Buying a home is one of the greatest and biggest decisions a lot of people make. It’s about more than just finding a place to live; it’s about choosing a space that reflects your lifestyle, accommodates your family, and fits your budget.
But with so many styles and structures in the market, how do you choose the right home?
This article breaks down various common house structures, popular architectural styles, and important considerations, including maintenance requirements and home insurance considerations. Whether you’re a first-time home buyer, are looking to upgrade, or are moving cross-country, this article will help you make an informed decision and find the perfect home for your future.
At a glance:
The structure and style of a home significantly impact various aspects of your life, from lifestyle to maintenance, to home insurance.
The impact of a home's structure and style on lifestyle and functionality is significant. Personal comfort is paramount, and factors like the amount of natural light, accessibility features, and proximity to outdoor spaces should be carefully considered.
The layout and design also play an important role. An open floor plan can create a good flow within the home, while a more traditional layout may offer greater privacy.
Finally, family needs are a key driver in home selection. A growing family, for example, might require a multi-level home with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, while a single person or couple may prefer a smaller, more manageable space that better suits their lifestyle.
The materials used in the construction of a dwelling have different maintenance requirements, cost implications, and significantly different impacts on home insurance premiums. For instance, brick homes generally require less maintenance than wood-framed ones, but initial construction costs may be higher. This is due in part to the sturdy nature of brick, which also makes it less susceptible to perils such as fire.
Another factor is the roofline of a home. A complex roofline or multiple stories can increase maintenance needs and potential repair costs.
A third incredibly important factor in terms of repairs, upkeep, and insurance, is the age of the home. Older homes are likely to require more frequent repairs and updates, impacting long-term costs.
Unique architectural styles or desirable features can increase a home's market value. However, unusual or outdated features may also have a negative impact and decrease its appeal to potential buyers.
As mentioned above, materials, construction style, and age, as well as location, can significantly influence insurance premiums. It’s important to understand your insurance needs and evaluate cost considerations when looking to purchase a home, or home insurance policy. Be sure to connect with your insurance agent if you have any concerns regarding your policy coverage, policy gaps, or any other questions you may have.
Understanding the different types of common house structures is key to navigating the real estate market and securing appropriate insurance. From single-family homes to condominiums, each structure has unique characteristics that influence ownership, maintenance, and insurance needs.
Single-family detached homes are freestanding structures with no shared walls. Common layouts vary by region, but include ranch style homes, two-story houses, and split-level designs. Stand alone homes typically provide more privacy than multi-family or attached homes.
Homeowners insurance for standalone properties generally includes a focus on factors like location, construction materials and age, security features, and proximity to water or fire prevention services.
Multi-family homes consist of two or more separate dwelling units within a single building. Often, multi-family homes serve as potential for rental income which can offset the costs of ownership.
Because multi-family homes are often rented out to others in some capacity, insurance policies for this type of home typically covers the entire structure and may include liability coverage for shared areas. Landlords may want to consider what is commonly known as a landlord policy, or rented-to-others home insurance policy to protect their investment.
Townhouses are vertically stacked homes with shared walls between units. These are often 2-3 story homes with shared-wall construction. Many times, townhouse communities offer added amenities such as shared green spaces or clubhouses.
However, due to shared amenities, and their connection to other units, townhouses are subject to Homeowners Associations, or HOAs. These associations may have regulations that impact insurance requirements, such as mandatory or specific coverages for unique home characteristics.
Condominiums are similar to townhouses in that they are typically connected homes and often involve HOAs. However, that’s where the similarities typically end. Condominiums involve the ownership of a private unit within a larger complex and owners typically own the interior of their unit and have shared ownership of common areas like lobbies, pools, or even fitness centers.
Condominium home insurance is a different type of home insurance policy than a standard policy for a single-family home.
Mobile and manufactured homes offer flexibility and affordability. They can be relocated, making them suitable for those who move frequently or own property that they would like to build an affordable home on, as they often have lower initial purchase costs compared to traditional site-built homes.
Mobile and manufactured homes require specialized insurance coverage, as traditional homeowners' insurance policies may not fully cover them.
There is no one single style of home. That’s what makes neighborhoods and regions so unique. Whether you are looking for affordability, uniqueness, or space, it's important to evaluate your options and the potential costs associated with different styles of homes.
Colonial homes are characterized by their symmetrical facades, often featuring a central entrance and multiple windows.1 This type of home is more common on the East Coast of the United States.
Another classic, historical style home is the Victorian house, which can be found across the country. Victorian homes are known for their ornate details, including intricate woodwork, decorative trim, and steep roofs.
Craftsman homes emphasize handcrafted details, natural materials like wood and stone, and a focus on functionality. This type of home is especially popular and sought-after in the Pacific Northwest.2 Craftsman style homes have distinctive features include low-pitched roofs, exposed rafters, and built-in bookcases.
