Home styles

The style of the home that you buy depends largely on your preference, but other factors like cost and available styles influence your decision, as well. Often, potential homeowners are confused by the terminology used to describe a homes style. Here is a quick list of the styles of homes you will find in the St Louis area.

Ranch
Ranch homes are the most common home style for non-urban homes. This style is a single floor, sometimes with a basement and sometimes on a slab floor. This style is generally the most desirable, as well. The single floor eliminates climbing stairs most of the time, so is popular with seniors, families with children and those who just dislike dealing with stairs.

Raised Ranch
This style is one of the most confused styles, but is also far less common, in our area, than other home styles. The raised ranch generally has the same floor plan as a ranch home, but the main living space is above ground level. The main entry remains at ground level with stairs mandatory to access the main floor. This style is conducive to tuck under parking utilizing a portion of the basement as the garage.

Split Level
The split level home typically is utilized for unlevel lots. It is often a less expensive option as the lot is less desirable and there is some floor space lost to the inside stairwell. The front entry is centered vertically on the home and is positioned between the upper and lower floors with access via stairs. Frequently, the basement is divided into a tuck under garage and living space. The split level style is very common in our area due to the hilly topography.

One and a Half and Two Story
These two styles are often confused. Both styles have their front entry located at the same level as the main floor. The difference is in the upper floors. The one and a half story home will have living space above at least some of the main floor, but does not extend over the entire main floor. A two story, on the other hand, will have living space over the entire main structure, including the garage. This style is very common in our area.

Tri-Level
This home style is frequently confused with the Split Level. This style home has 3 floors, although the entry level may be small which causes confusion between styles. The front enter opens to one of the floors which may have living space and there are stairs leading to slightly offset upper and lower floors. Visualizing an elevator that stops between floors gives you an idea of the design.

Bungalow
The bungalow style generally refers to a small home with rooms that branch from the main living space without hallways. This style may be a single story or more. The emphasis of this home is on efficiency and size.

Shotgun
Many city homes, especially multi-family buildings, are designed in what was called a "shotgun style." The outside profile is slender at the front and long to fit the narrow lot lines of urban living. In this style, the building is one room wide and entry leads into each living space successively. Often the order is living room, bedroom and then kitchen. This style is also tailored to the more budget conscious buyer.


While this list is certainly not exhaustive, it covers the majority of the homes you will encounter in the St Louis area. If you have questions or comments, feel free to call, text or email us.

Warmest regards,
Dan