What Type of Residence Do You Live In? A Guide to Identifying Your Home Type

When it comes to filling out your Fortify Form after purchasing a Fortify Plan, identifying the type of residence you live in is one of the most important steps. This ensures that the home protection recommendations are tailored specifically to your living environment. With so many types of homes, understanding the key differences between each can help you make the right choice. Whether you live in an apartment, condo, townhouse, or house, this guide will help you determine your home type and why it matters.

1. Apartment

An apartment is one of the most common types of residences, especially in urban areas. Apartments are typically rented (though some can be owned) and are part of a larger building with multiple units. Living in an apartment often comes with shared amenities like a gym or pool, as well as communal spaces such as hallways and laundry rooms.

Pros of Apartment Living:

  • Lower maintenance responsibility, as landlords often handle repairs and upkeep.
  • Access to shared amenities such as gyms, pools, or laundry facilities.
  • Generally more affordable than buying a home.

Cons of Apartment Living:

  • Less privacy compared to other types of homes.
  • Limited ability to make major changes to your space.
  • May lack outdoor space, such as a yard or private patio.

If you live in an apartment, this will be important to note in your Fortify Form as security measures for apartments differ from other home types due to shared entryways and closer proximity to neighbors.

2. Condo

A condominium, or condo, is similar to an apartment in that it’s part of a larger building or complex. However, the key difference is that condos are owned rather than rented. When you own a condo, you are responsible for the interior of your unit, while the exterior and shared areas are typically maintained by a homeowners' association (HOA).

Condo Living Benefits:

  • Ownership comes with the financial benefits of building equity.
  • Access to shared amenities such as pools, gyms, and community spaces.
  • Maintenance of exterior areas is usually handled by the HOA.

Condo vs Townhouse: While both condos and townhouses can involve shared walls and community spaces, a condo is more similar to an apartment in layout and maintenance responsibilities. Be sure to select “condo” on your Fortify Form if you live in a unit that shares walls with others and relies on an HOA for exterior maintenance.

3. Townhouse

A townhouse offers a blend of condo and house living. These homes typically share walls with neighboring units but offer more privacy than apartments or condos. Townhouses often span multiple floors, giving them a house-like feel, but they are usually part of a larger community with shared amenities and an HOA that handles certain responsibilities.

Townhouse Pros and Cons:

  • Pros: More space and privacy compared to an apartment or condo. Often includes a small yard or outdoor space. Lower maintenance compared to a single-family home.
  • Cons: Shared walls with neighbors can still limit privacy. HOA fees can add to monthly costs. You have more maintenance responsibility than a condo owner.

When filling out your Fortify Form, selecting “townhouse” ensures that your security plan accounts for potential shared walls, common entry points, and proximity to neighbors.

4. House

A house, often referred to as a single-family home, is a standalone building, offering the most privacy and control over your living environment. Houses come in all shapes and sizes, from small cottages to large estates, and often include a yard or garden space.

House vs Apartment: While houses offer much more privacy and space, they also come with greater responsibility. Homeowners are responsible for all maintenance, security, and upgrades, making homeownership more demanding than apartment living.

Choosing a Home Type: If you live in a house, you’ll have unique security needs. Unlike apartments or condos, a house usually has multiple entry points (front door, back door, garage, etc.) and may have more vulnerable outdoor areas like yards or fences. Be sure to select “house” on your Fortify Form to ensure the recommended security measures match the scale and scope of a single-family residence.