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What Is a Bungalow?

The first bungalows originated in India, and the word comes from “Bengala” or belonging to Bengal. The bungalow is typically a one-story home with a wide front porch and sloping roof. It is common for some bungalows to have a second partial story set into the slope. Because this is not a full second story, these are frequently known as 1½-story homes.

Bungalows are easy to heat and cool, and while they can be very large, they are typically smaller than average homes, with easy-to-use layouts. They come in many styles and have varying details, although most are made with close attention to detail and high-quality materials, which sets them apart from other homes.

Bungalow Cost by Type of Construction

Like all homes today, bungalows can be built using two basic methods. The first is the traditional way of building, known as stick building. This is the process where your home is built on-site, on top of the foundation. It is framed and finished in one area.

The second method is modular building. In this case, your foundation is poured on-site, but the home is built off-site in a factory. This indoor building is less expensive, faster, and is not impacted by weather delays. Your home is delivered to the job site – usually in two or more pieces – where it is pieced together and finished. Once done, there is no functional or visual difference between the two builds, but modular construction tends to be less expensive and faster.

Modular Bungalow Home

Building a bungalow using modular technology costs between $80 and $100 a sq.ft. Modular building techniques can be applied to bungalows and other home styles. Modular building constructs the home off-site in a controlled environment, often in less time and for less money. Computer-aided technology means the homes are often more precisely built, and there are fewer weather delays because the environment is controlled. You can have all the same styles and options with a modular bungalow. Costs vary by location and home type. A large ultimate bungalow may cost more in delivery fees because of its size, increasing costs.

Stick-Built Bungalow

The cost of a stick-built bungalow is $120 to $220 a sq.ft. Stick-built construction is the traditional process of building a home and the most common method for building bungalows. Most people build their bungalows in the traditional method because many fall under the Craftsman umbrella of architecture. This can include using local building materials and experts to add built-ins ¹ and other details. Costs vary based on location and the number of stories. While most bungalows have 1 or 1½ stories, you can build them with two stories. Each variation impacts the cost.

Cost to Build a Bungalow by Size

Like all home styles, bungalows have grown over the years. Formerly, they were usually around 1,000 sq.ft. or under, with 800 to 900 sq.ft. being common.

Today, the average size of a bungalow is between 1,500 and 1,600 sq.ft. It is possible to find smaller ones and much larger ones, with some ultimate bungalows topping 3,000 sq.ft. in size. Keep in mind that most bungalows have costs between $120 and $175 a square foot. It’s the Ultimate bungalow, which can approach $220 a sq.ft. in price. For this reason, it is generally much less expensive to build smaller bungalows, both overall and per square foot than it is to build larger bungalows.

Bungalow Construction Cost by Number of Bedrooms

While bungalows are typically small, they can be built to hold varying numbers of bedrooms. Most bungalows have 2 or 3 bedrooms. Larger ones may have 4 bedrooms, while ultimate bungalows may have 5 or 6. The costs below are for bungalows based on the number of bedrooms they have. Costs are calculated based on the average size of the bungalow with this number of bedrooms.

Two-Bedroom Bungalow Price

The cost to build a 2-bedroom bungalow ranges from $80,000 to $120,000 for modular building. The price of a stick-built 2-bedroom bungalow is $120,000 to $210,000. This assumes a bungalow of between 1,000 and 1,200 sq.ft. Your costs may vary if your bungalow is larger or smaller. Many bungalows are designed for 2 bedrooms. This is one of the more common sizes for bungalows, particularly those with 1½ stories.

Cost of Building a 3-Bedroom Bungalow

The cost to build a modular 3-bedroom bungalow is $120,000 to $170,000. The price to build a 3-bedroom bungalow using traditional methods averages $180,000 to $297,500. This assumes a bungalow of 1,500 to 1,700 sq.ft. If your bungalow is larger or smaller, your costs could be different. Three-bedroom bungalows are the second most common after 2 bedrooms. They are more common in the ranch, cape, and prairie styles.

Four-Bedroom Bungalow Price

The cost of a 4-bedroom modular bungalow ranges from $160,000 to $220,000. The price of a 4-bedroom stick-built bungalow is $240,000 to $484,000. Four-bedroom bungalows are relatively uncommon. They begin to approach ultimate bungalows in style and design. This means they can have a much higher cost than smaller bungalows. These costs assume the bungalow is 2,000 to 2,200 sq.ft. Larger or smaller bungalows may have different costs.

