What Is A Bungalow House?

Mar 1, 2024

5-minute read

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A bungalow-style 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 house is and its benefits to see if it’s the right home for you.

What Are Bungalow Homes?

A bungalow is typically a single-story house with a low-pitched roof. There are a variety of bungalow house styles, but the basic layout is characterized by shaded front verandas, dormer windows and visible roof framing.

Bungalows have been around for hundreds of years, originating in the Bengal region of India and popularized in Britain in the mid-19th 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 Defined

There are many variations of bungalows, with some cities having their own distinct style of popular home design. But what makes a house a bungalow? 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 most distinct features, the roof of a bungalow is low-pitched and hangs over the edge of the house.
  • Front porch: Bungalows typically have verandas that stretch across the front of the house, and are covered by the low-pitched roof. For larger bungalows, the veranda may wrap around the side.
  • Low profile: Bungalows are relatively low to the ground since they are one to one-and-a-half stories tall. Their low profile makes bungalows more accessible.
  • Proximity to urban areas: Bungalows have a smaller footprint in comparison to other styles of homes. This makes them easier to fit among crowded urban areas.
  • More square footage: With its shorter structure, bungalows have more square footage than most multistory homes.

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