A Ranch-style house, also known as a Rancher or a rambler, is a particular architectural style of a residential building that originated in the United States in the early 20th century. It became popular during the post-World War II era and has remained a prevalent housing style today.
The main characteristics of a Ranch-style house include the following:
A Ranch-style house is also commonly known as a "rambler" or "Rancher." These single-story homes are designed for simple, horizontal living, often with open floor plans and easy access to outdoor spaces. They became popular in the United States during the mid-20th century, and you can still find them in many suburban neighborhoods today.
Ranch house plans are typically single-story structures with an extended, low profile. They are characterized by their simple, open layouts, which often include large living areas that flow into the dining and kitchen spaces without interrupting walls or doors.
Ranch-style houses often feature attached garages and are designed to facilitate easy access to the outdoors. This might be through sliding glass doors leading onto a patio or large windows allowing plenty of natural light. Bedrooms and bathrooms are usually located on one side of the house, allowing for a division of public and private spaces.
It's worth noting that these houses were designed to emphasize casual, family-friendly living. They are typically built on a slab foundation, eliminating the need for stairs, making them a popular choice for individuals with mobility concerns or those who prefer single-level living. This home style continues to be favored for its practicality and timeless appeal.
No. The cost of building Ranch style house plans can be higher than other styles of homes due to several factors. Firstly, the large, single-story layout requires a larger foundation, which can significantly increase construction costs. Excavating and laying a foundation is a significant part of any building, and the larger the foundation, the more material and labor is required.
Secondly, the expansive roof of a Ranch-style home is typically more costly due to the greater surface area compared to multi-story dwellings of the same total square footage. Roofs are a significant cost in home construction, both in terms of materials and labor, which is why a seemingly simple Ranch house plan can cost the same as a more complex 2-story modern farmhouse plan to build.
In the United States, most Ranch house plans average between 1,000-2,200 square feet in size. Of course, modern Ranch house plans are typically designed to be a little large than this as the average size of the American home has increased over the years, and there's no set rule on how large or small your Ranch home must be.
Personal needs and preferences play a significant role when determining a "good" size for Ranch style house plans.
Ranch-style homes typically offer an expansive, single-story layout, with sizes commonly ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 square feet. As stated above, the average Ranch house plan is between the 1,500 to 1,700 square foot range, generally offering two to three bedrooms and one to two bathrooms. This size often works well for individuals, couples, or small families.
Larger Ranch homes usually fall between 2,000 to 3,000 square feet for those needing more space. These homes have three to four bedrooms, two or more bathrooms, and larger living areas. Some also include a dedicated office or flex space.
In rural or suburban areas where land availability isn't a constraint, you can find sprawling Ranch homes that exceed these sizes. These homes might have larger kitchens, more bedrooms, a formal dining room, or a basement.
Ranch-style homes provide a safe and secure living environment. Here's why:
Remember that regular maintenance and repairs contribute to a home's safety too. This includes appropriately handling electrical wiring and plumbing systems and ensuring the proper function of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms.
While Ranch house plans and farmhouses may look alike and have many similarities, some differences set them apart.
While design purists may have rigid definitions for Ranch versus Farmhouse style homes, ultimately, the terms "ranch" and "farmhouse" can be used with some flexibility, and the specific design and features of homes described as such can vary significantly depending on the region, architect, and individual homeowner preferences.
We've sent a magic sign-in link to your email. Click the link to be instantly signed in!
We'll email you a magic link for a password-free sign in! Or you can sign in manually instead.
*Passwords must be at least 8 characters, and include a lowercase letter, an uppercase letter, a number, and special character: .=!@#+\-$%^&*