You want to build a modern bungalow. To live and enjoy for the rest of your life. How do you best approach this? What types of bungalows are there? What should you pay attention to when choosing a plot? How do you arrive at the best modern bungalow design? And what about construction costs?
In this article we will tell you everything you need to know about making the choices for building your modern dream home. And at the end we will also give you some handy saving tips.
1. What Types of Bungalows Are There?
There are three types of bungalows: bungalow, semi-bungalow and patio bungalow.
- A bungalow is a detached single-storey house with all living areas on the ground floor for lifelong living.
- A semi-bungalow has, compared to a bungalow, an additional floor with one or more (bed)rooms.
- A patio bungalow is a bungalow designed around its own patio or courtyard (this type of bungalow is more compact in size and is therefore often built as terraces).
Choosing the right type depends on your lifestyle, budget, and aesthetic preferences.
2. What Do You Pay Attention to When Choosing a Plot?
To realize a modern bungalow, you obviously need building land. Choosing the right plot is the first important step – and also a very personal one. How is the plot situated in relation to the sun ? Do you like afternoon sun or evening sun? Or rather not full sun? Do you have the view you want? Both on your plot and, for example, on that beautiful wooded area? And will that remain the case in the future? What are the requirements of the municipality ? Are you allowed to build the modern bungalow you have in mind?
Questions to think about carefully in advance and to inform yourself about.
In addition, you need to think about how you want to live on the plot . Are you going for all living spaces on the garden? So that you can get the perfect garden experience in your entire house? That ultimate inside-is-outside feeling. And how do you deal with the street facade of your bungalow? Can it be more closed, so that you create more of a sense of security and your own place? Or do you want one or more (living) space(s) facing the street?
Crucial and personal choices that are important to get the most out of the living experience and living pleasure of your modern bungalow.
3. Bungalow Design: Two Options From Home
To build a modern bungalow you traditionally have two options. You can hire an architect or choose from catalog designs.
1. Architectural firm
At an architectural firm, you start with a blank sheet of paper. There is complete freedom of design and room for customization with special solutions. You have insight into the design as soon as the plan is ready. It is difficult to attach an accurate price to that design (we as an architectural firm have also experienced this in our previous projects): after all, the contractor comes into play later in the process. Intensive construction supervision is necessary to realize the high built final quality.
Advantages:
- Complete design freedom
- Unique architectural design with a (very) high level of finishing and detail
- Optimal integration into your plot
Disadvantages:
- Construction costs are difficult to estimate in advance
- Contractor and architect are not a well-coordinated team (possibly more failure costs*)
- Intensive construction supervision required to ensure quality
2. Catalog design
With a catalog design, the designs are ready: the construction costs are known in advance. The designer and builder are the same party. The design has little to no room for custom adjustments, but there are standard options that you can choose from (for example: bay window, dormer window, etc.). The floor plans are functional and the designs are universal. You cannot (optimally) use the individual qualities of your plot.
Advantages:
- Construction costs known in advance
- Design and construction from one source: a well-rehearsed ‘construction’ team
- Much standardization in designs (less failure costs*)
Disadvantages:
- Fixed designs with little room for adjustment (adjustments relatively expensive)
- Catalog designs do not utilize the individual qualities of your plot
- Design without architecture and with standard finishing and detail level
A number of catalogue design providers offer free designs . This option is somewhere between an architectural firm [1] and a catalogue design [2]. You have freedom of design and a well-rehearsed ‘construction’ team. You do not have the unique design with the (very) high level of finishing and detail of an architectural firm. The construction costs of a free design are not known in advance.
4. New Design Option for Modern Bungalows
One of the latest trends in modern bungalows is the modular bungalow design. This concept allows:
- Faster construction through prefabricated modules.
- Cost-effective building with minimal waste.
- Flexible layouts that can be expanded or modified over time.
Modular designs often feature:
- High ceilings to create a spacious feel.
- Smart home technology for enhanced convenience.
- Sustainable materials to reduce environmental impact.
5. One With Your Garden: The Ultimate Charm
A modern bungalow seamlessly integrates with outdoor spaces, enhancing your connection to nature. Here’s how:
1. Large Windows and Sliding Doors: These elements provide unobstructed views of the garden and flood the interiors with natural light.
2. Patios and Decks: Extend your living space outdoors with stylish patios and decks, ideal for relaxation or entertaining.
3. Landscaping: Incorporate native plants, water features, and outdoor seating to create a serene environment.
4. Green Roofs and Vertical Gardens: Modern bungalows can feature green roofs or walls, blending architecture with nature.
6. The Size of a Bungalow (With Example Floor Plan and Calculation Tip)
The size of your bungalow depends on your family’s needs, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s an example:
Example Floor Plan
- Total Area: 1,800 sq. ft.
- Living Room: 400 sq. ft.
- Kitchen and Dining: 350 sq. ft.
- Master Bedroom: 300 sq. ft. with an attached bath.
- Two Additional Bedrooms: 250 sq. ft. each.
- Bathrooms: 150 sq. ft.
- Utility Area: 100 sq. ft.
- Outdoor Deck: 250 sq. ft.
Calculation Tip
To estimate the size of your bungalow:
- Determine the number of rooms and their functions.
- Allocate 10-15% of the total area for circulation (hallways, entryways).
- Add outdoor spaces like patios or gardens to the calculation.
7. Construction Costs of a Modern Bungalow (A First Estimate)
The cost of building a modern bungalow varies depending on location, materials, and design complexity. Here’s a rough breakdown:
1. Foundation: $10,000 – $20,000 (based on soil quality and plot size).
2. Structure: $60,000 – $100,000 (walls, roof, and flooring).
3. Finishes: $30,000 – $50,000 (paint, tiles, cabinetry).
4. Utilities: $10,000 – $20,000 (plumbing, electrical, HVAC).
5. Landscaping: $5,000 – $15,000 (depending on design complexity).
Total Estimated Cost
On average, building a modern bungalow can range from $150,000 to $250,000.
In addition to traditional, you also have prefab construction. Prefab means that part or all of the construction is made in the factory and assembled on the construction site. For example, you can think of timber frame construction or steel frame construction. The construction time is shortened with prefab, in terms of construction costs, prefab is currently (in 2024) comparable to or more expensive than traditional construction.
8. Tips to Save Construction Costs
You want to realize a modern bungalow under architecture, but your construction budget is (still) not sufficient? What then? Here are some tips to save costs.
Less volume means less construction costs. With a more compact design you save construction costs. This of course applies if you realize less surface/volume. So building a semi bungalow is also cheaper than a bungalow.
1. Choose Standard Designs: Opt for pre-designed layouts instead of custom plans to save on architectural fees.
2. Use Local Materials: Reduce transportation costs by sourcing materials locally.
3. Plan for Future Expansion: Design a smaller bungalow with the option to add rooms later.
4. DIY Landscaping: Take on simple landscaping tasks yourself.
5. Energy-Efficient Features: Invest in solar panels, LED lighting, and insulation to lower long-term utility costs.
Finally
I hope this article has inspired you to design and build your modern bungalow! And that you now have the necessary information to really get started. I am curious to know which type you will choose. And how you will get the most out of your plot.
Do you have any questions? The best bungalow modern home builders near me. I would love to hear or read them.
And if you already have concrete plans for building a modern bungalow, contact Zbranek & Holt Custom Homes. We are happy to help you!