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FAQs

What are the four basic house designs? ›

A residential home designer has four basic designs to choose from when designing homes: the one- story or ranch, the one-and-one-half-story, the two-story, and the split-level. Each of these individual styles has strengths and weaknesses that should be considered before making a design choice.

The Ranch House is America's Most Commonly Sold Home

Ranch-style housing is the most popular across 20 states. This American classic was built in such quantities in the mid-twentieth century that it prevails through sheer force. The ranch house offers space and, occupying just one floor, cradle-to-grave accessibility.

As geometry class taught us, squares are the easiest shape to deal with. So if you don't mind keeping things simple, constructing a square or rectangular floor plan can save you big bucks. Rather than constructing an elaborate home, add square footage by building upward, not outward – it's generally cheaper.

Key points. A good home design considers all aspects of the site and building – orientation, site features, thermal performance, floor plan, materials, finishes, technologies, appliances, and landscape.

List the four basic designs that a residential home designer has to choose from. One-story ranch, one-and-one-half-story, wo-story and split-level. list five factors that should play a role in the final decision as to house design chosen.