Bungalows and Cape Cods are one-and-a-half story homes with distinctive features that place them a class of their own. Other one-and-a-half story homes follow no rules and may borrow design elements from other home styles. Dormers, door placement, porches, and gables can be placed anywhere. These homes
can be of any size, design, and price. Contemporary versions may have vaulted living spaces with dramatic expansive windows.

Bungalow
A popular, compact design built between 1910 and 1930. The interiors of bungalow homes often feature open floor plans with nice woodwork giving a feel of simple elegance and comfort.

This design features and open first floor bedroom so that all living space can be on the same floor. The attic area in many of these houses has been adapted to living space.

Cape Cod
This simple story-and-a-half design, with its distinctive peaked roof, shutters and central front door, is an American classic. Usually a frame structure, the basic design comes in many variations and often features dormers, bay windows, and decorative trim.

Many Cape’s have had a full-length dormer constructed across the rear of the second floor to create large bedrooms.

Craftsman
The distinctive characteristics of this style are the long sloping roofline and a wide porch with pillars that typically widen at base. Craftsman style homes were built between 1900 and World War II. They can be found in older neighborhoods throughout the Greater Lansing area. The Craftsman is a variation of the Bungalow style offering open floor plans with a sense of space.
 

Neo Tudor
Popular in the 1920s and 1930s, this style captures
the storybook appeal of the English country cottage and combines it with Tudor styling features of steep gable roof entry and predominant fireplace chimney.

The floor plan may follow any design.  Most smaller homes are frequently based on the Cape Cod layout. Larger versions follow a traditional two-story theme.

Contemporary Designs
Modern one-and-a-half story designs borrow elements from earlier periods while building in spaces for modern conveniences such as two or three car garages, larger kitchens and family rooms.

Traditional elements such as a front porch, obvious dormers, and angular ceilings have been consistent throughout the years.