When it comes to choosing or dreaming about your ideal home, there’s more to it than just picking the paint color or decor style. It all starts with the type of house. Whether you’re planning to move, build, or simply daydream, knowing the different types of houses out there can make all the difference.
From modern urban apartments to cottage-style houses, this article classifies 15 popular types of houses into two: structural types and architectural styles. Ready to discover which best fits your lifestyle? Let’s get started!
Structural Types of Houses
House structures only refer to how the houses could be structured or built. Factors like layout, size, and purpose differentiate these. Now, let’s learn some structural types of houses.
Apartment
The apartment is a single-unit building with many other similar units. Landlords lend an apartment to people rather than selling it. The size of an apartment can vary from a single bedroom to many. It is best for you if you want to live in a city at an affordable cost. Living in an apartment has its pros and cons.
Pros
- Maintenance is the responsibility of the landlord.
- People share amenities such as a gym and pool.
- They are affordable if someone is not ready to build their home.
Cons
- Apartments offer limited space.
- You get less privacy.
- You do not build equity.
Condo
If you want to get the facilities of an apartment but want to own that building unit, then you can buy a condo. You can live there or give them on rent as long as you do not violate HOA(homeowner association). You will cover all maintenance and repair costs.
Pros
- Condos also offer shared amenities like gyms and pools.
- You can build equity.
- It has fewer expenses than a single detached house.
- Most condos offer location benefits as you get easy access to schools, malls, and hospitals.
Cons
- You must follow HOA(Homeowners Association) rules and pay some fees for provided amenities.
- You can face difficulties if you want to relocate.
- You get less privacy.
Co-op
In cooperative housing, you do not own a specific unit but buy shares in a corporation that owns the building. You become a shareholder and get the rights to live in a unit. A board of directors manages cooperation, and they manage all maintenance.
Pros
- It is less costly than buying a condo.
- It encourages a sense of community among neighbors.
Cons
- It can be difficult to sell shares.
- There is less freedom.
- There are higher fees for parking and utilities.
Townhomes
A townhome is a multi-story home that shares at least one wall with a neighboring unit. A single owner owns it and gets community features of apartments and condos. You get a separate entrance, backyard, and patios.
Pros
- They are more affordable than traditional homes.
- You get access to amenities.
- Townhomes are located in urban areas.
Cons
- There is less freedom.
- There is less privacy due to shared walls.
- You need to follow HOA rules.
Single-Family House
Are you someone who can not compromise your privacy and wants complete control of your home? A single-family home might be a great fit for you. It is completely detached from other houses, unlike townhomes and condos. They come in different sizes and styles, depending on your preference.
Pros
- You get proper privacy.
- You get the freedom to personalize your home.
- You possess both home and the land it sits on.
Cons
- Homeowners are responsible for all maintenance, which can be time-consuming and costly.
- They are more costly than other housing types.
- You do not get access to shared public amenities like condos and apartments.
Multifamily House
Multifamily houses are residential buildings with many distinct units for separate families. They range from two units to four. Homeowners can live in one and rent other units. Such units have separate entrances, kitchens, and bathrooms.
Pros
- Homeowners can generate rental income by renting some units.
- They are more affordable per unit.
- Maintenance costs can be distributed among units.
Cons
- There can be disputes among people over noise or property management issues.
- Being a landlord comes with responsibilities that some may find challenging.
Mansion
Mansions are large and luxurious residences that rich people own. These houses have a lot of rooms, floors, bathrooms, and a kitchen. They may include gyms, pools, libraries, and enchanting gardens.
Pros
- Mansions offer spacious living spaces with amenities that provide comfort.
- They are good long-term investments.
- You can customize your mansion however you want.
Cons
- Building a mansion is time-consuming and costly.
- Maintaining a large property requires professional help and more effort.
Tiny Homes
The tiny home is a small living space perfect for a single adult or a couple not ready to build a traditional house. The size of a tiny can range from 400 to 600 square feet. Tiny homes sustain a minimalist life and encourage experience rather than possessions.