Five-Bedroom Bungalow Price

The cost of a 5-bedroom modular bungalow averages $200,000 to $300,000. The price of a 5-bedroom traditionally built bungalow is $300,000 to $660,000. This assumes the bungalow is 2,500 to 3,000 sq.ft. If your bungalow is outside of this range, your costs could be different. At this size, you may have additional costs for delivering a modular bungalow, increasing costs. You are also likely to have higher construction costs for stick-building because bungalows of this size tend to fall under the ultimate category with custom details.

Six-Bedroom Bungalow Price

The cost of a 6-bedroom modular bungalow is $216,000 to $300,000. The cost of a 6-bedroom bungalow built using traditional methods ranges from $324,000 to $660,000. This assumes the bungalow falls between 2,700 and 3,000 sq.ft. If your bungalow is outside this range, your costs could be different. Six-bedroom bungalows are extremely rare. Even in an ultimate bungalow, finding the space for this number of bedrooms can be hard. Modular delivery of a home this size may have added costs.

Cost of Building a Bungalow by Number of Stories

The most common bungalow layout is a one-story home. The second most common layout is the 1½ story, although some refer to this as a 2-story bungalow. Some prairie-style bungalows also have a small, pop-up attic space, which gives the impression of a third story. There is not a tremendous amount of difference in costs with bungalows because most fall into the 1 to 1½-story category, with little variation in costs. Some larger bungalows, with unique 2-story features, can have higher build costs.

1-Story Bungalow

The cost to build a modular single-story bungalow is between $90 and $100 a sq.ft. The price to build a single-story bungalow using stick-building methods averages $125 to $175 a sq.ft. The single-story bungalow is the most common style and layout. This is a good option for families with young kids, elderly, and mobility issues. These bungalows are easy to heat, cool, and maintain. While it may seem contrary, single-story homes often cost more per square foot than 2-story homes, only because they tend to be wider and have larger roofs and foundations.

1½-Story Bungalow

The cost of a 1½-story bungalow with modular building averages $80 to $100 a sq.ft. The price of a stick-built bungalow with 1½ stories is $120 to $175 a sq.ft. The 1½-story bungalow is the next most common style and layout. This is sometimes referred to as a 2-story bungalow, but the second story does not cover the same square footage as the first story. Instead, it may be ¼ to ½ of the square footage. The space may be used as an attic area or a living space, depending on the size and style.

2-Stories Bungalow

The cost to build a modular 2-story bungalow ranges from $80 to $100 a sq.ft. The price to build a 2-story bungalow using traditional methods is $120 to $175 a sq.ft. The 2-story bungalow is frequently a misnomer because bungalows rarely have a full second story. They often have a partial second story referred to as the second story, rather than the technical 1½ stories.

Some 2-story bungalows, like the Airport bungalow, have a unique second story composed of windows, while Prairie-style second stories sometimes have an additional pop-up area that makes the home seem taller. These specialty upper stories increase the cost to build, so while most 2-story bungalows have a cost to build of around $120 a square foot, a specialty layout can increase costs to $175 a sq.ft.

3-Stories Bungalow

Bungalows only rarely have 2 full stories and do not have three stories that other house styles do. Instead, they may have a small attic space, especially in those with a flatter roof, like the Prairie. This cannot be considered a third story, and the crawl space does not increase overall costs.

Bungalow Prices by Type

Bungalows come in many styles because they can be influenced by cultures around the world. Many architects, including Frank Lloyd Wright, have put their personal stamp on the bungalow, resulting in many variations.

The overall cost to build a bungalow has a similar average per square foot for the various types. Some may have higher costs because they use different materials, while others may have a different size range, impacting total costs. Below is the average cost to build each bungalow style, based on the typical size.

