Here’s How to Pick the Best House Style For Your Family

Rates of homeownership in the U.S. have been steadily rising for the last several years, and that trend is likely to continue in 2020. Are you getting ready to buy a new house? Are you about to become a homeowner for the first time?

Buying a house is a big deal, whether you’re a first-time buyer or not. Read on to learn more about the different types of houses on the market and what you should look for when you start shopping for one.

Types of Houses to Consider

One of the first things to think about when looking for a home is the architectural style that most appeals to you. The following are some of the most popular styles to keep in mind:

Colonial

Colonial homes data back to the 19th century, to the time when American settlers were experimenting with architectural design. Colonial homes are very symmetrical, with even spacing between the shuttered windows. They also tend to feature multiple stories, brick or wood exteriors, and chimneys.

In the northeast, from Virginia to Maine, you’ll find lots of colonial homes. They’re a popular fixture in many suburban neighborhoods.

Ranch

Ranch homes were first built in the 1930s and modeled after traditional Western ranches. They became especially popular in the 60s and 70s, though.

You can find ranch houses everywhere in the U.S. They feature open floor plans and low rooflines. They might be L-shaped or rectangular, and they usually have a wood, stucco, or brick exterior.

Some ranch houses are built with just one level. Split level styles with a basement are also common, though.

Cape Cod

Picture the little green houses you use when playing Monopoly. Those houses are modeled after Cape Cod homes.

Cape Cod homes are also popular in the eastern coastal region of the U.S. This architectural style dates all the way back to the 1600s.

These homes are often one or two stories high and feature steep roofs. They have wood siding and multi-pane windows. More modern styles are built with cedar shingles, too, along with dormer windows on the top level.

Victorian

Victorian homes became popular during the reign of Queen Victoria (which lasted from 1837 to 1901). These homes are elegant and full of romantic details. They often have pitched roofs, bay windows, and full covered porches.

Victorian homes come in a wide range of colors and are very popular in Utah and Louisiana. You can find many of them in San Francisco, too.

Modern

Modern homes are much more simple than some of the other architectural styles included on this list. They feature clean, straight lines and minimalist details. The end goal is for the property to look simple, chic, and seamless.

The modern home style also tends to feature a lot of open space inside. Large glass windows are common, too, to let in natural light.

Craftsman

Craftsman-style homes first became popular during the 1880-1920 Arts and Crafts Movement. They’ve made a comeback lately, though, and many people consider them to be their favorite option.

These houses feature low-pitched roofs, wide front porches, and a focus on natural building materials (wood, brick, stone, etc.). Inside, they’re often designed with open floor plans and lots of space for families to move around.

Things to Keep in Mind When House Hunting

Beyond architectural styles and roof styles, there are lots of other factors to consider once you’ve narrowed your search and decided on a type of house that you like the best. Here are some other factors to think about before you settle on a specific home.

Healthy Bones

Start by focusing on the bones of the house. The “bones” in this case are the foundation, the roof, and the internal systems (electricity, plumbing, etc.).

If you buy a house that doesn’t have healthy bones, you could end up spending a lot of money trying to fix those bones up. This holds you back from doing other, fun projects like redecorating, and it’s a major source of stress for a lot of homeowners.

Easy-to-Open Windows

Stay away from houses, no matter how nice they might look on the outside, that don’t have easy-to-open windows. If the windows are painted shut or are airtight, that can be a sign that you’re going to end up facing high utility bills later on. That’s definitely not something a new homeowner (or any homeowner) wants to deal with.

No Health Hazards

Steer clear of homes that contain health hazards, too. From mold and asbestos to lead paint, there’s a lot of room for health issues, especially when you’re buying an older home. Make sure it doesn’t test positive for any of these before you decide to make an offer on a particular house.

Clean Insurance History

Always learn about a house’s insurance history before buying it. What kind of claims, if any, have been filed. Are there any that causes for concern (such as repeated water damage)?

A Good Neighborhood

You could have the best looking house on the block. If it’s in a bad neighborhood, though, you’re not going to enjoy it. Take the whole area into account before settling on a specific home.

Reasonable Renovation Needs

It’s normal for homes, especially older homes, to have some renovation needs. Make sure those needs are reasonable for you and your budget, though. If the whole kitchen has to be gutted before you can use it, that might not be a project worth taking on, even if the house is selling for a good price and is in a style you like.

Start Your Search Today

When you first start looking for a new house for yourself and your family, it’s easy to feel daunted by the task. Even though there are so many types of houses out there to choose from, you can still find the house of your dreams.

Remember the guidelines outlined above during your search. It’ll be much easier for you to make a decision that fits your needs and your budget.

Do you want to learn more about house shopping? If so, check out some of the real estate-related articles on our site today. They’re full of great information that will help you choose the perfect home.