A single family detached home (SFD) is typically a type of housing that is independently constructed, often located on its own parcel of land, and is not part of any condominium, townhome, or other multiple-unit building complex. SFDs usually range from one to three stories tall and may include amenities such as a garage or lawn.
What is single family detached
Single family detached homes are the most common type of single-family housing structure in cities across the United States. These homes vary greatly in terms of size, construction style, materials used, features included, and more. Some of the most common types of single family detached homes include:
- Attached dwellings (where two units share a wall)
- Duplexes (two attached units sharing one lot)
- Triplexes (three attached units sharing one lot)
- Ranch-style homes (single story houses with open floor plans)
- Cape cod or colonial-style homes (timeless design featuring classic roof lines and shutters around windows)
- Modern contemporary designs (which feature expansive space for large families or multiple levels for added living area).
No matter what style you prefer, there are numerous single family detached housing options available to suit your needs. SFD properties are ideal for both homeowners looking to enjoy privacy among their own vibrant community as well as investors interested in profitable rental properties with minimal maintenance required. Additionally, these four walls can carry important values throughout generations since SFD housing structures generally appreciate rapidly over time due to their convenience and space advantage compared to condominiums.
Definition of a Single Family Detached Home
A single-family detached home is a standalone residential structure that is not attached to any other house or building on any side. This definition can be further broken down into three distinct categories: detached houses, townhouses and row houses.
- Detached House: A detached house is a traditional, single-family building that stands alone and is not joined to another structure on any side. They typically have an individually enclosed yard area and a garage with access from outside the home.
- Townhouse: Townhouses are similar in design to detached homes, but they differ in that they are attached along the sides to at least one other housing unit (or several). Commonly found in multi-story urban developments, townhouses may also include common areas, such as shared grassy areas or garden plots.
- Row House: Row houses are connected on both sides and front/back with no common area separation between each individual home unit. Often less expensive than detached homes due to the more efficient use of space, row houses have become increasingly popular in recent years for their convenience and relatively low maintenance cost.
Types of Single Family Detached Homes
A single family detached home is a residential property where a single structure stands alone, without any attached units or structures. This type of home is the most common form of housing in North America and provides a variety of advantages for homeowners.
There are several different types of single family detached homes, each offering its own unique features and benefits. In this article, we will discuss the various types of single family detached houses, their advantages, and their differences:
Traditional Single Family Detached Home
A traditional single family detached home is a type of housing in which a single dwelling stands alone and is not physically attached to any other structures. These homes typically have only one or two floors and stand on their own plot of land. Houses like this are the most common type of detached home across the United States.
These standalone houses are also ideal places for families, as they are typically larger than most apartments, making them suitable for accommodating extended families, multiple children, office space, large kitchens and plenty of room to entertain guests. They offer many more amenities and features than other forms of single family detached housing such as townhouses and rowhouses.
When searching for a new place to call home, consider the benefits that come from living in a traditional single family detached home. Benefits include:
- Having your own private outdoor space with features such as decks and patios.
- No shared walls with neighbors.
- Plenty of room for parking cars onsite for visits from friends or family members.
Bungalow
Bungalows are one type of single family detached home, and have a widespread presence in neighborhoods around the United States. Traditionally, bungalows are one-story structures with a low roof pitch, wide eaves, and large front porch. These homes often include dormer windows, and were designed to blend with the surrounding landscape.
Common features of these homes include wood frames and outward expression of interior elements like rafters and beams. These homes typically feature slanted roofs as well as large porches that extend to cover an entire front or side facade of the home, perfect for entertaining friends and family while taking in the view.
Bungalow house plans usually employ a garage rather than a carport or shed due to their relatively compact footprint – though it may still prove necessary depending on your climate zone or typical weather patterns.
Cape Cod
The Cape Cod home is a traditional style of house that originated in New England. It features a low, gabled roof and broad facades of shingle or clapboard siding. The Cape Cod style evolved in the United States during the 17th century, when settlers built houses with a steep-pitched roof to help cope with snow accumulation in the winter. Later generations modified this practical design with wider facades and additional windows.
