Houses can be of several different types. Some are small, and others are larger than others. Single-family houses are usually considered the American dream, but they aren’t the only types. There are also igloos and townhomes. If you’re looking for the perfect house, you’ll want to know what each type looks like before you make an offer.
Modern/Contemporary
The materials used in the construction of modern/contemporary houses are often environmentally friendly and sustainable. These materials are also more durable, lasting a long time, and often look better over time. However, these homes aren’t for everyone. For instance, some of them use concrete, wood, or even old shipping containers.
Although modern/contemporary houses look similar, they are still very different from one another. The main difference is that contemporary houses are generally more well-balanced and structured. They also tend to feature large windows and flat roofs.
Victorian
Victorian houses are a classic design with ornate interiors and exteriors. These homes typically feature ornate furniture and carved woodwork as well as heavy textiles, such as velvets and silks. They also feature moldings and other elaborate details. There are many different styles of Victorian architecture, including Queen Anne and Italianate. You can also buy a Victorian home that has modern interiors.
Victorian houses were superfluous and ornate, but were a result of the period they were built in. The Industrial Revolution improved the availability of better materials and allowed for more elaborate ornamentation. It also gave builders the opportunity to apply colored paint to their buildings. The result of all of this labor was a style that was highly decorative and ornate.
Igloos
Igloos are more than just picturesque mounds of snow. These homes were invented by the Inuit tribe. In their native language, the word inuit means “people” and the word eskimo means “eater of raw meat.” In spite of their differences, both terms are considered derogatory by non-Inuit, though some linguists believe that the word “eskimo” originally meant “to net snowshoes.” This is the reason why igloos and eskimo are often used interchangeably.
An igloo is a circular structure built entirely of snow. It is made of snow blocks that are spiraled together and sealed into joints and crevices. It typically houses a single family, though some could accommodate up to 20 people. Other people, such as hunters, would build smaller igloos for themselves.
Townhomes
Townhomes are similar to row homes, with one or more walls that are shared by other houses. They are typically two or three stories high, though some are taller. In a townhome, the owner is responsible for maintaining both the interior and exterior of his or her unit. Unlike condominiums, where the owner is responsible for maintaining the exterior of the building, townhome owners are responsible for both the interior and exterior of their unit.
Townhomes are another option if you’re looking for a low-maintenance lifestyle. Compared to condos, townhomes can be more affordable. They typically require fewer repairs and maintenance and may have amenities shared with the community. Some of these amenities include a shared patio or lawn. A townhouse may also include a private garage.
Co-ops
A co-op is a cooperative housing development with a board of directors. These members are elected by the other co-op residents and oversee the management and financial aspects of the cooperative. Co-ops may have their own rules governing who can live in the property, whether it’s allowed to have pets, and even when it’s possible to sell your shares.
When buying a co-op, it’s best to work with an experienced real estate agent to guide you through the process. These professionals can walk you through the home search process and help you make comparisons between boards. Once you’ve chosen a cooperative, you’ll make an offer, similar to the process of making an offer on a single-family home or condo. Your agent will help you gather all the documents needed to make a solid offer.