What is a bungalow?
A bungalow is a type of single-family dwelling usually built on one level (sometimes described as one to one-and-a-half stories). Bungalows are typically smaller than the average modern home, emphasize a compact footprint, and commonly include features such as a covered porch (veranda), low-pitched rooflines with dormer windows, and simple, practical floor plans. The term’s meaning differs by country: in some places it strictly means one story; in others it can refer to a detached house more generally.
Key definitions
– Bungalow: a mostly single-level house, generally modest in size and low to the ground.
– Dormer: a window set vertically on a sloped roof, often used to add light and headroom to upper spaces.
– Veranda/porch: a covered exterior platform attached to the front or side of a house.
– Footprint: the ground area occupied by the building (square footage on the lot).
– Price per square foot: sale price divided by living area; a common way to compare housing costs.
Distinctive features
– Single-level living (or one-and-a-half levels in some variants).
– Large front porch/veranda and prominent low-pitched roofs.
– Compact layout with most rooms opening off a main living area.
– Architectural variants: California bungalow (porches, exposed rafters), Chicago bungalow (brick, compact lots), Chalet-style bungalow (steeper roofs, eaves).
– Often easier to adapt for accessibility (ramps, zero-step entries).
Benefits of choosing a bungalow
– Accessibility: single-floor living reduces stairs — useful for older adults or people with mobility constraints.
– Lower maintenance of vertical systems: no stair maintenance, often simpler HVAC ducting.
– Privacy: low height makes landscaping and fences more effective at screening.
– Potential energy efficiency gains for small footprints (shorter vertical circulation areas).
– High demand in some neighborhoods keeps resale values steady.
Challenges and drawbacks
– Larger lot use: because they don’t stack living area vertically, bungalows occupy more ground area.
– Higher per-square-foot costs: more roof and foundation per square foot of interior, which can raise construction and repair costs.
– Smaller rooms: layouts often trade bedroom size for more central living space; fewer large bedrooms or
bathrooms, which can limit appeal to larger families or buyers seeking multiple en‑suite spaces.
– Limited vertical expansion: adding a second story is often costly and structurally complicated because the original foundation and roof weren’t designed for additional loads. That makes enlarging living area more likely to require a lateral addition (building out), which needs more lot space and can be expensive.
– Lot-value sensitivity: in dense urban neighborhoods where land is at a premium, bungalow lots attract redevelopment pressure because more efficient multi‑story or multi‑unit buildings can produce higher returns for developers.
– Older‑home retrofit needs: many classic bungalows were built before modern building codes and energy standards. Expect potential upgrades to wiring, plumbing, insulation, and windows when buying one — these can be material cost drivers.
– Entry and grade issues: although bungalows offer single‑floor living, many have raised foundations or front porches with steps; full accessibility (zero‑step entries, wider doorways) may still require renovation.
– Drainage and flood exposure: single‑story living sits close to ground level, so in some locales you’ll need to evaluate drainage, crawlspace condition, and flood risk more carefully.
Buying checklist — practical inspection and decision points
1. Foundation and crawlspace: check for moisture, settlement, and ventilation. Note signs of rot or pest damage.
2. Roof and attic structure: because bungalows have a large roof area relative to floor area, inspect roof condition and attic insulation.
3. Systems age: record ages of HVAC, water heater, electrical panel, and plumbing; budget for replacements if older than industry life spans (for example, many water heaters last ~10–15 years).
4. Layout constraints: consider whether you need more bedrooms/bathrooms and whether expansion is feasible (lot lines, zoning, easements).
5. Accessibility needs: verify thresholds, door widths, bathroom layouts; estimate costs to make the home universally accessible.
6. Zoning and redevelopment risk: check local zoning rules and neighborhood trends if resale or redevelopment is a concern.