American Craftsman

The average cost of an American Craftsman bungalow using modular technology is $96,000 to $120,000. The cost to build one using traditional methods ranges from $144,000 to $210,000. The American Craftsman bungalow is one of the most iconic styles. It was created in the Arts and Crafts movement of the 1920s and spawned many variations. It was typically one story, but newer versions have 1½. They have deep gabled roofs, wide front porches, and may feature things like built-in shelving. The average traditional Craftsman is 1,200 sq.ft., although many can be larger

Mission Bungalow

A Mission bungalow built using modular construction costs $120,000 to $150,000. The average cost to build one using traditional methods is $180,000 to $262,500. The Mission is another variation of the Craftsman and is one of the most well-known. The Mission is known for its clean lines and mid-century detailing. The columns on the porch are often thicker and tapered, and the home is usually shingled ². The Mission has an average size of 1,500 sq.ft.

Airplane Bungalow

The cost of an Airplane bungalow built using modular construction averages $120,000 to $150,000. The cost to build one using traditional methods ranges from $180,000 to $262,500. The Airplane bungalow has a unique layout that sets it apart from the others. It has a pop-up style second story, rather than the 1½-story style that tucks the second story back into the roof’s slope. In this style, the flatter roof gives way to a second story that takes up roughly half the size of the first floor, but which is made entirely of windows, for a 360-degree view. The average Airplane bungalow is around 1,500 sq.ft.

Ranch Bungalow

The cost of a ranch bungalow built using modular construction is $120,000 to $150,000. The average cost to build one using traditional methods ranges from $180,000 to $262,500. A ranch bungalow is a laid-out one-story bungalow so that the bedrooms are on one side and the kitchen and living areas are on the other. Occasionally, they are laid out front and back, with the bedrooms behind. These are around 1,500 sq.ft. on average. They resemble traditional ranches in an asymmetrical layout.

Foursquare Bungalow

The cost of a Foursquare bungalow built using modular construction ranges from $120,000 to $150,000. The price to build one using traditional methods averages $180,000 to $262,500. The American Foursquare is a variation or subset of the Craftsman bungalow. It is laid out with two rooms in front, two behind. They may have a full or partial second story, but this is dependent more on the region and is more common in some areas than in others. The Foursquare shares most of the characteristics of the Craftsman, including a gabled roof and front porch, and averages 1,500 sq.ft. in size.

Chalet

The cost to build a chalet bungalow using modular techniques is $144,000 to $180,000. The cost to build using stick-building methods ranges from $216,000 to $315,000. The Chalet bungalow has a unique second story. Rather than being a traditional second story or 1½ story, what this style has is a loft, usually tucked in at the back of the house or above the garage. This gives you extra square footage, at a lower cost than full second stories. This style of bungalow is around 1,800 sq.ft. on average

California Bungalow

The cost to build a California bungalow using modular techniques is between $144,000 and $180,000. The price to build using stick-building methods averages $216,000 to $315,000. The California bungalow is one of the most popular styles of this house type. It was part of the Arts and Crafts movement that spawned so many other variations and originated in California. This is the bungalow that started the 1½ story variation that can now be seen on nearly any bungalow type. The average size of this bungalow style is 1,800 sq.ft.

Raised Bungalow

The cost to build a raised bungalow using modular techniques ranges from $144,000 to $180,000. The price to build using stick-building methods is $216,000 to $315,000. The Raised bungalow is unique from others due to its basement. Most bungalows do not have basements but are built on slabs, which keeps their cost down. While they can have basements, the Raised bungalow does it differently. The basement is fairly shallow, and partially above ground, with the front of the bungalow above ground and the back section behindlow ground, although not usually as deep as the average full basement. This allows more light into the basement, but it also raises its cost to build slightly. The average size is around 1,800 sq.ft.

Prairie

The cost to build a prairie bungalow using modular techniques averages $144,000 to $180,000. The price to build using stick-building methods ranges from $216,000 to $315,000. The Prairie was the bungalow style invented by Frank Lloyd Wright. This is a more modern architecture style than most bungalows, with low, clean lines, and a flat roof that is often tiered so that the second story takes up less space than the first. Sometimes there is a small crown on the second story, which gives the building the illusion of having three stories from the exterior, while in reality, it is still 1½ or 2 stories inside. Prairies have a lot of unique details, including built-in shelving and keyhole doorways. They have an average size of around 1,800 sq.ft.

