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Exteriors: Housing Styles Explained

Having trouble explaining exactly what you want in a new home or remodel? If so, it could be because a typical house rarely expresses a single architectural style. Getting back to basics will help.

By Greg Cook

Colonial house
 

Colonial Style

This residential style is considered one of the most popular in the history of the United States. Characteristics:

-- Usually two or three stories with high-pitched roof
-- One or more dormers
-- Massive chimney or chimneys
-- Narrow clapboard siding (sometimes brick)
-- Double-hung, multipane windows (usually in pairs) placed symmetrically on both sides of a central front door
-- Decorative crown over front door supported by pilasters or columns

Find an architect or engineer in your area.



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