1. Basic House Design

2. Four Basic Designs One-Story or Ranch One-and-one-half Two story
Split level

3. One Story Ranch
Advantage of one story ranch is it lends itself to indoor-outdoor living.
Absence of stairs

4. Ranch Has low-pitched roof with wide over hanging eaves
Easy outside maintenance because of low wall height.

5. Disadvantages
More costly to build than other designs of the same square footage.
Requires a larger lot since it is built out, rather then up.
Spread out area sometimes cause heating problems for certain areas of the house.
A larger roof may mean higher maintenance costs

6. One and One-Half Story Homes
Sometimes called “Cape Cods”
Dormers are usually added to provide additions light and ventilation

7. Advantages
Dormers, stairs, and a slightly steeper roof are the principal additional costs.
Versatile in that it can be expanded as the “family expands”
Heating costs are minimized due to small outside wall and roof area.

8. Careful Planning
Careful planning must be done do allow easy expansion of the home.
If expansions are not taken into consideration in the original build, it will reduce the efficacy of the home

9. Two Story Design More economical to build
Can be built with or without a basement
Heating and cooling a 2 story house is simple and economical
More popular for many reasons (style, space, energy bills)

10. Disadvantages Stairs may be a problem for older people or handicapped.
Does not lend it self to variations in style as well as some other designs

11. Split Level Homes Was conceived for the sloping or hill lot
Does not work on a level lot.
Makes efficient use of space
Separates sleeping, living, and recreation on different levels

12. Advantages
Little or no hall space
More privacy in bedrooms

13. Basement
First level is usually basement with heating and cooling equipment, storage, shop, ect..
Basement usually equals about 40-60% of space occupied.

14. Intermediate Level Recreation area
Ground level so it often has patios or terraces
Has the family room, bath, shop, ect..
Living level which has Living, Dinning, Kitchen.
Also Ground Level

15. Sleeping Level Highest level Offers more privacy and quietness
Has the bedrooms and bath

16. Disadvantages
More expensive to build then a two story but often cheaper than a ranch.
Heating can be a problem if not zoned
Can pose a problem with stairs.
Only works on a sloping lot