Home Styles in Alberta

Bungalows are in great demand since they have a larger over-all footprint than a 2-story, therefore more living space for the same registered square footage. (Square footage is measured in Alberta by the heated living area which is 100% above the grade of the land). Bungalows have a full flight of stairs going down to the basement, most often off the back door entry, which can have a separation from the upstairs with a door. Bungalows are ideal for suiting.

These are built higher up on the land, to allow for larger windows in the basement. Raised bungalows often have separate living quarters down (suite) with an outside stairwell, in older areas with R2 zoning. They are sometimes referred to as up-down duplexes.

Built on a slope or hill to accommodate for great features such as overhanging decks and walk-out basements.

From the front entrance, a half-flight of stairs down to the basement, and a half-flight of stairs up to the living area. The back door, it usually exits onto a deck. Not overly suitable for suites unless modifications have been made.

Mostly found in older areas. Like a bungalow but a full flight of stairs goes up to sleeping area. The upstairs has slanted roof, reducing head-space.

Probably the most common home style around these days. Lower square footage than equally sized bungalow due to smaller footprint, so they can be built on a smaller lot. A 2000 square foot 2-Storey home has 1000 on the main & 1000 up, plus 1000 in the basement for 3000 sq. ft. total. A 2000 sq. ft bungalow has 2000 on the main and 2000 in the basement for a total of 4000 sq. ft. Living area is divided by two for up and down configuration. A bonus room is sometimes added above the garage to make use of that additional air-space.

Usually has a centrally located full-flight stair-wells and sunken living and/or family room. Reduced head room in some portions of the basement unless accommodations have been made by the builder.

Same as 1 1/2 storey with and extra floor in between.

Centrally located half-flight stairs going off to the right or left to the sleeping quarters. Family room is down, when developed. Four and five-level splits have the same configuration, with extra half-flights of stairs to additional levels.

Same as a regular side split, with the half-flight of stairs going up to the back of the house instead.

Same as 2 Storey, with an extra level. These are becoming more popular, but consider the stairs, especially when the garage is on the lower level.

Popular amongst the mature buyer, since landscaping and snow removal is taken care of by the Home Owners Association. The association is often run by a resident of the community, hence the administration costs are greatly reduced. Many villas are also registered as condominiums, and therefore must abide by all the associated regulations. Villas are usually attached homes or half-duplexes. (These terms are almost interchangeable, however an attached home may also be attached to more than one other home, making it a townhouse)

Homes built in R2 zoned areas with have two homes separated by a dividing wall.