Popular Vancouver WA Home Styles Guide

If you live in “the ‘Couve,” aka Vancouver, Washington, then you’ve probably noticed the wide variety of unique homes styles in the area. From classic Bungalows to charming Tudors, this rainy city has something for everyone.

Whether you’re an architectural enthusiast or can’t tell the difference between a Craftsman and a Ranch House, this post is for you. We’ll look at some of the most common architectural and home design styles in the Vancouver, WA area and provide important maintenance tips for each type of home.

Let’s get started!

Craftsman

The name “Craftsman” comes from the term “Arts and Crafts”, and refers to the early 19th-century movement to revive a more handmade and custom look. This style features a unique handcrafted artistry, making these homes both interesting and unique.

Traditional Craftsman homes were built in Vancouver around the 1910s and 1920s. This style of home is traditionally two-stories tall with a porch and exposed beams. Inside, the Craftsman typically has built-in features and an open floor plan. Detached garages are also common.

Craftsman Home Characteristics

How do you know if your Vancouver home is a Craftsman? Here are some key features:

• A low-pitched roof
• Covered front porch with exposed wood columns
• Wide eaves and exposed rafters
• At least two stories with 2 to 3 bedrooms upstairs
• An open floor plan and various built-in features (bookshelves, cabinets, etc.)

How to Maintain Your Vancouver Craftsman Home

Craftsman homes are typically quite old. Since they were built so long ago, homeowners should make sure important exterior features stay up-to-date. For instance, your siding and gutters.

If it’s been awhile since your last home inspection, take some time to make sure your gutters are functioning correctly and not causing any large problems for your home. Additionally, since most Craftsman homes have wood siding, make sure you protect your home by giving it a fresh coat of paint every 3 to 7 years.

Bungalow

Bungalow homes are known for their cozy and attractive style. People throughout Vancouver and the rest of the Pacific Northwest love the look and vibe of these iconic homes.

Bungalows became popular in the 1920s when they were constructed entirely of wood. Some original bungalows still exist in the area. However, in recent years the area has seen a surge in new bungalow constructions. These homes are built to have a classic bungalow style, but use all new features and appliances.

Bungalow Characteristics

How do you know if your Vancouver house is a Bungalow? Here are some tell-tale features:

• A low-pitched roof
• Wide eaves and exposed rafters
• A covered front porch featuring chunky columns under the roof extension, or overhang
• Traditionally not higher than one and a half stories tall
• Two symmetrical windows on either side of the front door

Many people will get a Bungalow confused with Craftsman style homes since they look alike. Just remember, Bungalows are typically smaller than Craftsman homes.

How to Maintain Your Bungalow Home Style

Thanks to our rainy Vancouver weather, your Bungalow can start to take a beating. Like Craftsman homes, Bungalows were traditionally built with wood siding. So again, keep up with those paintings every 3 to 7 years.

If you have an older home, make sure your home is as energy efficient as possible. Replace vinyl or aluminum windows with an option that keeps you warm during the winter and cool in the summer.

Ranch Style

Ranch style homes are all over the Vancouver area. This design originated here in the United States in the 1920s. However, the Ranch home didn’t become too popular until the 1940s to 1970s.

An original style Ranch home is recognizable by it’s long and close-to-the-ground profile. It sports a very simplistic look and an informal living style.

Ranch Style Characteristics

How do you know if your Vancouver house is a Ranch? Here are some classic features:

• Single story home
• A long and low roofline
• Shape is either rectangular, L-shaped, or U-shaped
• Exterior of stucco, brick, wood, and glass

How to Maintain Your Ranch Style Home

During the 1950s and 1960s, it was popular for Ranch homes to have aluminum windows. If you aren’t sure what type of windows your Ranch home is sporting, it’s best to have an experienced Vancouver contractor come out and take a look. Installing new windows will give your home maximum efficiency and comfort.

Minimal Traditional

The Minimal Traditional style combines influences from classic architectural styles but avoids any ornamentation. This home style was popular before Ranch style homes and can be found all throughout Vancouver.

Back in the 1930s, this style of home was touted as a great-looking home that the majority of American’s could afford. Today, this home design goes by a few different names, including Depression-era Cottage, Victoria Cottage, and American Small House.

Minimal Traditional Home Style Characteristics

How do you know if your Vancouver house is a Minimal Traditional style? Here are some key features:

• Hipped or gabled roofs
• Doesn’t typically have eaves
• Small porches
• Asymmetrical design with the front door often off center
• May have simple built-in features

How to Maintain Your Minimal Traditional Home

Many Minimal Traditional homes in Vancouver still have their original roofs. Your roof is an important part of keeping your home in top condition.

Don’t let your roof-related questions or concerns go unanswered. Talk to an experienced Vancouver roofer to make sure you’re properly maintaining your roof.

Tudor

Tudor homes are easily identifiable by their steeply pitched roofs, wooden claddings, and half-timbering. These homes are typically built out of stucco and have an almost fairy-tale like quality.

In Vancouver, Tudor homes were built during the 1920s through the 1940s and became popular again in the 1970s through 1980s. Today, you can see influences of Tudor architecture in many homes throughout Vancouver.

Tudor Home Style Characteristics

How do you know if your Vancouver house is a Tudor? Here are some easy giveaways:

• Steeply pitched roof
• Exposed beams on the exterior of your home (also called “half-timbering”)
• Stucco exterior
• Arched doorways
• Large windows

How to Maintain Your Tudor Home

Like all Vancouver houses, this style of home needs regular maintenance. Because Tudors often have uniquely-shaped windows, it’s best to work with a knowledgeable contractor when making window repairs or replacements.

If you’re interested in adding some extra features to your Tudor home, an outdoor deck is a popular option. Just make sure to work with a contractor who can create something to fit the style of your Tudor home.

Maintain Your Vancouver Home

At Cutting Edge Contracting, we help residents throughout Vancouver take care of their homes. Our team has over 25 years of experience in exterior contracting services, including:

• Roofing
• Siding
• Painting
• Decks
• Windows
• Gutters

We understand the unique needs of your home and are committed to doing the job right. We pay attention to even the smallest detail and won’t rest until you’re completely satisfied!

Contact us today for a free in-home estimate for any project! We’d be happy to help.