How to Identify the Type of House You Own
Filling out your Fortify Form correctly is essential for ensuring your Fortify Plan provides the most accurate security recommendations. One of the most important steps is identifying the type of house you own. Different types of houses have unique designs, layouts, and features, which all affect the security measures you may need. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common house types—cottage, bungalow, ranch, split-level, Cape Cod, craftsman, farmhouse, colonial, Tudor, Mediterranean, Victorian, and modern/contemporary—so you can confidently fill out your Fortify Form.
1. Cottage
A cottage is typically a small, cozy home often found in rural or vacation areas. These houses are known for their charm, pitched roofs, and quaint details like shutters and flower boxes.
Cottage vs Bungalow:
Cottages are often smaller and more rustic compared to bungalows, which tend to have a more practical, modern layout.
If your home is small, cozy, and has a storybook charm, select “cottage” on your Fortify Form.
2. Bungalow
A bungalow is a one-story house with a low-pitched roof and a horizontal shape. Bungalows are common in suburban neighborhoods and often feature wide porches and compact layouts.
Bungalow vs Ranch House:
While both are single-story homes, bungalows are typically smaller and more compact than ranch houses, which are often larger and more sprawling.
If your home has a single-story layout and a wide porch, select “bungalow” in your Fortify Form for accurate security recommendations.
3. Ranch House
A ranch house is known for its long, low profile, and open floor plan. These houses typically feature large windows, easy access to outdoor spaces, and attached garages.
Ranch House Features:
- Sprawling, single-story layout.
- Large windows and sliding doors for indoor-outdoor living.
For homes with a spacious, single-level layout and open floor plan, select “ranch house” on your Fortify Form.
4. Split-Level House
A split-level house has staggered levels, with living spaces on one level and bedrooms on another. This design separates different areas of the home, making it popular with families who want distinct spaces for living and sleeping.
Split-Level House Design:
- Multiple short staircases leading to different levels.
- Provides a sense of separation between common and private areas.
If your home has staggered levels with short flights of stairs, select “split-level house” on your Fortify Form to reflect its unique layout.
5. Cape Cod House
A Cape Cod house is a classic American home style with a steep roof, dormer windows, and a symmetrical façade. These houses are typically one or one-and-a-half stories with a cozy, simple design.
Cape Cod House Style:
- Symmetrical front with central door.
- Dormer windows and steep gable roof.
For homes with a classic, symmetrical look and dormer windows, select “Cape Cod house” in your Fortify Form.
6. Craftsman House
A craftsman house is known for its handcrafted woodwork, exposed beams, and overhanging eaves. These homes typically have front porches with thick columns and a focus on natural materials.
Craftsman House Architecture:
- Emphasis on wood and handcrafted details.
- Front porch with wide, tapered columns.
If your home features a front porch, exposed woodwork, and a handcrafted design, select “craftsman house” on your Fortify Form.
7. Farmhouse
A farmhouse is a rural-style home that emphasizes functionality and simplicity. Modern farmhouses often feature open floor plans, large kitchens, and wrap-around porches.
Farmhouse vs Colonial House:
Farmhouses tend to be more rustic and informal, while colonial houses have a more structured and symmetrical design.
If your home has a rustic, functional design with a large porch, select “farmhouse” in your Fortify Form.
8. Colonial House
A colonial house is a traditional style that originated in the 1600s. These homes are known for their symmetrical design, evenly spaced windows, and central door.
Colonial House vs Cape Cod:
While both styles are symmetrical, colonial homes are larger and more formal than Cape Cod homes, which tend to be smaller and more casual.
If your home is large and symmetrical with a formal look, select “colonial house” on your Fortify Form.
9. Tudor House
A Tudor house is recognizable by its steeply pitched gable roofs, half-timbering, and tall, narrow windows. This style evokes the architecture of medieval England.
Tudor House Characteristics:
- Decorative half-timbering on the exterior.
- Steep roofs and tall, narrow windows.
For homes with a distinct medieval look and steep gables, select “Tudor house” in your Fortify Form.
10. Mediterranean House
A Mediterranean house features stucco walls, red-tile roofs, and arched doorways. These homes are often found in warm climates and emphasize indoor-outdoor living.
Mediterranean House Style:
- Red-tiled roof and stucco walls.
- Arched windows and doors.
If your home has a warm, earthy design with a red-tiled roof, select “Mediterranean house” in your Fortify Form.
11. Victorian House
A Victorian house is known for its ornate details, steep gabled roofs, and asymmetrical design. These homes often feature towers, wrap-around porches, and intricate woodwork.
Victorian House Design:
- Asymmetrical layout with steep roofs and decorative trim.
- Often includes turrets or towers.
If your home features intricate details and a grand, decorative style, select “Victorian house” on your Fortify Form.
12. Modern/Contemporary House
A modern house focuses on minimalism, clean lines, and open spaces, while a contemporary house integrates current architectural trends. Both styles prioritize simplicity, large windows, and energy efficiency.
Modern House vs Contemporary House:
- Modern houses have a sleek, minimalist design, while contemporary homes may blend modern features with innovative materials or design trends.
For homes with a minimalist design, large windows, and open floor plans, select “modern/contemporary house” on your Fortify Form.