Understanding the Basics of Raised Ranch House Plans

Originally developed in the 1960s, raised ranch homes are characterized by their split-level design. They have a raised entryway and living space on one level, and bedrooms and additional living space on another. This house plan offers a unique and versatile design that maximizes living space and function. Understanding the basics of raised ranch house plans is essential for anyone considering building or renovating a home in this style.

In this article, our experts here at Truoba will explore the design of raised ranch homes, as well as their advantages and disadvantages. They will also be offering tips for building or remodeling a raised ranch home to create a functional and stylish living space. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or an experienced homeowner, the information we’ll share here will help you make informed decisions about your home design and create a space that meets your needs and lifestyle.

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Design Elements of Raised Ranch House Plans

Raised ranch house plans are distinctive in their split-level design, with its raised entryway leading up to the main living space and a lower level featuring additional bedrooms and living space. This design enhances the efficient use of space and a separation of public and private living areas.

There are certain critical design elements that must be present in a standard raised ranch house plan. We’ll quickly look at some of these before going on to discuss the advantages of this house plan.

Exterior Design

The exterior design of a raised ranch home includes a distinctive roof style, such as a gable or hip roof, with a raised entryway featuring stairs leading up to the main level. The entryway may also feature a covered porch or landing, providing a welcoming space for guests. There are different siding and trim options to choose from including popular choices like brick, stone, wood, and vinyl.

Interior Design

The major characteristics of a raised ranch home’s interior design include an open floor plan, with a main living space that includes the kitchen, dining, and living areas. This open space is usually located on the upper level of the home, with bedrooms and additional living space located on the lower level.

Split-Level Design

The split-level design offers a unique layout, with an upper level housing the main living space and a lower level that includes additional bedrooms, bathrooms, and living areas. The split-level design allows for maximum use of space, providing ample room for families to spread out and live comfortably.

Open Floor Plan

As with all open floor plans, this is also ideal for entertaining and family living, with the kitchen, dining, and living areas all located in one open space. This design allows for natural flow between the areas and promotes interaction and conversation between family members and guests.

Living Space Placement

This is a unique arrangement that has the main living space located on the upper level and bedrooms and additional living space located on the lower level. This placement allows for privacy and separation between public and private living areas, while providing a comfortable and functional living space for families of all sizes.

Bedrooms and Bathrooms

On the lower level of a typical raised ranch home, you’ll find bedrooms and bathrooms, with options for a master suite, additional bedrooms for children or guests, and a shared or private bathroom. The lower level may also include additional living space, such as a family room or recreation room, providing ample space for families to relax and enjoy their home.

Raised Ranch House Plans
Raised Ranch House Plans

Advantages of Raised Ranch House Plans

A raised ranch house plan offers several advantages that make them a popular choice across the country. Understanding these advantages can help homeowners make informed decisions about whether or not to choose this over other plans. Let’s quickly look at some of these advantages:

Efficient Use of Space

One of the primary advantages of raised ranch house plans is their efficient use of space. The split-level design allows for maximum use of the home’s square footage, with a main living space on the upper level and bedrooms and additional living space on the lower level. This design allows for ample space for families to spread out and live comfortably, while also providing privacy and separation between public and private living areas.

Cost-Effective

Raised ranch houses are cost-effective to build, as they require less land and building materials than traditional two-story homes. This can lead to significant savings in both construction costs and ongoing maintenance and upkeep.

Easy to Maintain

The design of a raised ranch home makes maintenance easy. With simple and straightforward construction and design elements, the need for ongoing maintenance and repairs is significantly reduced. In addition to this, it also makes it easier for homeowners to complete DIY projects and updates.

Versatile Design Options

Raised ranch house plans offer a wide range of design options, with variations in roof styles, exterior finishes, and interior layouts. This versatility allows homeowners to create a living space that is unique and personalized meets their individual needs and preferences.

Disadvantages of Raised Ranch House Plans

While a raised ranch house plan offers many advantages, there are also some possible disadvantages to be considered when designing or purchasing a home in this style.

Limited Curb Appeal

One of the primary disadvantages of raised ranch house plans is their limited curb appeal. The split-level design can be visually unappealing to some homeowners, and the raised entryway can make the home appear uninviting or unapproachable. Additionally, the roofline of a raised ranch home can be difficult to incorporate into landscaping and exterior design elements.

Limited Natural Light

Another disadvantage is their limited natural light. The main living space is typically located on the upper level, which may have limited access to natural light depending on the orientation of the home. Bedrooms and additional living space on the lower level may also have limited access to natural light due to their below-grade location.

Difficult Access

The raised entryway, which is a key feature of this type of home, can also present challenges for some homeowners. Stairs leading up to the main level may be difficult for elderly or disabled residents, and it can also make carrying groceries or other items up and down the stairs cumbersome.

Noise and Privacy Concerns

Noise and privacy concerns can arise from this plan’s split-level design. Bedrooms and additional living space on the lower level may be located close to noisy mechanical systems, such as the furnace or hot water heater, and this can disrupt sleep and relaxation. Secondly, the open floor plan of the main living space can lead to noise and privacy concerns for residents who prefer separate and enclosed living areas.

Raised Ranch House Plans
Raised Ranch House Plans
Raised Ranch House Plans

Tips for Building or Remodeling a Raised Ranch House

Building or remodeling a raised ranch house can be a great way to create a living space that meets your specific needs and lifestyle. Whether you are building a new home or renovating an existing one, there are several tips to keep in mind to ensure you end up with a successful and functional living space.

Work with a Professional

When building or remodeling a raised ranch house, it’s important to work with a professional who has experience with this type of home design. A professional can help you navigate the unique challenges of a raised ranch home, such as limited natural light and difficult access, and can ensure that your design meets building codes and safety standards.

Focus on Functionality

The functionality of the building should be your priority. Because raised ranch homes can have limited space and challenging layouts, it’s important to prioritize the most important functions and activities in your design. Consider your lifestyle and the activities you enjoy, and design your space accordingly.

Incorporate Natural Light

As mentioned earlier, one of the primary disadvantages of raised ranch house plans is their limited natural light. It’s therefore important to include as much natural light as possible into the design. This can be done by adding skylights, light tubes, or larger windows to the upper level, and using light-colored paint and décor to reflect light throughout the space.

Use Complementary Colors and Textures

To create a cohesive and inviting living space in a raised ranch home, it’s important to use complementary colors and textures throughout the space. It will be best to use a neutral color palette with splashes of color to add visual interest. You can also mix textures to create a sense of depth and dimension. Another thing to do is to use similar design elements and materials throughout the upper and lower levels to tie the space together.

Update Flooring and Lighting

Updating the flooring and lighting can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of the space. Using durable and easy-to-clean flooring options, such as hardwood or tile, and update lighting fixtures, will help improve the functionality and ambiance of the space.

Consider a Second Story Addition

If you are looking to add more living space to your raised ranch home, adding a second story is a solution to consider. This can be a great way to add more bedrooms, bathrooms, or additional living space to your home, while maintaining the unique design elements of a raised ranch home.

Conclusion

It’s been an interesting journey through the world of raised ranch house plans. We’ve looked at a few important points that can help you make an informed decision. Having understood the basics of this house plan, you should now be in a good position to start your renovation or building project. Just remember to work with a professional to ensure that your project goes smoothly.