4 Common Types of Canadian Homes

Canada is home to diverse styles of residential homes, from the traditional bungalow to the modern townhouse. Each has its own unique charm and characteristics that can be enhanced with an inviting colour palette and exterior design trends. Here are four common types of Canadian houses and what makes each unique:

1. Bungalows 

The bungalow dominated the Canadian housing market in the ‘40s, drawing inspiration from American home design. Bungalows are traditionally one-storey brick or stone homes with low-pitched roofs, large porches and verandahs. They remain popular among first-time home buyers and those looking for a fixer-upper

2. One-Storey, Two-Storey and Split-Level Houses

While one-storey homes remain on one level, the one and one-half-storey home will have up to 60% of the main living area on the first floor. A split-level home is a mix between a bungalow and a two-storey house, with staggered levels and shorter staircases. Meanwhile, two-storey homes have two distinct levels. A split-level home provides more privacy with the separation of space between rooms and maximizes the use of vertical space without compromising the size of your yard.  

3. Attached, Semi-Attached and Detached Houses

Attached houses share one or two common walls with a neighbour, making them more cost-effective to build. Alternatively, a semi-detached home, known as a duplex, will share one common wall with an adjoining neighbour to form one independent building that is separated down the middle. Fully detached houses, such as bungalows, do not share any walls and are referred to as single-family homes.

4. Townhouses

Row housing is becoming increasingly popular with Canadian housing developers, joining three to six houses together by common walls in a purpose-built complex. Townhouses will often be two to three storeys tall with a full basement, a living area on the main floor and bedrooms on the top floor.