Architectural Styles To Consider When Buying Your Dream Home

Have you ever driven around looking at houses while talking about your “dream” home? Most people have — especially when buying their own residence becomes a reality. Seeing a house’s exterior is the first step in deciding your favorite, but seeing inside is also important. Choosing the architectural type you prefer can help filter out unwanted options and save you a lot of time. Here are some of the most popular styles to choose from. 

Contemporary

Contemporary homes are designed with plenty of natural light and keep energy efficiency as a priority. The exteriors can look quite different from each other, but most of them use sustainable and recycled materials. 

Craftsman

The Craftsman was first popular in the early 1900s. This “bungalow” style is distinguished by its wide eave overhangs, low-pitched roofs and square columns framing the wide front porches. These homes have once again become popular, not only as a small bungalow but also with floor plans of over 5000 square feet. Inside you will find open spaces, built-in shelving, exposed beams, built-in furniture and lots of woodwork. 

Farmhouse

The purpose and the location in a rural area is what originally identified a farmhouse, not the design. Look for a wrap-around porch, wood siding and a second story to recognize a modern farmhouse today. Inside there will be areas for the family to gather, a large country kitchen and bedrooms on the upper floor. 

Mediterranean

This style is patterned like a hacienda in the Mediterranean and became popular in the early 1900s in the US, starting in California. You will recognize the plaster exterior, balcony, heavy wooden doors, lots of arches and the red tile roof. There is added charm with the porticos, colorful tiled floors and ornamental grillwork.

Ranch

Ranch homes, also known as ramblers, are often chosen for their main floor living areas. They have attached garages and sometimes have a basement or upper level. They were some of the most frequently built residences in the 1950s and 1960s. The exterior is a personal choice of materials such as stucco, siding or brick. Look at sample colors at a brick dealer near me.

Tudor

The Tudor style originated in England during the 16th century and became popular in the U.S. 400 years later. The steep-pitched roof with featured gables and decorative half-timbers makes this style easy to recognize. Can’t you picture one of these homes with ivy growing along the outside? Charming!

This is just a sample of a few architectural styles. Hopefully, you will find the perfect style of home for you!