Architectural Styles

There are many different architectural styles or house designs to select from. Some of the more commonly known styles include:

• Country - Country homeplans usually have many features including a large front or back porch and a roofline running parallel with the main road. Open railings that wrap around the sides of the house are common in this style home. Most people seek out country homes for their quaint style and convenience. Wood coverings are common with country homes.
• Cape Cod - Cape Cod plans are sometimes called New England style homes. These plans usually have between one and three stories. Many have a steep slope to the roof and dormers. Usually the second floor is up to 75 percent of the size of the main floor. Many include ½ or ¾ stories and two living areas, such as a family room and a living room.
• Coastal - Coastal or beach homes are sometimes referred to as Pilings homes. Designers usually structure these homes so the foundation is up off the ground if near a body of water. Usually a coastal home features a deck that wraps around the home to showcase the view. Clay and metal roofs are sometimes features, as are exterior staircases and large windows.
• Contemporary - This is the most traditional style homeplan.   Most contemporary plans include a pitched roof and high windows. Some include split-levels, stone facings and large overhangs. The outside usually includes a stucco shell. High ceilings are also common in this style home.
• European - Many cherish European homes for their bold rooflines and large square footage. Many builders design these homes with a combination of several materials including stone, stucco and brick. Most are also two stories. A European style home is sometimes considered a luxury home.
• Victorian - Victorian house plans typically include three stories.   Many describe the detailing as ‘gingerbread.’ A Victorian style house plan will include towers in corners of the home and multiple roofs with various pitches. Decorative railings and occasionally lattice are often critical ingredients of a Victorian home plan. If you like Thomas Kinkade's house drawings - you'll love a Victorian style home.
• Mediterranean - The Mediterranean style home usually includes patios in the front and back and arched doorways. Some feature tile roofs that are either slightly pitched or flat. Wrought iron accessories are also common, as are entrances through open courtyards.
• Colonial - Colonial homes are very popular on the East Coast. Many people associate colonial homes with New England. A colonial home features a second floor as large as the first floor. Colonial homes appear symmetrical with equally spaced windows. Many include a covered porch and an attached garage. It is common to see columns in the front of colonial style homes. Usually the front entrance way is the highlight of the front of the home.
• Farmhouse - The farmhouse style is very much like the country style. Usually a farmhouse features a much larger porch that wraps around the entire home. A main pitched roof covers the main body of the home. Most farmhouse style homes include ample square feet and feature large kitchens and many fireplaces.
• Southwestern - Southwestern homes like adobe homes are usually one story. Many have a stone exterior, giving them a unique finish. Most have flat roofs and porches. The ceilings often include round logs. Southwestern style homes are popular in warm climates such as Arizona and New Mexico.
• Tudor - Tudor homes usually feature gables and leaded windows. Other features may include an arch, transoms and stone mullions. Tudor or English homes often have stucco or stone on the exterior and roofs with a steep pitch. High ceilings are a common feature in this style home.
• Ranch Homes - Ranch homes are synonymous with single story homes. Most include a low-pitched roof parallel to the main street. Many look narrow and long. Usually the longest part of the home faces the front. A porch is an optional feature with a ranch home. Many find this style appealing because the design allows efficient use of space. Most have wide interior spaces with few walls. The ranch style is one of the most highly sought after styles in the United States. Double garages are another important feature of this style home.
• Multi Family House Plans - Usually a multi family home includes more than 1,000 square feet. Multi family homes are described many ways, including town homes, duplexes or even triplexes. These are a good option in areas with high populations where much housing is needed. Multi family home plans vary significantly style wise. Usually you can find one in almost any style under the sun, including ranch style. Many multi family homes are located in urban areas with limited space. Many also include separate garages or carports.
• Hillside Houseplans - Hillside home plans allow a home to reside on the side of a hill. You may notice a home built on a slope. Usually hillside homes are one to two stories, though some may be 2 ½. Many include walkout basements or a garage located on the lowest level of the home. Hillside homes vary tremendously with regard to exterior and interior finishes.
• Log Cabin House Plans - Cabin plans are popular in wooded areas, particularly in historical areas. Many enjoy the rustic feel of a log cabin style home. Almost all cabin homes include wood siding. Many are small, thus sometimes reserved as a vacation home. Cabin styles are also commonly referred to as bungalows or cottages. Usually the roofs are sloped. A cabin home may include two porches and multiple fireplaces.
• Cottage House Plans - Usually a cottage house is similar to a country home, only a lot smaller. Most cottages are 1000 square feet or less. Many look for cottage plans for get away homes in the mountains or at the beach. Most are popular as they provide style and comfort with little expense. Many include all the common features in a traditional home including a family room, master bedroom, and kitchen and dining area. A small front porch is another common feature in cottage home plans.
• Modular home plans - Modular home plans are the wave of the future. Modular homes are popular because they are constructed with little effort. A modular plan includes pre-constructed sections. Usually you can put these sections together in any combination you choose. This decreases the amount of time typically spent on construction. Most modular homes look the same as traditional style home. Banks also provide financing for modular homes just as they would for an ordinary home. Modular homes provide all the quality and durability of a traditional home, thus you can rest assured your home will last a lifetime. These home plans are a good choice for someone wanting a unique home on a small budget.

The architectural style you select may dictate how many levels your home has and the square footage. An adobe style home for example will usually have one level. Many are 1,500 square feet or more. This style is popular among people in the southwest, and among those that like the Santa Fe style home.

When considering the architectural style that will work best for you, first consider the community you plan to build in. You may notice several of the homes have a unique style. Likely you will want to select something that fits in with the area and theme. And many deed restricted communities dictate what type of house you can have in the subdivision.

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