Ideas for a Raised Ranch Design

Design

• The construction of ranch- and raised ranch-style homes became common in the United States. during the 1930s, according to Cool House Plans. The style caught on because of the simple design --- generally a rectangular or L-shaped building that costs less than more complex home designs. You can construct ranch- and raised ranch-style homes with less expense than other home designs because of the efficient use of space that includes fewer walls.

Basement

• Raised ranch styles include two levels of living space with a main floor and a second floor providing extra living areas. A partially submerged basement is a common idea for increasing the living space of a ranch home. In this design, the bedrooms and main living areas are located on the main floor, with extra living space and a garage located in the partially submerged basement. In a basement design, the raised ranch has an entranceway located between the two floors, and stairs lead both up and down to the living areas. Large windows increase the quality of life in the basement living areas by allowing more light to enter the space.

Roof

• The roof of a ranch home is usually unsuitable for adding extra living space above the main living area because of the low pitch of the roofing systems commonly used with ranch-style homes. These houses usually have a deep-eave system, which gives little room for living space above the main living area. An extra story containing living areas requires the roofing system to be raised above the addition of the extra living area.

Ideas

• Common ideas used in the construction of ranch- and raised ranch-style homes include the additional of a garage in a partially submerged basement. The roof of raised ranch homes is commonly constructed as a low-pitch gable-style roof. Large windows are often installed to increase the amount of natural light, with sliding glass doors used as entrances. The limited architectural designs added to raised ranch-style homes include decorative shutters and porch roof supports.