American House Types

Cape Cod

• Cape Cod-style homes get their name from their point of origin on the Massachusetts coast during the settling and founding of the first colonies. Architectural historian Mary O'Neil notes that the first builders designed Cape Cod homes to provide adequate space without requiring extensive labor due to limitations of tools and materials. Cape Cod homes are typically one and a half story homes with upper eaves that contribute to sloping interior ceilings on the upper levels. Cape Cod homes typically feature central or end chimneys, which supplied heat for the entire home. Wooden clapboard is the most common exterior building material, though modern Cape Cod homes utilize vinyl siding.

Colonial

• The term "colonial-style home" does not necessarily refer to a specific period of American history, though the symmetrical design does evoke a sense of colonial simplicity. Instead, colonial-style homes are simple one and half to two story, rectangular homes. Most colonial homes have a depth or width of two rooms and a center-oriented staircase, though deviations of either of these features still qualify as colonial design. Colonial homes typically feature a flat front facade with classical embellishments, including roof dormers or columns on either corner. Colonial homes feature natural wood siding, though some more elaborate designs may feature brick details. A variation of the colonial home is the saltbox, which features a rear lean-to addition with a dramatic sloping roof that extends to as low as six feet form the ground.

Ranch

• Historian Mary O'Neil remarks that during the post-World War II era, ranch-style homes dominated subdivisions because they were affordable and relatively easy to construct. Though there are several variations of the ranch style, they are all characterized by their low-sloping roofs and single-story construction. Ranch homes are built for efficiency; general living quarters are situated at one end while bedrooms are at the opposite end so that homeowners can efficiently control day and night heating and cooling. A modern variation of the ranch home includes a raised foundation that creates two levels of living space, though the lower level often features lower ceilings and smaller windows.

Craftsman

• Architectural historians Virginia and Lee McAlester write that the craftsman style emerged as a result of the Arts and Crafts movement of the early 20th century. The two-story bungalow-style homes were most popular in California before other areas of the country began adopting the style as well. Craftsman-style homes are noted for their low-pitched and gabled roof, decorative natural wood beams and horizontal wooden siding. Craftsman-style homes have also been adapted into one-story cottages with half-porches or colonial-style craftsman with exterior trellises and columns reminiscent of colonial revival features.