Home Design Elements Influenced by Geography

Home Design Elements Influenced by Geography

If you travel at all, you have likely noticed there are great differences between homes constructed in Florida and those built in Massachusetts. There are distinct differences between the stucco homes of the Southwest and those of Mid-America.

Geography plays a big role in home designs across the country and here are some examples.

Homes on Stilts

If you’ve ever driven along coastal areas of the U.S, it is likely you’ve seen homes built on wooden, concrete or steel pillars or stilts. This is to help protect the home from high tides and storm surges that can result from hurricanes. Odds are you won’t see many homes built on stilts in Nashville or Denver.

Homes with Basements

The further south you travel, the fewer homes you will find with basements. Generally speaking, homes in the south are built closer to sea level and on sand, eliminating basements as a viable option for most single-family homes.

Homers with Functional Shutters

Shutters have largely become a decorative exterior item, but in areas where high winds are common, shutters can serve to protect windows and a home’s interior contents. “Real” shutters today can be found on condos and single family homes in hurricane-prone areas.

Homes with Storm Shelters

Storm shelters were once fairly common across the Midwest in tornado-prone areas. These below ground spaces were designed specifically to protect residents from damaging storms, and later served as make-shift bomb shelters during the cold war. Storm shelters have largely been replaced with modern “ safe rooms”, reinforced interior rooms of a home that can withstand high winds.

Homes and Buildings with Steep Rooflines

Where heavy snow is an issue, it is likely you will notice more homes and buildings designed with steep rooflines. This is, in part, to help snow from accumulating too much on a roof, where the excessive weight can cause damage.

Most design elements for homes are in place to minimize damage to a home from elements that may be prominent in their area of construction.

Home insurance is designed to minimize the financial damage from the elements, but also from liability claims resulting from injuries or other mishaps on a property. We have a homeowners’ insurance policy designed to protect you. Contact us today for your free, no obligation home insurance quote.


Do you have questions about your insurance? Find an insurance agent near you with our Agent Finder

Search All Blogs

Generic filters

Buzz Your
Insurance Agent

Search for a local agent with our agent finder map.

Agent Finder

Want to learn more about our blog writer?

Read more about KayLynn's background.

Click Here

Search All Blogs

Generic filters

Read More Blogs

Unwrapping the Wiener: A Deep Dive into the History and Lore of the Hot Dog

Beyond the bun: Discover the surprising history, varieties, and enduring appeal of America’s favorite tubular treat.

The Untapped Power of Collaboration: Why Asking for Help Fuels Business Success

Stop going it alone! Discover how leveraging the expertise of others can relieve pressure and drive your business forward.

Navigating the Grandparenting Journey: Understanding Today’s Families

Grandparenting today: Learn key shifts in family dynamics to build stronger connections with your children and grandchildren.

Mapping Our Paths: The Fascinating Reasons Behind Our Road Networks

The story behind the asphalt: Explore the geographical, historical, and planning influences that shaped our modern road systems.

Neighborly Navigations: Resolving Disputes in Non-HOA Communities

No HOA, no problem? Learn how to navigate neighborly disputes effectively in communities without formal management.

Vintage Years of Vision: Four Times Hollywood Hit Cinematic Gold

Like fine wines, certain years in film history stand out for their exceptional quality and the enduring impact of the movies they produced. This article explores four such landmark years, presented chronologically, that many cinephiles consider to be among the greatest in cinematic history.

Green Means Growth: How Environmental Responsibility Can Boost Your Business

It might seem like a secondary concern when facing immediate business challenges, but embracing environmentally friendly practices can actually be a powerful strategy for improving sales, attracting top talent, strengthening your brand, and even saving money. This article explores the tangible benefits of going green for your company’s bottom line and long-term success.

The Forgotten Beauty: Unearthing the Story of the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia

Beyond the iconic Beetle and the groovy Microbus, Volkswagen produced a surprisingly elegant and often overlooked sports car: the Karmann Ghia. This article explores the history, design, and enduring appeal of this “poor man’s sportscar” that has become a sought-after collectible.

Peace of Mind at Home: Building Your Essential Supply Stockpile

Recent global events have highlighted the importance of being prepared for the unexpected. This article outlines key non-perishable food items and essential household supplies that every homeowner should keep on hand to ensure comfort, security, and resilience during unforeseen circumstances.

Faded Glory: Remembering the Sports That Once Ruled Our World

Remember when these sports were huge? Take a trip down memory lane with harness racing, bowling, boxing, and poker, and explore their shift in popularity.