It is a new age of choices. Now a days buyers have many different configurations to choose from when purchasing a residential home.
- Detached
- Duplex
- Linked
- Semi-detached
- Townhouse
- Triplex
- Fourplex
- Stacked Townhouse
- Secondary Suites
Detached, single family dwelling unit is exactly as it sounds. In a subdivision it is part of a serious of houses on a street separated by property on either side. Depending on where you live and the city zoning bylaws the min distance between each home will vary.
Detached homes come in Bungalows, Splits and Two-stories, and a few other variations of these. This offers the home owners some variety when looking for a home thats fits their needs.
Duplex, are homes built on a single lot that are divided vertically or horizontally. Each unit will have a separate entrance, or in some cases a main entrance area that would then have two separate doors where the home owners can enter their private spaces. Depending on the configuration, if it is a horizontal division the upper unit will be accessed by a set of stairs.
This type of residence is popular for investment properties for those who are looking to be a landlord. They are also common amongst blended families, where one family can live in one unit and another in the other. This allows for separation and togetherness all at the same time.
Linked, this type of home is the ultimate space saver in the construction of many new subdivisions. These are single family dwelling units that are attached below grade by a concrete wall. This type of home will have a narrow walkway on one side and a wider one on the other. Typically you will only be able to access your back from one side.
Semi-detached, these are two separate dwelling units on two separate deeded lots. These units are attached above ground by a concrete wall, also known as a party wall, if looking for building code requirements. There are different zoning requirements for height and thickness for different cities.
How you can tell the different between a duplex with a vertical split and a semi-detached, is that on a semi the a joining party wall is not the length of the house, it is only a majority attachment. And of course in a semi there is 2 deeded lots and with a duplex there is just one lot for the two units.
Townhouse, are a series of individual dwelling units attached vertically above ground. All units have their own deeded lots. The party wall requirements between each dwelling unit is subject to building code requirements. In order to be a townhome each home must have two points of egress, one at the front and one at the rear.
Townhomes are a very popular starter home. The price point is typically more modest in comparison to the detached dwellings in the same area. Don’t let that take away from its worth. You can get townhouse in all sorts of sizes for many different family needs.
Tripleax and Fourplex, follow the same basic principles of the duplex. The units are divided vertically or horizontally and are on the same deeded lot. There needs to be a separate entrance for each unit, either in its own area or in a common vestibule where each units can be accesses separately.
Stacked townhouse, these are living areas that are stacked on top of one another while maintaining a street entrance for each unit. Because of this requirement the units can come in all sort of configurations, some with two and three bedroom units in combination with a bachelor pad.
In a city landscape these types of town homes are starting to become more popular.
Secondary suite, are your income suites that are added to a property. Some are an accessory suit added to the lower level. They can also be a separately built unit in the back yard, also known as a granny suit or garden flat. There are different zoning bylaws and regulations to be considered before investing into an additional income unit on your property.
Knowing you have lots of choices available to you can make it feel a bit overwhelming, however simply letting your relator know what is important to you when buying a home, they can be a big help in assisting you in finding the best home for you and your family… Happy Shopping..
