What Is A Bungalow House?

When shopping for homes, there are many home styles to choose from. From craftsman to French country, the options in architectural design almost seem endless. One of the most popular home styles is the classic bungalow. This classic design has characteristics that make it stand out to potential homeowners. We’ll discuss what a bungalow is and its benefits to see if it may be right for you.

A bungalow is typically a single-storied house with a low-pitched roof. While the basic layout of a bungalow remains the same with their shaded front verandas, dormer windows and visible roof framing, there are a variety of bungalow types.

Bungalows have been around for hundreds of years, originating in the region of Bengal and popularized in Britain in the mid-19^th century. During the early 1900s, bungalows became popular in the United States and continue to be so to this day.

Characteristics Of A Bungalow House

There are many variations of bungalows, with some cities having their own distinct style of the popular home design. But all bungalows have characteristics that distinguish them from other types of houses:

• Open floor plan: Living spaces within a bungalow are typically designed with an open floor plan. While not all bungalows have an open design concept, it’s a part of the style’s history.
• Low-pitched roof: One of its distinct features, the roof of a bungalow is low-pitched and hangs over the edge of the house.
• Front porch: Covered by the low-pitched roof, bungalows have verandas that stretch across the front of the house. For larger bungalows, the veranda may wrap around the side.
• Low profile: Bungalows are relatively low to the ground since bungalows are one to one-and-a-half stories tall. Their low profile makes bungalows more accessible.
• More square footage: With its shorter structure, bungalows have more square footage than most multistory homes.
• More affordable housing option: Compared to most two-story homes, bungalows often cost less due to them not having many bedrooms.

History Of Bungalows

The word “bungalow” is derived from the word “bengalo,” which described the style of house in the Bengal region of India. Bungalows were built in the region during British rule as early as the mid-17th century, usually as residences for ambassadors and travelers. The houses were one story with thatched roofs and wide verandas.

Bungalows made their way to Britain in the mid-19th century and became a popular style of home. Soon after in the early 20^th century, bungalows also became popular in the U.S., especially in Southern California. The style’s ability to remain simple and attainable contributed to its increased acclaim. Companies even developed bungalow “kits,” including construction materials that were sent to the site.

Today, bungalows can still be found all over the world, including major cities in the U.S. The bungalow’s unique characteristics make the style a good option for many homebuyers, especially for those looking for open floor plans.

Following the bungalow’s popularity in the 19^th and 20^th centuries, different styles of bungalows were developed across the world. Here are some types of bungalow-style homes that you might spot on the market:

• Craftsman bungalow: Often considered as the most classic and modern version of the bungalow, the Craftsman includes shingled roofs and overhanging eaves over the veranda. Many Craftsman bungalows are painted neutral colors to blend in with the surrounding area.
• California bungalow: The California bungalow utilizes materials like stucco, redwood shingles and horizontal siding, but its style is like the Craftsman design. Many California bungalows have wooden detail inside and exposed beams.
• Chicago bungalow: Chicago bungalows are known for being longer than most other bungalows, due to the city’s narrow lots. Mostly built with brick, these bungalows have a low-pitched hipped roof with wide overhangs.
• Tudor bungalow: Named after the period of the Reign of Tudor, Tudor bungalows have half-timbered exteriors, asymmetrical floorplans and steep roofs.
• Prairie bungalow: Prairie bungalows have large piers to support the porch roof, with wide, central chimneys and flat-hipped roof lines.
• Mission bungalow: With inspiration from Spanish architecture, mission bungalows incorporate tile roofs, colorful glass and archways.

Living in a bungalow has both advantages and disadvantages. It’s important to keep both the pros and cons in mind if you are considering a bungalow for your next home.

Pros

The bungalow has a few characteristics that makes it a good option for a diverse group of homeowners.

• Affordability: As mentioned before, bungalows typically are a lower cost option due to their smaller size. Not only are they usually less expensive to purchase, but they also have lower utility bills.
• Accessibility: Bungalow’s single-floor layouts offer a more accessible home option to those with mobility issues. Even if the bungalow is one-and-a-half stories tall, most of the living space remains dedicated to the first floor.
• Potential to expand: With the available space to build up or out, bungalows are a great option for those who are interested in home additions. Some options include adding a garage, loft, sunroom or dormers. While home additions are additional costs, getting started with the mortgage approval process can help determine your home expansion budget.

Cons

While there are benefits to owning a bungalow, there are some considerations when it comes to selecting this type of home style.

• Outdated interior design: Bungalows have been around for a long time, meaning that their outdated architecture may require more maintenance and repairs than other homes.
• Smaller bedrooms and bathrooms: Due to the design of bungalows, the bedrooms and bathrooms can be too limiting for some homeowners.
• Lack of privacy: With all the windows and rooms located on the first floor, some may find that bungalows don’t offer enough privacy and may be prone to more break-ins. Many bungalow owners plant trees or other landscape accessories to offer more seclusion. Installing a home security system can help protect those living in any home, including bungalows. 

With a deep history, bungalows have a unique build that make them a good option for many potential home buyers. Depending on your budget and needs, a bungalow might be the right option for you.

Ready to search for your ideal bungalow? Get approved with Rocket Mortgage today.