Spanish Revival

The cost to build a Spanish Revival bungalow using modular techniques is $144,000 to $180,000. The price to build using stick-building methods averages $216,000 to $315,000. The Spanish Revival or Spanish Colonial Revival bungalow takes influence from Spain and the Mediterranean. Many of the features of a true Spanish Colonial have been removed in the revival, such as the Baroque doorways, but the home still holds the charm and personality of the influencing styles. Typically, there are red roof tiles, round-topped windows, lots of light inside, tile on the staircases, and a Spanish-style fireplace. This style has an average size of 1,800 sq.ft.

Cape Cod

The cost to build a Cape Cod bungalow is between $148,000 and $185,000 when building with modular methods. The cost to build using traditional methods ranges from $222,000 to $323,750. The Cape Cod, Cape Codder, or Cape, is a recognizable home style in the Northeast. It is also a subtype of bungalow. The Cape Cod has close to two full stories as found on a bungalow, but the upper story has a sharply slanted roof, with dormer windows to add extra space. Most Capes are small, but they can be found in much larger sizes in some areas. The average size of a Cape Cod is 1,850 sq.ft.

Overwater

The cost to build an overwater bungalow is $225,000 to $300,000. This style must be built using traditional methods. It cannot be built modularly because of its placement. The Overwater or Outerbanks bungalow is most popular in the South as a vacation property. It is built on stilts over the water, which is where it gets its name. The stilts are log piles, which are driven deep into the ground for support. Due to the difficult nature of building this type of bungalow, it has a higher cost than most others. The average size is around 1,500 sq.f.

Ultimate Bungalow

The cost to build an Ultimate bungalow using modular building averages $300,000 to $450,000. The price to build using stick-building methods is $525,000 to $660,000. The Ultimate bungalow is a term used to describe an extremely large and detailed Craftsman-style bungalow. While most bungalows tend to be under 2,000 sq.ft., once they cross into the territory of 3,000, they become known as an Ultimate bungalow. These are rarer than other styles, and they often include very intricate details found in the Arts and Crafts movement throughout the home, including intricately carved doors, elaborately built-in cabinetry, and natural, local materials. They have an average size of 3,000 sq.ft.

Bungalow Construction Cost Breakdown

Like many home building types, there can be a wide range of costs, materials, and labor fees to contend with. Costs also vary depending on your region and the bungalow style and size. However, it is possible to gain a general sense of where your money goes during the build. This breakdown helps you determine which professionals work on your home and how much to pay them. Costs below are for the average 1,500sq.ft. bungalow, using traditional building methods; modular building does not break down in the same way.

Prep Work

The average cost of the prep work for building a new bungalow is $4,500 to $6,000. This includes most of the work minus the land purchase. This includes getting a permit, purchasing the plans, and land clearing and excavations. You also need to hire any professionals involved. Costs vary depending on the state of the lot you build on. Cleared lots have lower costs, while heavily wooded lots may cost more to clear. You may also have initial utility setup costs.

Foundation

The average cost of a new foundation ranges from $7,000 to $18,000. Most bungalows have a slab foundation ³, although they can be built with a full basement if you desire. Several factors influence the foundation type you build, including the location, soil type, and the bungalow type and style. While many are built on slabs, some may work well with a crawl space, and a few have basements. The more complex the foundation, the higher the total costs.

Framing

The average cost to frame a bungalow is between $32,400 and $47,250. Bungalows use a wood frame, which costs around $9 a square foot. Framing usually makes up 18% of your total project cost. The exact cost of your framing can be influenced by the job complexity. For example, adding details like dormers to a Cape can change the frame’s costs. Like with many parts of the project, the more complex the design, the higher the cost. Framing costs usually include sheathing, house wrap, and the frame.

Roofing

The cost to frame and shingle the roof of the average bungalow ranges from $19,000 to $29,000. Most bungalows have a gable roof, which is common and easy to frame. Many bungalows use asphalt or architectural shingle for the roof. However, you can use other materials, such as wood or slate. In this case, your costs can be higher. Your costs could also be higher for styles like Cape Cods that have dormers, and they can be much lower for Prairie or Airport styles with flat roofs. These in particular can be much less expensive because they do not require the same framing or materials.

