Why Some Smaller Homes Are Labeled "Ranch Homes"
Posted on: 6 October 2017
When you think of a ranch home, you probably think of a low and long house. You generally do not think of any other style of house even coming close to this picture in your head. So, why are some small, "cozy" houses referred to as "ranch" homes? When you see advertisements for "ranch homes for sale," but then look at the pictures, you should know why these tiny houses are referred to as ranch homes.
They Have One Level Only
Ranch homes are always one level houses. There may be a basement, but there is never a second story or half-story above the first. Hence, any house with a single level, regardless of length and appearance, can be referred to as a ranch home.
One to Four Bedrooms Is Standard
The average ranch home has two bedrooms, although the really small ones have only one bedroom, and the larger ranch homes have three or four. The bedrooms in a boxy ranch home are often on one side of the squarish house, while the living room, kitchen and bathroom are opposite the bedrooms. In a more traditional ranch home that has a long profile, the bedrooms and bathroom are down a long hallway, with the common areas on the opposite end. The more bedrooms you have in a ranch home, the smaller the bedrooms are to make room for the common areas.
The Garage Is Either Attached or Non-Existent
With the long and low ranch homes, the garage is often attached and part of the home's structure. This provides for continuous siding along the length of the house with minimal construction effort. The smaller, boxier ranch homes usually have no garage at all; a carport or empty driveway is all you get. You can easily see where this gets confusing when someone advertises a ranch home and you show up expecting one thing and find another.
Choosing the Ranch Home Style That Fits You
If you like the sprawling feel of a long and low ranch home, watch for the word "traditional" to precede "ranch home" in any advertisements without pictures of the house. If you would prefer a "modern" ranch home, which is a snug and cozy bungalow style, look for other descriptive words that would not apply to a traditional ranch home. Then call your real estate agent for a showing to see the overall size of the homes.
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