Bungalow: what is it?
- coraliefortin076
- Jul 1
- 4 min read
When considering building or renovating a home, choosing the right type of home plays a crucial role. Among the many options, the bungalow—often confused with a bungalow—stands out as a practical, aesthetic, and functional solution.
At Plan Maison Québec, we specialize in designing custom building plans for houses, cottages, and garages, tailored to Quebec's unique circumstances. Let's explore together what a bungalow really is, its advantages and limitations, and its impact on your budget.
What is a bungalow?
A single-story house, also called a split-level house or bungalow in some cases, is a dwelling in which all the main rooms are spread over a single level, with no interior stairs leading to an upper floor. This means that all the functions of the house—living room, kitchen, bedrooms, bathroom, laundry room—are located on a single floor, making it a functional, practical, and ergonomically pleasing type of residence.
This housing model is particularly appreciated for the fluidity of movement it offers. By eliminating the constraints of stairs, it allows for natural movement between rooms, without physical effort or architectural barriers. This makes it an ideal choice for a wide variety of households, including:
young families with young children
seniors
homeowners anticipating their future accessibility needs.
Contrary to popular belief, a bungalow isn't necessarily synonymous with simplicity or a lack of style. It can be designed in a variety of architectural styles, from contemporary to rustic, and offers considerable freedom in interior design. Thanks to the expertise of Plan Maison Québec, each plan is customized to suit your tastes, lifestyle, and the unique characteristics of your property.
Furthermore, this type of home often allows for a more direct connection with the outdoors: large patio doors, easy access to the deck or garden, and panoramic windows are all features frequently incorporated into bungalow plans to maximize natural light and connect with the surrounding nature. This harmonious relationship between indoors and outdoors is particularly sought after in vacation homes and primary residences located in greener settings, typical of many regions of Quebec.
In short, a bungalow is not just a simple matter of room layout: it is a true way of life that emphasizes simplicity, comfort and accessibility, while offering great design flexibility. At Plan Maison Québec, we firmly believe that this type of housing is one of the most relevant choices for many Quebecers wishing to build or renovate their home.
The bungalow: a popular variation of the single-story house
The bungalow is a very common type of single-story house, especially in North America. In Quebec, the term is widely used to refer to this type of construction. Generally, a bungalow is characterized by:
a low, gently sloping roof
a rectangular or L-shaped shape
a full basement, often convertible.
At Plan Maison Québec, we offer several customizable bungalow models that combine rustic charm or sleek modernity with optimal functionality. This type of house is ideal for suburban or rural lots, offering a generous living area on the ground floor and potential for additional value with the basement.
The advantages of a single-story house
One of the major advantages of a bungalow is its universal accessibility. With no stairs, it allows for smooth and safe movement for all members of the family. It also makes maintenance easier, since everything is accessible without having to go up or down a level.
Bungalows can also be very aesthetically pleasing, with an elegant, horizontal architectural line that blends naturally into the Quebec landscape. At Plan Maison Québec, our plans are designed to combine beauty, comfort, and energy efficiency, in accordance with local building standards.
Budgetary considerations to take into account
When it comes to construction, budget is always a major concern. Building a single-story home may seem, at first glance, more expensive than a two-story one. Indeed, since the living space is spread entirely over a single level, it requires a larger footprint, which means a larger lot, a more extensive foundation, and often higher roofing costs.
However, several savings can offset these costs. For example, the absence of stairs reduces structural and finishing costs. Furthermore, a single-story home is easier to heat and maintain in the long term, which translates into savings on energy bills and maintenance costs. Plan Maison Québec helps you design a project that respects your budget priorities while maximizing the quality of your investment.
Disadvantages to consider
Despite its many advantages, the bungalow has some limitations. The main drawback is the need for a larger lot, which can be challenging in an urban setting. Furthermore, since all the rooms are on the same level, the layout of the space must be carefully considered to avoid noise or privacy conflicts.
Our experts at Plan Maison Québec will assist you in this process, adapting the plans to your land, your tastes and your specific needs, so that every square meter is intelligently optimized.
Why choose a single-story house in Quebec?
The Quebec lifestyle, characterized by long winters and significant temperature variations, lends itself well to single-story homes. Easy access to all rooms, without having to climb or descend snowy or icy stairs, provides a real comfort in everyday life.
This type of house is also highly sought after for second homes, such as cottages, where simplicity and functionality are essential. Plan Maison Québec designs plans that take into account the specific climatic conditions of each region, ensuring thermal comfort, durability, and aesthetic appeal.
Conclusion: Ready to make your single-story house project a reality?
In short, a single-story home—whether classic or bungalow-style—is an excellent choice for families, retirees, or anyone looking for a practical, accessible, and aesthetically pleasing living space. If you're looking for a custom project tailored to your land, lifestyle, and budget, Plan Maison Québec is your trusted partner.
Don’t wait any longer to bring your project to life.
Comments