What is a Bungalow?

Name: Cavazos Realty
Price range: $

Wondering what is a bungalow? Here are some unique features that make bungalow-styled homes attractive to homeowners in Houston by Cavazos Realty.

A bungalow is often a good option for young families just starting out or older couples looking to downsize. A bungalow is a house, but with a unique structure and characteristics that make it charming yet roomy enough for families.

Many people aren’t familiar with bungalows or how they can be beneficial for their families. Believe it or not, they are a charming option for singles, couples, and families alike.

If you’re looking for the perfect, quaint house in an urban area, a bungalow may be the answer for you. Please let our licensed real estate agents in Houston know if you have any questions!

What Makes a House a Bungalow?

A bungalow is a one-story house but with a ‘second story’ built into the roof. It’s not your typical two-story house because the extra rooms are built into the sloped roof. Some people consider it a ‘half floor’ or just extra rooms. You can use the rooms however you want, but most people turn them into more bedrooms.

The ‘main attraction’ of the bungalow is the living space, which is one large room in the center of the home. All other rooms branch off from this main area giving the home a very open feel. Not all bungalows are completely open, though. If you prefer a more private style, you may find bungalows with a more closed-off structure.

What are the Characteristics of a Bungalow?

Bungalows have unique characteristics that set them apart from your ‘typical home.’ While you’ll find the same amenities you would in any other home, here’s what you’ll find in a bungalow:

Measurements of less than 2,000 square feet with the average bungalow measuring 1,000 – 2,000 square feet
A square shape that can be seen from the interior or exterior
Low-pitched roof
Open floor plan with all living areas in one space rather than closed off like a traditional home
Gorgeous front porches
Simple and timely architecture

Bungalows are simple, yet sophisticated. They are small yet spacious, and urban yet private. They provide families with plenty of private space inside communities where they can thrive. Many bungalow-styled homes for sale are located in the Houston Heights. If you’re debating moving to the heights, check out our list of why The Heights is sought after.

What are the Benefits of a Bungalow?

Here are the advantages of a bungalow-styled home you can consider

Like any home, there are advantages and disadvantages of living in a bungalow.

Incredible and unique architecture – If you love unique designs and architecture, you’ll love the bungalows in the area. Whether you love wainscoting, exposed ceiling beams, or built-in storage, you’ll find all of this and more in bungalows
Open living space – If you love having everyone near you and the feeling of openness versus complete privacy, you’ll love the layout of bungalows. Everything centers around the living area and gives you a feeling of togetherness.
Easy to remodel or add-on – If you find you need to expand your home, it’s a lot easier to add rooms to a one-story home versus a two-story. The half-story underneath the roof is also a great place to add rooms or give your home unique features.
Lower cost – Since bungalows are on the smaller side with less living space, they usually cost less money too. They are great starter homes for young families or a downsized home for seniors.
Privacy – Bungalows typically allow for plenty of privacy because of the ability to strategically place landscaping around the house so the home feels cozy and out of the way even in an urban area.
Located in urban areas – Bungalows can feel like your ‘hideaway’ in urban areas. You get the best of both worlds – you live in the hustle and bustle of the city, but you get the privacy you desire in your little home.

Are there any Downsides?

All homes have advantages and disadvantages. Knowing the downsides of living in a bungalow can help you make the right choice.

Only one floor – If you have a large family or you just like your ‘alone time’ you may not like the closeness and openness of the bungalow. With everything centered around the living room, it can feel hard to ‘get away’ from the hustle and bustle in the house.
Security issues – Since everything is on one floor, it can feel a little less secure. Some people don’t like sleeping on the ground floor, which unless you live in a bedroom in the roof, you’ll be sleeping on the ground floor in a bungalow.
Limited interior light – Most bungalows have dark interiors letting in little light. While this can provide you with more privacy, if you love the bright sun in your home, it may be harder to come across in a bungalow.

What’s the Difference Between a Cottage and a Bungalow?

Cottages and bungalows are often confused since they look similar, but they have many differences. Cottages, like bungalows, are small houses. They have simple designs and take up only a small space, which is why they are often confused.

You’ll often find cottages in rural or vacation areas, whereas bungalows are in urban areas. Typically, like bungalows, cottages are single-story homes, but some are two-story.

Bungalows typically have sloped roofs (cottages do not) and dormer windows in the rooms created within the sloped roof. Bungalows almost always have a large porch for more living area whereas cottages might not have a porch.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a small space that’s quaint, comfortable, and secure, consider a bungalow. You’ll find many styles available that cater to different tastes and even family sizes. The uniqueness of the half story add charm to the home, along with the incredible architecture and beautiful porches bungalows have. You can find bungalow-styled homes in all parts of the world here on Wikipedia’s bungalow article.

Whether you’re a family looking for a single-story home that is more than a ‘ranch’, you love open-style homes, or you need something small and affordable, a bungalow can be the perfect option for you.