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
Search All Blogs
Read More Blogs
Six Men Who Captured Hearts: Universally Loved Figures in American Culture
Explore six beloved men in American popular culture.
The Uninsured Gap: Why Small Businesses Are Missing Crucial Protection
Why small businesses need more insurance.
Beyond “How Was Your Day?”: Engaging Your Kids with Deeper Questions
Get your kids talking with these open-ended questions.
The Rise and Fall (and Possible Return?) of the American Minivan
The minivan’s journey: from family icon to potential comeback.
Out with the Old: 7 Home Upgrades That Pay You Back
Upgrade these 7 outdated home features now.
America’s Linked Cities: Six Communities Forever Entwined
Discover America’s famously linked cities.
Navigating Price Increases: How to Retain Customers During Inflationary Times
Retain customers during price increases with these tips.
Beyond the List: What Your Bucket List Really Says About You
The hidden meaning and power of your bucket list.
Taking the Wheel: How You Control Your Car Insurance Costs
Control your car insurance costs with these tips.
Beyond the Walls: Maximizing Your Home’s Outdoor Living Potential
Unlock your home’s outdoor living potential.