Exterior

The cost to finish the exterior of the bungalow averages $15,000 to $20,000. Bungalows can be clad in many exterior sidings, with shingles being the most common. However, stucco ⁴, lap siding, and even brick can all be used. In addition to the siding, you also have insulation, windows, doors, and paint within the project. The more windows the home has, the higher this cost may be. For example, airplane bungalows may have higher exterior finishing costs due to their upper level. The more complex the exterior, the higher the total costs for this section.

Major System Installation

The average cost to install all the major systems in your bungalow is $20,000 to $30,000. Your bungalow needs plumbing, electrical wiring, heating, cooling, ductwork, and other fixtures. Depending on where you live, you may also need a well and septic system or hooked up to the main water and sewer lines ⁵. Many of these costs vary based on your bungalow’s size and location. The farther back from the home’s street, the higher your installation costs are for wiring and water. The more bathrooms your bungalow has, the higher your plumbing costs.

Interior Finishing

The cost to finish your bungalow’s interior ranges from $32,100 to $42,250. Bungalows can be finished inside in a variety of ways. They usually have very simple layouts, but some have various features included in the design. This may include things like keyhole doorways or built-in bookcases. You also need a lot of general finish work, including drywall, flooring, lighting, closets, painting, moldings, and interior doors. The more complex the interior, the higher the finishing costs.

Kitchen

The cost to add a kitchen to a bungalow averages $30,000 to $40,000. Most bungalows have simple small kitchens. The kitchen is generally a separate room rather than being open to the rest of the home. For this reason, you can add in more cabinets, shelves, and other storage. In some bungalows, you may even include a door fully separating the kitchen from the rest of the home. Kitchens in bungalows are typically minimalist without moldings or details, keeping costs lower than in some homes.

Bathroom

The cost to add a bathroom or bathrooms to a bungalow is $20,000 to $30,000. Most bungalows have 1 to 2 bathrooms. Many have 1½ bathrooms or a full bath and a half bath. Having 1 to 2 bathrooms is common because most bungalows only have 2 to 3 bedrooms. However, you can have more bathrooms in a larger bungalow. In this case, your costs are higher.

Labor Cost to Build a Bungalow

Many professionals may work on the bungalow, with each charging a different rate. In many instances, if you contract with a builder or a build firm, they are responsible for hiring each professional. However, you can also hire them yourself if you act as the project manager. Below are the professionals you are most likely to use and their average costs.

Additions for Bungalows

Like many home styles, you can add several things to your home and property to enhance the final design. Some of these additions are to the house, while others are to the yard and surrounding area. Some are optional, like decks and pools, and others are integral to the home, such as driveways. Below are their average costs to build.

Shed Addition

The cost to add a shed to your property averages $1,500 to $10,000. Because bungalows are small, many people add a shed for storage. Sheds can be built to mimic the home’s style and materials. They can also be built in other styles and mimic barns and other outbuildings. Sheds can be used to house lawnmowers or gardening supplies or as a small work area. The shed’s cost is directly tied to its size, shape, and use.

Fence Addition

The average cost to fence in a yard ranges from $2,000 to $5,000. Fences add privacy and security to your property. They come in many styles and materials, including metal, vinyl ⁶, and wood fences. The cost is determined by the size and material. The bigger the yard you are fencing, the higher the costs.

Driveway Addition

The cost to pave a driveway is $3,200 to $10,000. Every home has a driveway. They come in many shapes, lengths, and materials. The most common materials for driveways include gravel, asphalt ⁷, and concrete. Some of these materials are regionally tied. For example, concrete is used most often in the South, while asphalt is used in the North. The exact cost of your driveway is determined mostly by length, pitch, and width.

Deck Addition

The cost to build a deck onto your bungalow averages $5,000 to $15,000. The deck type you add is at least partially determined by the bungalow type. Because most bungalows are 1 or 1½ stories, you should most likely use a platform deck. This is a deck that is slightly raised above the ground. It is common to walk out from the home’s main level directly onto the deck. However, you may wish to build a higher deck if you have a 2-story bungalow.

Landscaping

The cost to landscape a new yard is $8,000 to $15,000. All new homes need some landscaping after the house is built. The lot may have been cleared earlier, but heavy equipment and the building likely mean it is no longer level. Landscaping levels the lot and adds grass seed or sod. Many people also add bushes or trees around the front of their homes. Many bungalows look best with native plants in the landscaping.

