What Is a Bungalow?
A bungalow is a one-story house, cottage, or cabin. Bungalows are generally small in terms of square footage, but it is not uncommon to see very large bungalows. Bungalows were originally designed to provide affordable, modern housing for the working class.
Key Takeaways
- A bungalow is a style of house or cottage that is typically either a single story or has a second, half, or partial story, that is built into a sloped roof.
- Bungalows are typically small in terms of size and square footage and often are distinguished by the presence of dormer windows and verandas.
- Bungalows are cost-efficient, easy to maintain, and due to increased square footage versus multi-story homes, relatively easy to modify.
- On the downside, Bungalows have smaller and fewer rooms than multi-story houses, and are more vulnerable to break-ins, due tohow low they sit on the ground.
Understanding Bungalows
Bungalowsare most often one-story houses, although they often also include an additionalhalf story, usually with a sloped roof. There are various types ofbungalows, including raisedbungalowsthat have basem*nts partially above ground to let in additional sunlight. There are alsosome bungalows that branch away from the original definition by adding additional levels such as lofts and half levels. Common features of thebungalowinclude a dormer window and a veranda.
Bungalow Characteristics
Bungalows are small and easy to maintain and are therefore great homes for aging adults or people with disabilities.Theyare also cost-efficient; heating and cooling costs tend to be lower, and the property value tends to remain relatively high. Because bungalowsoccupy more square footage than multi-story homes, they tend to allow more space for modifications and additions. They also afford more privacy than most traditional homes, as they're low to the ground and the windows can easily be blocked by trees, shrubs, and fences.
On the other hand,bungalowstend to occupy a larger area of land than their multi-story counterparts;since they don't extend upwards, they take up more square footage on the first floor. This means that the initial costs are higher sincethey cost more per square foot, and they also require more material for roofing.
Bungalowsalso tend to have smaller and fewer rooms extending off a larger living room, as opposed to large bedrooms or an open floor plan. Also, because they're low to the ground, they're more susceptible to break-ins; therefore, it's a good idea to invest in a home security system if you purchase abungalow.
Currently-popular Bungalow styles include California, Chicago, and the chalet.
History ofBungalows
Bungalowswere first built in the South Asian region of Bengal.Bungalows, which derive their name from Hindi, were first identified as such by British sailors of the East India Company in the 18thcentury. As time progressed, a bungalow came to refer to a large dwelling, often representing high social statusin both Britain and America.
The termbungalowas we now know it –a small dwelling, typically one story –developed in the20thcentury, although its definition varies in different areas of the world. For example, in India today, the term generally refers to any single-family dwelling, regardless of how many stories it has.
In Canada and the United Kingdom, abungalowalmost exclusively refers to one-story units. Australia tends toward the Californiabungalow, a type ofbungalowthat was popular in the United States from about 1908 to 1940 and expanded abroadas Hollywood became popular and increased the desirability of American-made products.
The Californiabungalowis one to one-and-a-half stories and features a large porch, sloping roof, and Spanish-inspired details. Other types of now-popular bungalow styles include the Chicago bungalow, which has Chicago roots circathe 1910s and is typically made of brick, and the chalet bungalow, which deviates from the one-story normby having a second-story loft.
FAQs
A bungalow is a style of house or cottage that is typically either a single story or has a second, half, or partial story, that is built into a sloped roof. Bungalows are typically small in terms of size and square footage and often are distinguished by the presence of dormer windows and verandas.
What qualifies a home to be a bungalow? ›
What is a bungalow house? While Realtors may use the term “bungalow” to describe any small or single-level home, true bungalows are a specific style of house. Bungalow homes stand one- to one-and-a-half stories tall with inviting front porches shaded by roof overhangs held up by visible beams and rafters.
Why are some houses called bungalows? ›
Although the term bungalow now commonly describes a small one- or one-and-a-half-story home or casual beach house, the word actually derives from the Indian Hindustani word bangala, meaning belonging to Bengal. Indeed, the British first built bungalows in India in the mid-19th century.
Is a bungalow still a bungalow if it has stairs? ›
Usually, bungalows are only one storey tall and do not have any stairs. On some occasions, there may be a second storey built into a sloped roof but this is rare in the UK. Originating in the Bengal area of India during Britain's colonial rule, the first bungalows in the UK arrived in the late 1800s.
Is a bungalow still a bungalow if it has a basem*nt? ›
Simply put, a bungalow is a one-storyy house. This can include houses with or without basem*nts. This means that there is no more than one level above grade, although there may be one below grade as well.
How do I know if my house is a bungalow? ›
A bungalow is a style of house or cottage that is typically either a single story or has a second, half, or partial story, that is built into a sloped roof. Bungalows are typically small in terms of size and square footage and often are distinguished by the presence of dormer windows and verandas.
What is a bungalow called in the US? ›
The American Bungalow is one of the most popular small homes ever built. It can take on many different shapes and styles, depending on where it is built and for whom it is built. The word bungalow is often used to mean any small 20th century home that uses space efficiently.
What does a bungalow style home look like? ›
Many bungalows are single story, although some may have an unfinished basem*nt or an additional half-story that includes an attic space. Prominent exterior features include a covered front porch, often with columns, a pitched and gabled roof, and lots of windows such as dormer windows at the top of the house.
Is a cottage the same as a bungalow? ›
Cottages are small country or beach houses, of different materials, sometimes multi-storied, with many variations. Bungaloid houses, Bungalows, is a general name for single-story, horizontally extendable house, all wood, with a porch or veranda surrounding all or most of it.
Why do bungalows have two front doors? ›
It's obvious, but two doors might have been in place to provide separate entrances to the home, opening to different spaces. While one door may have led to a formal area, the other could have been used for day-to-day business.
Chalet bungalow used to describe bungalows with upper rooms set in the roof usually with dormer windows.
Can you build upwards on a bungalow? ›
Much like a loft conversion and other types of extensions, building another storey on your bungalow increases the space you have available at a lower price than moving home. With building upwards you will not need to increase the footprint of the property, meaning you can maximise vertical space as much as possible.
What classifies a house as a bungalow? ›
Bungalow Definition
What is a bungalow-style house exactly? It's most often a one-story home featuring minimal square footage and a low-pitched roof that overhangs a large front porch. While the exterior might catch your eye, the interior is likely to do the same.
Why is a bungalow called a bungalow? ›
Derived from the Bengali term “bangla”, it initially referred to the Bengali style of rural homes, designed to be practical and airy in a tropical climate. This style was adapted by the British in India and later brought back to the UK, evolving into the bungalows we see today.
Why is it called a dormer bungalow? ›
What is a Dormer Bungalow? A dormer bungalow is often known as a a one-and-a-half storey home, or a chalet bungalow. These are properties with the living spaces on the ground floor with additional living space positioned in the eaves, with sloping ceilings, dormer windows and often limited floor space.
