Patio homes have quickly become one of the more sought-after housing choices on the real estate market, yet many still need to familiarize themselves with them. Let’s dive in!
What Are Patio Homes?
“Patio home” refers to one-story residential homes sharing walls with neighboring residences and certain forms of detached properties that share one wall between themselves and neighboring houses or are part of an architectural style known as patio-style housing units.
Patios may refer to houses with an outdoor living space like a private patio. But contrary to popular belief, not every patio home features one as the term has generally evolved to encompass low-maintenance housing design.
Today, when someone refers to a patio home they usually refer to a house attached to another patio home, making it similar to condo or townhome living!
Confusions About Patio Homes
Some listings can lead to confusion between patios and duplexes; they’re distinct home types with differences that set each apart from each other.
Duplexes function more like multi-family housing with just two connected units than patios do, offering residents more privacy than living independently in each.
Note: Patio homes, duplexes, condominiums, and townhomes each represent separate forms of attached housing.
What Are Other Names for Patio Homes?
Patios also go by several other names that add further complexity to their terminology. These can range from zero-lot-line homes, cluster homes, garden homes, carriage homes, and courtyard homes.
All these phrases refer to the same type of housing. Terminology simply emphasizes different attributes:
- Zero-lot-line homes are constructed within or on the property line,
- Cluster homes, grouping around shared amenities,
- Garden homes with an emphasis on landscaping, and
- Courtyard homes (built within shared courtyard spaces),
- Carriage Homes, joined together by an enclosed storage room or garage instead of by common walls.
What Do Patio Homes Represent?
Patios resemble townhomes or row houses from the outside; each will likely boast its small lawn in front. Although these may appear small at first glance, once inside you may be taken aback at how expansive and airy each space is!
Indoor patios can be stunning works of art. Their designs span styles spanning ranch to modern. Many features such as open concepts and vaulted ceilings help make these houses seem larger.
Features of patios typically include master bedrooms and laundry on the main level due to single-story designs, and large, open kitchens with contemporary features like stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, hardwood flooring, etc. As these houses tend to be single-story you may also find the master bedrooms on that same floor too!
How Large Are Patio Homes on Average?
On average, patios range between 1,000 to 2,000 square feet. Here is an outline of the sizes and features of such dwellings:
- Smaller patios (1,000-1,400 sq. ft.):
- Home with two to three bedrooms and
- one to two bathrooms;
- open concept living and dining area;
- one or more bathrooms,
- compact kitchen;
- very small outdoor patio or front porch (200-1,800 square feet).
- Medium-sized patios (1400-1.800 sq ft):
- Two to Three Bedroom Homes
- Separate living,
- dining rooms,
- two or more bathrooms accompanied by three or more bathrooms for each,
- medium-sized kitchens with enough counter space,
- outdoor patio or small private yard area
- Medium-sized patios (1400-1.800 sq ft):
- Larger Patios (1,800 to 2,000+ sq. feet):
- 3+ Bedrooms
- 2-3 Bathrooms.
- Spacious Living and Dining Spaces, and
- A Gourmet Kitchen equipped with modern appliances is among the key amenities available here.
Pros and Cons of Living in A Patio Home
Patios present their own set of advantages and drawbacks that set them apart from other forms of housing options, so here is an outline of both. Below are the key pros and cons:
Pros of Patio Homes:
- No Stairs! Patios can be an ideal solution for retirees, individuals with mobility issues and those simply preferring not to climb any steps in their daily routines. By placing all essential living spaces conveniently on one floor, patios provide comfortable access without compromising style or functionality.
- Patios provide the ideal solution for those seeking less yard work on weekends and vacations. Their significantly smaller outdoor areas compared to larger single-family houses allow homeowners to say farewell to hours-long mowing, weeding, and landscaping chores!
- Patios provide low house maintenance costs thanks to less exterior maintenance needs and their compact living spaces, making these the ideal homes for those seeking simple yet low-maintenance living environments.
Cons of Patio Homes:
- Privacy Issues. Patios typically lack privacy due to being built close together with shared walls that will transmit noise more readily between homes. Homeowners will experience more noise transference.
- Limited Outdoor Space. Patios may not provide as much outdoor living space as larger single-family houses; this could prove challenging to those who enjoy gardening or hosting large gatherings in their outdoor area, as well as having enough room for children or pets to play safely outdoors.
- Many patio home communities include homeowners associations (HOA) that impose rules regarding exterior modification, landscaping choices, parking arrangements, and pet ownership. If this sounds restrictive to you, be wary. Some communities even include HOAs with strict restrictions that govern exterior modifications, landscape choices, parking arrangements, and pet ownership rights!
- Due to their compact nature and proximity to neighboring properties, patios may limit future expansion or additional opportunities for customizing and customizing.
So Who Is A Patio Home Best Suited To?
If any of the descriptions listed here resonated with you, a patio home could be your dream come true:
- Retirees and Empty Nesters who seek to downsize and simplify;
- Busy Professionals looking for less space to clean and maintain;
- Individuals with Mobility Issues who struggle walking stairs are ideal candidates.
Where Can You Locate Patio Homes
Patios can generally be found in one or more of these developments:
- Suburban Developments: Many suburban areas feature patio home communities with multiple styles.
- Active Adult Communities: Active adult communities that feature patios are increasingly becoming the go-to choice for residents aged 55 or above.
- Urban Infill Developments: Patios have increasingly made an appearance as part of infill development projects in urban environments over recent years.
- Resort-Style Communities: Some resort-style communities utilize low-maintenance patios designed specifically to appeal to retirees.
So, just contact Las Vegas Real Estate Sales to find the best patio-style homes for you!
FAQs
Q1. Do Patio Homes Include an Actual Patio?
Not necessarily. What constitutes a “patio home” can vary, with many including decks or concrete slabs as part of their definition; any such addition to a patio home is likely more modest in comparison with what would accompany an expansive single-family residence.
Q2. Does Patio Homes Include a Porch?
Most patios do feature some sort of front porch or entryway landing leading into their home. These covered porches tend to be quite small, typically large enough for two chairs.
Q3. Do Patio Homes Include Garages?
Most patios feature either an attached or detached garage for added storage space. Attached one and two-car garages are by far the most prevalent option for patios, while detached ones can sometimes still be found.
Some patio home garages even come equipped with their entrance directly into the home, typically leading to either the mudroom or laundry area.
Q4. How Much Are Patio Homes Cost On Average These Days?
Patio home costs typically range between $200,000. and over a Million USD based on comparable condo or townhouse units of similar size and quality; there’s thus plenty of variation across this spectrum of costs.
