choose.

This article was contributed on Jul 30, 2022