Modern homes often feature open floor plans, large windows, and a focus on clean lines and minimalist aesthetics. They are also typically newer-construction homes as opposed to the styles we’ve covered so far.
A popular architectural style in the south and midwest, ranch style homes are characterized by their single-story layout and open floor plans. As opposed to building up, architects built out when designing the ranch style home, taking advantage of space to build an open design dwelling. Ranch style homes often feature large windows and sliding glass doors to bring the outdoors indoors.
Mediterranean homes are characterized by stucco exteriors, tiled roofs, and arched doorways and windows. These features are well-suited for warm climates, providing shade and promoting airflow, which is why they have earned their name.3
When selecting a house style, carefully consider your lifestyle, region, affordability, and insurance needs.
Do you have a big family? An intimate family of two? Or is it just you and a beloved pet or two? Are you expecting your family unit to grow? When choosing a house style, it’s important to consider not only your current lifestyle needs but also your future plans. Think about how your lifestyle and needs may change over time, and choose a home that can adapt to those changes.
Consider the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and living spaces needed to accommodate your current and future family needs. You also need to ensure the home is accessible for all members of your household, including those with disabilities.
Climate and location
Consider how the climate in your area may impact the suitability of different house styles. For example, a ranch style home or Mediterranean style villa may not be ideal in a snowy climate.
It’s important to make sure that the style of house you choose complies with local building codes and zoning regulations. This helps to ensure that you will be able to secure a home insurance policy that is affordable and appropriate. (Some insurance providers include coverage to help cover the cost of upgrading your home to meet current codes and regulations. Be sure to talk to your insurance agent or home insurance provider about this coverage if you already have a home insurance policy.)
Bigger, older, ornate homes typically require more intensive maintenance and upkeep, including time and financial costs. Evaluate the time and financial resources required to maintain different styles and materials. Don’t forget to consider potential future maintenance needs, such as roof replacements, painting, or landscaping.
Unique features, such as a pitched roof or large expanses of glass, may impact insurance costs. You should also be sure to consider the potential for damage from natural disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, or wildfires, as damages resulting from these types of perils may or may not be covered by your home insurance policy; earthquake coverage is typically not covered under a standard home insurance policy.
Several factors related to house style can influence your home insurance premiums.
Older homes—such as Victorian homes—may be at higher risk for certain types of damage, such as foundation issues or outdated electrical systems.
The use of custom construction materials and unique features may impact insurance costs and coverage options. Homes with unique or less common materials, such as metal roofing or stone exteriors, may require specialized coverage or have higher premiums. For instance, modern and / or minimalist homes may incorporate materials like glass, steel, and concrete, which can impact insurance costs.
Upkeep of these elaborate and historical homes can be challenging—and costly due to the custom nature of the homes’ architectural features, which may impact insurance premiums. Homes with unusual or complex designs may require more comprehensive coverage to account for potential risks.
On the other hand, homes with advanced technology systems, such as smart home features, may require specialized coverage for electronics and data.
Certain features may lower or raise insurance premiums. For example, fire-resistant materials, security systems, or energy-efficient features may qualify for home insurance discounts.
Conversely, features that increase risk, such as a pool or a detached garage, may lead to higher premiums.
If you are looking for a list of considerations when determining which style of home fits your unique needs and preferences, look no further than the list below!
Selecting the right house structure and style is a crucial decision that will impact your lifestyle, finances, and overall well-being. Carefully considering the factors outlined in this article will help you make an informed choice that aligns with your needs and preferences—and future.
Remember to consult with insurance professionals to ensure you have the appropriate coverage for your specific home type and style. Different insurance providers have different target markets. Openly specializes in home insurance for high-value homes that are typically newer builds, larger, and only in specific states.
If your home fits this appetite, consider Openly for protection against the unexpected that goes above and beyond, with enhanced coverage options, inclusions, and endorsements that will make you feel confident and comfortable in your choice. Learn more about protecting your home with Openly by contacting a local independent agent or requesting a home insurance quote online today.
*We provide this information to help you understand insurance. Any coverage is subject to the terms of your policy. Please refer to your policy and declarations page for complete terms, conditions and coverage details.
1 Morgan Goldberg. “Colonial Architecture: Everything You Need to Know.” Architectural Digest. Published 15 May 2024. Accessed 14 February 2025. https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/colonial-architecture-everything-you-need-to-know
2 Chibuzo Ezeokeke. “15 Popular House Styles Across the U.S.” Redfin. Published 22 July 2024. Accessed 14 February 2025. https://www.redfin.com/blog/what-are-the-most-popular-home-styles/
3 TeamOBN. “Charming Mediterranean Homes Style: 5 Top Features.” The Owner Builder Network. Published 16 September 2024. Accessed 14 February 2025. https://theownerbuildernetwork.co/mediterranean-homes/