Pros
- They are less costly than traditional houses.
- They are designed to relocate.
- It takes only weeks to construct a tiny home, thanks to the availability of prefabricated options.
Cons
- To place your tiny home, you need to own or rent land.
- There may be a lack of space.
- They have less resale price.
Architectural Styles Types of Houses
These are houses that focus on visual, aesthetic, and historical aspects. Such house styles make your home unique and appealing.
Let’s discuss some popular architectural types of houses.
Ranch
Ranch-style houses are single-story homes featuring low-pitched roofs, large windows, and spacious backyards. This house style is American and became popular in the 1950s. In today’s era, people who have old ranch houses are modernizing their homes to give them a contemporary look.
Defining Features
- Attached Garage
- Large backyards
- Low pitched roofs
- Single story
- Open living space
Mediterranean
Mediterranean-style houses seem warm and welcoming and are inspired by the coastal regions of Spain and Italy. Stucco-enclosed exterior walls painted in light colors reflect sunlight inside to cool the interior. Low-pitched red-tiled roofs often add zest to the rustic charm.
A vaulted doorway, large windows supporting natural light, and seamless indoor-outdoor living areas. Exposed wooden beams and wrought iron features give it a warm, elegant feel.
Defining Features
- Stucco walls
- Low-pitched red tiled roof
- Large Windows
- Wrought iron accents
Cottage Style
Cottage-style homes are homey, quaint homes characterized by charm and comfort. Their size ranges from about 1,000 to 2,000 square feet. These homes originated in England and include an asymmetrical design, low-pitched gable roofs, and chimneys, usually in the center.
Cottages are usually one or one-and-a-half stories with a snug and inviting atmosphere. Most people buy it to spend vacations and to get a vintage feel.
Defining Features
- Cozy interiors
- Asymmetrical designs
- Prominent chimneys
- Small porches
Contemporary
Contemporary homes are known for straight lines, open floor plans, and large windows allowing more daylight. Houses have different architectural styles and can use sustainable materials like glass and steel.
Modern designs emphasize the bond between nature and man-made; they create an illusion between indoors and outdoors, creating a modern way of life.
Defining Features
- Open floor plans
- Sustainable materials
- Asymmetrical designs
- Minimalist aesthetics
- Large windows
Victorian Houses
Victorian houses fall under buildings built in the period of Queen Victoria, 1837-1901. Such houses carry steeply pitched roofs with ornate trim and vivid colors.
Victorian house styles have asymmetrical arrangements, bay windows, and wrap-around porches. High ceilings, more intricate woodwork, and often decorated fireplaces give a warm, inviting ambiance inside the house, indicative of the richness of its period.
Defining Features
- Steep gable roofs
- Ornate woodwork details
- Wraparound porches
- Turrets and towers
Cape Cod Style
The Cape Cod house is a classic example of a simple, symmetrical design with steep roofs. Puritan settlers originally designed them back in the 17th century. This style became popular among Americans in the 1950s. They were designed to last the bitter New England winters. Their appeal is quite strong with people today who want functionality with beauty.
Defining Features
- Symmetrical Design
- Steep Roof Pitch
- Dormer Windows
- Shingle Siding
- Central Chimney
Colonial Style
Colonial-style houses are typical American houses with a symmetrical theme and old-time characteristics. These are usually two or three stories high and have the front door centrally located between equidistantly placed windows on both sides. They are made of wood, brick, or stone. They have steeply pitched roofs along with double-hung sash windows.
Defining Features
- Huge Chimney
- Decorative window shutters
- Two and sometimes three stories tall
- High Pitched roofs
- Rectangular and symmetrical in shape
In a Nutshell
Houses come in all shapes, sizes, and styles. From the affordable townhouses to the classic Victorian houses, you will undoubtedly find something that will give you homely vibes. Just ask yourself, “What feels like home to me?”. A house is not just a house; it is where you live, grow, and make memories.