Today, Cape Cod homes often feature wealthy architectural details that give it an updated look while still maintaining its traditional roots. Popular features include:
- Multiple gables on the front facade
- A centered door typically topped with an overhang supported by columns
- Multi-paned windows arranged symmetrically around the door
Inside, doors may be wide and tall or small and symmetrically aligned under rectangular arch openings leading into different rooms for each member of the family.
The classic styling of a Cape Cod home combines elegance and practicality for homeowners looking for an inviting yet tranquil single family detached residence. Whether built from scratch or lovingly refurbished from older generations existing homes, this popular style is sure to stand out in your neighborhood.
Craftsman
The Craftsman style is one of the most iconic and beloved types of single family detached homes. Often featuring a two or two-and-a-half stories with simple, elegant lines (as well as stone and wood components), they evoke the historic American bungalow. Common features include:
- Inviting front porches
- Exposed rafters
- Tapered columns that frame the entrance
These homes are often built more horizontally than vertically, creating an alluring symmetrical look from street view as well as a low-maintenance exterior due to their straight rooflines. Craftsman style houses are often one of the most sought after styles for buyers that appreciate period aesthetics combined with a practical floor plan.
Ranch
Ranches, also known as rambler houses commonly feature one story of living space with a low-pitched façade. They usually have a few bedrooms, but the term ranch can sometimes refer to a single bedroom house. In some cases, additions may be made on the sides to expand from the typical one-story base style of the home.
Often, ranch homes offer an open floor plan that gives more flexibility for larger gatherings or for families with children of different ages and interests. A true ranch will often have large windows that curve around its corners and most commonly have attached garages for added convenience and better weather protection for vehicles. These homes are typically affordable and are easy to maintain.
Split-Level
Split-level homes – often referred to as split foyers or split entries – have a two-leveled design. There is usually an entryway that is midway between the upper and lower levels. As its name suggests, a split-level home is basically divided into three separate levels – a top floor, middle floor and bottom floor. The primary benefit of this type of single family detached home is that it provides homeowners with more living space within the same footprint as one-story single family detached homes.
The upper level usually has two bedrooms with a bathroom situated between them, while the main level includes an open kitchen, dining area and living room combination plus another bedroom and bathroom. Typically, there are stairs at either end of the house leading to both upper and lower levels, though some designs do not allow for this flexibility. Many split-levels also come with full or partial basements beneath them which provide additional storage solutions.
Tudor
Tudor homes are considered a sub-style of the English revival mansion. Although typically small, Tudor homes often feature intricate details meant to imitate English Renaissance architecture. The style is marked by steeply pitched roofs and overhanging upper floors, commonly made from stucco or stone facing, which often creates a quaint look that many love today.
These homes may also contain decorative half-timbering, scooped windows with multiple panes, and small verandas or balconies. Tudor homes were popularized during the 19th century and became especially popular in suburban neighborhoods throughout the 20th century. While it’s common to see Homes in the Tudor style being built today as well.
Benefits of Owning a Single Family Detached Home
Owning a single family detached home has many advantages.
- Firstly, homeowners who buy a single family detached house are able to have their own autonomy and privacy because of their lack of attached neighbors such as those found in townhomes and condominiums.
- Secondly, an owner can modify the outside or inside of the property as they wish for their specific needs or desires.
- Lastly, it is often cheaper to buy a single family detached home than it is to buy a townhouse or condominium because there are no shared expenses involved including items such as association fees and management fees associated with living in a multi-family unit.
In general, this type of home offers plenty of versatility with regards to size capabilities and architectural style – from cape cod-style bungalows to grand Georgian mansions – there is something for everyone when it comes to owning your own single family detached home. Other benefits include backyard space for gardening, outdoor sports areas for children, direct access parking for vehicles, and private decks or patios for outdoor entertaining spaces.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a single family detached home is a stand-alone house that is unattached to any other residence or structure. It is the most common type of housing in the United States, making up approximately 75% of all occupied dwellings.
Single family detached homes come in a variety of styles and sizes to fit any budget and lifestyle. From smaller starter homes to sprawling luxury estates, there is sure to be something that meets your individual needs. No matter what style you choose, you can be confident that owning a single family detached home will provide you with years of comfort, satisfaction, and convenience.