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Today's ranch home plans have their roots in the 1930s when some creative
architects in California designed the first one-stories known
as "ranches." World
War II put a halt to most residential building before the style
caught on. But by the end of the war, the time was ripe for
the "rambling
ranch" to become the ultimate symbol of the American dream.
Before
the war, most people were dependent on streetcars and buses
for transportation. Neighborhoods consisted of compact houses
on small lots so people wouldn't
have to walk too far to their stops. As soldiers returned
home to start families, a tremendous housing boom took off. With
more and
more families
owning automobiles, it became practical for neighborhoods
to spread out. The stage was set for ranch homes to re-shape
the American landscape.
These ranch
homes reflected changes taking
place in society
in general, from formal to casual. America's growing love
of the outdoors
made their
picture windows and sliding patio doors added attractions.
Even more so, busy lifestyles enjoyed the convenience of
ranch living and
the practicality of fewer stairs.
While ranch
homes have remained a popular mainstay in
American architecture, they've enjoyed
a tremendous resurgence. Baby boomers looking forward
to retirement years are choosing ranch homes for their
ease of accessibility. But many younger families are also seeking
them out. Perhaps
it's because they desire more permanence in their lives.
They want a
home that will
grow and adapt, so they won't have to move to a different
house every time their needs change. Many are picking
a ranch home plan with the idea of 'aging in place'.
Today's ranch homes are designed better
than ever -- with interesting roof lines, higher
ceilings, open entertaining
oriented floor plans, bigger
closets and more style.
Improved technology has made it
possible to create finished lower levels that
are beautiful living spaces and bare little resemblance to basements
of the past.
Many builders
now incorporate higher basement walls, daylight
windows and walk-out designs to produce bright, light-filled
lower
levels. In addition, new
building materials are allowing greater open
spans with fewer support beams.
Design
Basics One story home plans start with small,
efficient, and economical home designs and range up to elegant,
luxurious home plans designed with all the amenities included.
Many of our home plans show a variety of flexible
living options. Many plans could be a 1, 2 or 3 bedroom design
based on how the secondary bedrooms are actual constructed
and used. Many become home offices, other are built out as
formal dining rooms. Still others are activity or hobby areas.
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