The most common Canadian house styles

by Pierre C. Rumpf 09/25/2023

If you’re thinking about buying or building a home in Canada, it’s helpful to know about the most popular styles of Canadian house. While homes across North America share many similarities, there are some key differences to be aware of. Here is a guide to Canadian house designs you’re most likely to encounter:

Ranch style

Canadian house plans use most of the same terminology and style elements you’ll find elsewhere on the continent. However, in Canadian architecture, a ranch style home is a broad term used to describe any single story house plan.

So, you might find “ranch” houses in Canada that also fit into a different architectural design category, such as contemporary or craftsman style.

Ranch style house plans are popular in Canada for homeowners who want the freedom of a floor plan without the logistical obstacle of stairs.

Cottage style

Cottage style homes are extremely popular Canadian house plans. Cottages feature asymmetrical layouts and generous front porches. As for building materials, wood is prominently used for interior floors, walls and ceilings. On the exterior, this type of Canadian home often features half-timbered facades with a mix of wood and natural stone.

Cottage homes are charming and simple without sacrificing style. They’re also versatile, energy efficient and come in single and multi-story designs.

West Coast modern style

A branch of modern architecture, the West Coast style comes from Vancouver and other areas of Canada with uneven terrain. Because of the land’s topography, architects and designers in the region found innovative ways to apply modernist design principles to home building.

Some major examples include homes featuring mixed elevations, bold geometric shapes and floor plans with multipurpose living spaces.

While West Coast Canadian house plans fit beautifully into the difficult terrain of the Western regions, you’ll find this popular style in every province.

Not sure which is the best Canadian house plan for you? While these are only some of the most popular architectural styles of Canadian houses, they are an excellent place to start your search for inspiration. With the wide variety of floor plans and exterior features, you’re sure to find something that fits your personal style.

About the Author
Author

Pierre C. Rumpf

Broker Profile: Pierre comes from a diverse background. His adolescent and early adult years found him working for his father, a renowned structural engineer, and his brother, an architectural designer and general contractor. His knowledge of construction design (architectural & structural) and practices is significant. He coupled his construction background with his considerable sales experience, by becoming licensed to sell real estate in Massachusetts in 1986.

Pierre is also a licensed Attorney in the Commonwealth, who formerly worked for the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office as a litigator in the Victim & Witness Assistance Division of the Family & Community Crimes Bureau, litigating cases involving victims of violent crime, and since then has had his own legal practice.

For decades, Pierre has excelled in helping buyers of real estate find that condo, single-family, multi-family, lot of lands, or commercial property they desire to buy, or by effectively marketing his clients’ properties to sell their property for the most amount of money possible. His professional background embodies the ideal combination of construction, sales, negotiating, and contract drafting, which is essential to actualizing his clients’ goals and/or dreams. He does all of this with attention to detail, integrity, and success.

Since 1995, PCR Realty has helped buyers and sellers make their transactions as successful as possible. Using a consultative approach, PCR Realty approaches each experience as a unique opportunity for its clients. As a full-service real estate brokerage firm, PCR Realty provides leading-edge services for buyers & sellers.

When it comes to successfully navigating today’s complex real estate market, you need to work with someone who has the experience and commitment to see it done right. PCR Realty excels at matching buyers to sellers. From state-of-the-art marketing to an experienced broker, PCR Realty works diligently to far exceed your expectations. PCR Realty invites you to learn more.