what is a bungalow 
bungalows are typically one story houses although they often also include an additional half story usually with a sloped roof there are various types of bungalows including raised bungalows that have basements partially above ground to let in additional sunlight some bungalows do add additional levels such as lofts and half levels common features of the bungalow include a dormer window and a veranda bungalow characteristicsbungalows are single level homes cabins or cottages they are small and easy to maintain so they are great homes for aging adults or people with disabilities they are also cost efficient as heating and cooling costs tend to be lower and the property value tends to remain relatively high common key features of a bungalow include because bungalows occupy more square footage on one floor than multi story homes they generally allow more space for modifications and additions they also afford more privacy than most traditional homes as they re low to the ground and the windows can easily be blocked by trees shrubs and fences on the other hand bungalows tend to occupy a larger area of land than their multi story counterparts since they don t extend upwards they take up more square footage on the first floor they may cost more per square foot and may also require more material for roofing bungalows also tend to have smaller and fewer rooms extending off a larger living room as opposed to large bedrooms or an open floor plan because they re low to the ground they re more susceptible to break ins so consider investing in a home security system if you purchase a bungalow popular bungalow styles include california chicago and the chalet history of bungalowsbungalows were first built in the south asian region of bengal bungalows which derive their name from hindi were first identified as such by british sailors of the east india company in the 18th century over time a bungalow came to refer to a large dwelling often representing high social status in both britain and america the term bungalow as we now know it a small dwelling typically one story developed in the 20th century although its definition varies in different areas of the world for example in india today the term generally refers to any single family dwelling regardless of how many stories it has in canada and the united kingdom a bungalow almost exclusively refers to one story units australia tends toward the california bungalow a type of bungalow that was popular in the united states from about 1908 to 1940 and expanded abroad as hollywood became popular and increased the desirability of american made products the california bungalow is one to one and a half stories and features a large porch sloping roof and spanish inspired details other types of now popular bungalow styles include frequently asked questions faqs 