6 Popular Architectural Styles of Homes
By Pro.com
Special to Yahoo Homes
You’ve purchased the perfect lot and now you’re torn as to what style of home you want built on your dream property. Or, you think you want a ranch, log cabin or colonial home, but want to weigh the pros and cons of your desired choice to make sure. New homes come in a wide range of budgets and even a wider range of styles.
We chose six of the most popular styles to help you with your decision.
1. Ranch
Although this style originated in the West and Southwest, you can now find them across the nation. As their name suggests, these were the houses where horse ranchers lived. Ranch homes are usually a single story. Having all the living space you need on one level can be very convenient. Some floor plans tend to sprawl and those will require a larger than normal lot.
2. Craftsman or Bungalow
First built from thatch in India, bungalows in the U.S. not only upgraded the building materials, but also adapted them to our climates. You can build a bungalow with one or one-and-a-half stories, and later on add more square footage by building an extension. If that’s in your future, you’ll need a lot to accommodate the larger version. Because all the rooms in the home can be reached from the ground, that puts you at risk for security.
3. Log Cabin
Rustic living was synonymous with our country’s pioneers, but made its way to the 21st century because of the cabin’s versatility. They can be custom built to anyone’s specifications. You can go the luxury route with the wood used, the finishes and the amenities, or work around most any budget below top-of-the-line. What were once inexpensive shelters can now be counted among some of the richest homes in the U.S. The downside can be the potential infestation by carpenter ants, termites and other pests.
4. Colonial
The thirteen original colonies spurred this style and their revival has made its way to American neighborhoods today. Colonials are characterized by two or three stories, a medium or slightly-pitched roof and spacious rooms inside. The exterior usually looks symmetrical with the front door in the middle flanked by an even number of windows on each side. Although the rooms are large, they are also closed off from each other and climbing stairs everyday may not be convenient for every family member.
5. Modern or Contemporary
Think Frank Lloyd Wright and his simple and clean designs. The modern style features strong lines, both horizontal and vertical; bold roofs – even multiple levels and often flat - plus an open floor plan for the interior. Flat roofs make the most sense for energy efficiency, but they also require the most maintenance. Harsh weather can damage these roofs very quickly and even a mild climate can cause standing water to clog drains.
6. Mediterranean
Originating in Spain, Greece and Italy, this style home boasts stucco exterior walls, tile roofs, courtyards, verandas on the upper floors and large outdoor areas for entertaining. These homes stay cool in hot weather because of their courtyards and breezeways. Even the open arches and large windows take advantage of any wind coming through. If built where temperatures plummet in the winter, you’ll deal with the high cost of heating.
Pro.com is a website founded in 2013 by service industry entrepreneurs and former Amazon executives to simplify home services -- especially research on contractor fees and qualifications.
Related from Pro.com:
5 Rules to Pressure Washing Your Home
How to Paint and Prep Your Home's Exterior
Roofing 101: 6 Best Materials