Pool Addition

The cost to add a pool to your property ranges from $10,000 to $100,000. Pools make great additions to many homes. They can be found in varying sizes and styles to meet the needs of many homeowners and properties. If you have the space, you may wish to invest in a large inground pool. Homes without much space may do well with a smaller above-ground pool or even a small plunge pool. Pool costs are directly related to the size and type. Larger and inground pools cost more than smaller and above-ground pools.

Garage Addition

The cost to add a garage is $22,000 to $60,000. Garages come in two basic types – attached and detached. Most bungalows use detached garages. Some are designed to have a small attached garage located in the front. In this case, the driveway slopes steeply down to the garage to build the home above it. Otherwise, only ultimate bungalows typically have attached garages. Detached garages are more common. They must match the rest of the home in style and siding to create a cohesive look.

Basement Addition

The cost to add a basement to your bungalow averages $25,000 to $40,000. Basements are very uncommon with most bungalows. However, they can sometimes be added. Basements cannot be added in all areas. In many parts of the country, it is difficult to excavate a basement safely without worrying about water, floods, and natural disasters. However, basements are common in other areas. The project costs increase if you add a basement to your bungalow.

Cost of Adding a Second Story to a Bungalow

Most bungalows do not have a true second story. A few styles have one, but they are considered rare. However, you can lift the roof and add a true second story if desired. Doing so can be a major and invasive project limiting usage of parts of the home until it is complete. The average cost is $150,000 to $200,000 for most average-sized bungalows. Costs can differ for very small bungalows or ultimate bungalows.

Living in a Bungalow Advantages and Disadvantages

Bungalows are generally smaller and very cozy to live in. They are easy and inexpensive to heat and cool, and they have a lot of charm. They are usually designed and laid out to be easy to live in and are good for people with young children and who have mobility problems because most are one story.

Unless you are going with an Ultimate bungalow, which is rare, you do not have much space in a bungalow. They are designed to be cozy, so if you want a big, open layout, this is not the house. They are difficult to add on to because of their unique layout and 1½-story height. Attempting to build on often eliminates much of their charm.

Bungalow Conversion Cost

If you have a bungalow with a loft or an unfinished upper floor, you can have a bungalow conversion done, which takes that space and turns it into a full, usable bedroom or bedrooms. The cost of this process depends on the loft size and whether it is finished or not. The average cost of a conversion is between $110 and $150 a square foot, depending on these factors.

Bungalow vs Cottage

Both bungalows and cottages have a lot in common. Both are smaller homes that are typically one story. But the American bungalow has many sub-styles that branch mainly off the Arts and Crafts movement, including a distinctive front porch and Craftsman-style details on the doors and windows. Cottages often lack this porch and have different window styles. Cottages also often lack the built-in shelves and cabinets of the bungalow.

While bungalows have numerous specific styles and architectural details, cottages do not. Most cottages are more general in design, making them easier to build and design. With a cottage, you can add different features without clashing with the home’s design. Bungalows tend to be more specific, limiting customizations. Below are the average costs of each using traditional stick-building methods.

Bungalow vs Ranch

Bungalows and ranches are typically single-story homes, which also have several things in common. Bungalows and ranches have an average square footage size of 1,500 to 1,700 sq.ft. There is also a bungalow type that mimics the ranch in layout and style.

Overall, ranches tend to be more modern than bungalows. Ranches have an open floor plan, while bungalows do not. Bungalows are more likely to have a porch, while ranches typically do not. Ranches are more costly in general because of their layout. Below is the average cost to build each based on stick-building methods.

Bungalow vs House

There are many house types and styles. A bungalow is one type of subset of a house. While the word bungalow comes from India, they are widely used in the United States as a small home.

Due to their size and the fact that most are single or 1½ stories, most bungalows are less expensive than the average home. However, many architecture types can be used to build a house. This leads to a wide range of costs, and some types can be built for less than a bungalow. Below are the average costs to build a bungalow versus to build a house using stick-building practices in the U.S.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Interior Designer

It is common to hire an interior designer when building a new home. They help plan the layout and find furnishings that fit the style. The price of hiring an interior designer is between $75 and $450 an hour.