Worked numeric example — expansion cost tradeoff (hypothetical)
Assumptions:
– Cost to build an upstairs addition (per finished sq ft): $250
– Cost to expand footprint (per finished sq ft, includes foundation and roof): $200
– Desired additional living space: 500 sq ft
Calculate:
– Second‑story option: 500 sq ft × $250 = $125,000 (plus temporary occupancy, stairs, potential reinforcement)
– Footprint expansion: 500 sq ft × $200 = $100,000 (requires lot space and may impact yard)
Interpretation: the footprint addition appears cheaper here, but it consumes yard and may trigger different permit requirements. Real bids will vary by region and existing structure condition; obtain local contractor estimates.
When a bungalow makes sense
– You prioritize single‑floor living (mobility, aging-in-place).
– You value a private, ground‑level
entry and immediate yard access (gardening, pets, outdoor entertaining).
When a bungalow may not make sense
– You need a lot of additional living space but have limited lot area; a bungalow’s single‑story footprint can restrict expansion without a second story.
– You prioritize a minimal lot maintenance cost — larger yards and gardens that often accompany bungalows add upkeep.
– Your local market strongly favors multi‑story homes (higher per‑square‑foot value for upper floors), which can affect resale comparisons.
Practical buyer/renovator checklist — step by step
1. Confirm zoning and lot limits
– Check local zoning for maximum lot coverage, setback rules, and historic‑district restrictions.
– Ask the municipal planning or building department for records and constraints.
2. Order a comprehensive home inspection (and targeted specialists)
– General inspector: structure, roof, drainage, electrical, plumbing, HVAC.
– Foundation specialist if there are cracks, uneven floors, or moisture in the crawlspace.
– Termite/pest inspection if the house has a crawlspace or reports of wood damage.
3. Evaluate accessibility and aging‑in‑place needs
– Measure hall and doorway widths for wheelchair access.
– Inspect bathroom layouts for potential roll‑in showers, grab bars, and raised toilets.
4. Get rough renovation estimates from 2–3 local contractors
– Request line‑item bids (materials, labor, permits).
– Ask about necessary structural reinforcement if you plan a second floor later.
5. Compare addition options with a simple cost model
– Example assumptions (local estimates will vary): footprint addition = $200/ft²; second story = $275/ft². Desired new area = 400 ft².
– Footprint: 400 × $200 = $80,000 (plus landscaping loss and possible foundation complications).
– Second story: 400 × $275 = $110,000 (plus temporary relocation, stairs, and possible floor reinforcement).
– Adjust for real bids and non‑construction costs (permits, temporary housing, increased property taxes).
Key inspection and renovation cost items to budget for
– Foundation repair (if needed): typical range $3,000–$25,000 depending on severity.
– Roof replacement: often $5,000–$15,000 for smaller bungalows (materials and pitch matter).
– HVAC replacement: central systems commonly $4,000–$12,000.
– Accessibility retrofit: ramp $1,000–$5,000; stairlift $3,000–$8,000; universal‑design bathroom $10,000–$30,000.
Note: these are broad ranges for planning; obtain local quotes.
Market and resale considerations (what to expect)
– Single‑story living is highly marketable to downsizers and buyers seeking accessible homes; demand varies by region and demographics.
– Per‑square‑foot values can be lower for sprawling single‑story plans compared with multi‑story homes in high‑density markets.
– Curb appeal and lot usability (garden, deck, patios) often matter as much as interior layout in resale scenarios.
Simple decision checklist before purchase
– Is lot size sufficient for the future expansion you want?
– Are structural systems (foundation, roof, utilities) in good condition or within renovation budget?
– Does the local market support the bungalow lifestyle (buyer demand for single‑level homes)?
– Are permits and historic rules likely to restrict changes you plan?
Resources for further, local‑specific research
– U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development — Aging‑in‑Place and universal design guidance: https://www.hud.gov
– National Association of Home Builders — Home styles and design basics: https://www.nahb.org
– Remodeling (Cost vs. Value) — local cost comparisons for common projects: https://www.remodeling.hw.net
– HomeAdvisor — project cost estimates and contractor matching: https://www.homeadvisor.com
Educational disclaimer
This information is educational and not individualized investment or legal advice. Cost figures and examples are illustrative estimates; actual costs, permit rules, and market conditions vary by location and time. Consult local professionals (inspectors, contractors, planners, and lenders) for decisions specific to your property.