All
Home Know-How: A Guide to Different Home Types
At Urbandale, we make it easy to find the right home for your needs. With a variety of home types available—including Bungalows, Town Condos, Single Homes, and more—you can select the style that fits you best. If you need to move soon, our Move-In Ready Homes offer immediate availability, while Inventory Homes let you personalize some features. Keep reading to learn more about the different home types we offer and decide which one is the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
What is a Bungalow?
A bungalow is a single-story, detached home, often characterized by its cozy and accessible layout. Designed originally to provide affordable, modern housing for the working class, bungalows are cost-efficient and easy to maintain. Typically, bungalows have an open floor plan, spacious front porches shaded by roof overhangs, and a low-pitched, sloping roof that may include an attic or a half-story of additional space. While the primary living area is on one level, finished basements provide an additional area that can be adjusted to meet various needs. They usually have two to four bedrooms and one or two bathrooms, offering a practical living space without the need for stairs.
What is a Single Home?
A Single Home, also known as a detached home, is a standalone residential property with no shared walls, offering homeowners complete privacy and independence. Typically, these homes feature a front and back yard, their own foundation, and often include a driveway, attic, and basement. The size and style of Single Homes can vary greatly, but they usually provide multiple levels, allowing for a clear separation between living, entertaining, and sleeping areas.
What Do Lot Sizes Mean?
Single Homes are built on individual lots, with the lot size representing the total area of land included in the purchase. Lot sizes at Urbandale range from 31′, 35′, 44′, to 50′, referring to the width of the lot on which the home will be built. The larger the lot size, the larger a home can be, and homes are categorized by these lot sizes in Urbandale Construction.
Backing Onto Green Space: These lots do not have neighbors directly behind the home, instead backing onto green areas such as parks, playgrounds, or natural landscapes. This provides additional privacy and beautiful views, making them a desirable option for many homeowners.
Corner Lots: Corner lots are lots located at the intersection of two streets, meaning you only have neighbors on one side. This provides more privacy and typically a larger yard, offering increased curb appeal and more room for outdoor activities.
Interior Lots: An interior lot is bounded by only one street, with neighbors on either side. These are the most common type of lot and are typically more affordable than corner lots.
Oversized Pie Lots: Common in cul-de-sacs, pie-shaped lots widen towards the backyard, making them perfect for those who value a larger outdoor space. The wider backyard is ideal for adding a shed, deck, or entertaining area, while the front remains narrower for efficient use of space.
Walk-Out Lots: Walk-out lots are ideal for those planning to include a renovated basement in their home. These lots slope towards the backyard, allowing for direct access from the basement to the yard, as well as full-sized windows that bring in more warmth and natural light.
What is a Townhome?
A townhome, also known as a townhouse, is a multi-floor residence that shares at least one wall with a neighboring, independently-owned home. Townhomes are part of a purpose-built complex, typically featuring private front entrances and minimal or no yard space. Owners are fully responsible for both the interior and exterior of their property. Compared to detached homes, townhomes are more affordable while offering more space than condo units.
Types of Townhomes at Urbandale
Urbandale offers two types of townhomes: Standard Townhomes and Urban Townhomes, also known as Back-to-Back Townhomes.
Back-to-Back Townhomes (Urban Townhomes):
Back-to-back townhomes share a wall with both side and rear neighbors, maximizing space efficiency. Each unit still has its own entrance, and these townhomes offer increased living space while providing a practical housing option in urban areas.
Standard Townhomes:
These are multi-floor homes with at least one shared wall with a neighbor. Standard Townhomes have their own front entrance and often feature a small patio or balcony, which may be adjacent to a neighbor’s similar space.
What is a Town Condo?
A Town Condo, also known as a stacked townhouse, offers a blend of features from both condos and townhomes, providing homeowners with more privacy and space than a typical condominium. Unlike traditional condos with shared lobbies and elevators, each Town Condo unit has its own exterior front door, ensuring a greater sense of separation. A Town Condo building contains multiple units, typically three: one in the basement, one on the first floor, and one on the second floor. Town Condos are especially popular in urban areas, as they provide a centralized location with easy access to local amenities while also offering the benefits of independent entrances and more defined living spaces. Parking options for Town Condos may vary, catering to the needs of urban living.
What’s the Difference Between End Units, Interior Units, and Corner Units?
End Units: are located at the end of a row of homes, meaning they share a wall with a neighboring unit on only one side. This setup is often preferred for increased privacy and additional windows on the unattached side, allowing more natural light into the home.
Interior Units: Interior units are situated between end units, with shared walls on both sides. This type of unit can be more energy-efficient due to the insulation provided by neighboring homes.
Corner Units: Corner units, similar to end units, are positioned at the end of a row but are also located on a corner lot. They benefit from added privacy, more windows for natural light, and a main entrance on the side of the home, enhancing curb appeal.
What are Move-In Ready and Inventory Homes?
Move-In Ready Home: Exactly what it sounds like—a house that is ready for immediate occupancy. All essential features are fully functional, and there is no need for renovations or repairs. Move-in Ready homes are fully completed and available for physical tours, allowing buyers to see the finishes and framing selections firsthand. They are ideal for those who need to move quickly and prefer a hassle-free transition into their new home.
Inventory Home: A nearly completed property that offers a quicker move-in timeline while still allowing for some personalization. Ideal for those seeking a shorter build timeframe, Inventory Homes come with pre-selected options but still provide opportunities to add your personal touches, making the space uniquely yours. If you’re in the market for a new home and want to move sooner without compromising on style, an Inventory Home could be the perfect solution.
Final Thoughts:
At Urbandale, we understand that a home is more than just its structure; it’s a space where experiences are created, memories are made, and dreams are nurtured. Our diverse selection of home types allows you to choose what suits your aspirations best. As you explore your options, envision how each space can become part of your story, providing the comfort and warmth you deserve.
