Am i being too harsh on the idea of a bungelow?

hazyjo

Got several bungalows around my house. As hellokitty points out, it does mean you can hear a pin drop in the road! They all (I think) have off street parking so there's only a handful of cars at my end of the crescent competing for spaces. Never had much of a problem. If there are several near the one/s you're considering, it's probably a blessing! All my bungalow neighbours are elderly.

Not sure I like it all on one level, prefer at least two. Also wouldn't want to sleep with windows open on ground floor. Would definitely consider one with a converted loft or a chalet bungalow.

Let us know what you decide

Jx

Strapped

Round here, most bungalows get "crunched" (1st floor added) due to the land prices. Opportunity if you don't mind doing the work though.

mgarl10024

When I was early twenties and living with my parents, we moved from a house to a bungalow (it was part of their downsizing plan as they neared retirement).

Pros:
Quiet (but nosey) neighbours
Off-street parking means low road congestion - but this does mean that people parking on the road attract attention quickly

Cons:
Heating Costs. Not often mentioned - but the bungalow has significantly larger external walls for the space inside. Also, the much larger floorplan means that you have more contact with the ground (more heatloss) and assuming no first floor a much larger roofspace through which to lose heat. Insulation (cavity wall if you can, and roofspace) is a must in bungalows, and whilst my parents noticed a difference I think it still costs them more overall.
Privacy. I don't like having bedrooms (where you may undress) on the ground floor - especially if you have small fences between you and the neighbours! What didn't help was that if my Mum wanted something and I had my bedroom window cracked open, she would just open it from the garden side, stick her head in, and start a conversation!
Security. Much said already. In my house, I am happy to leave windows open at night as it would be difficult to access them, and I feel secure because I also alarm the house. This can't really be done in a bungalow, so I never felt secure sleeping on the ground floor with the windows open and no alarm.
Exercise. You might think I am being flippant, but I believe some study showed that no stairs meant the occupants lived a few years less on average.

Personally, I like the house - which is why I bought one as my first property when I moved from my parent's bungalow after I completed uni.

Hope this helps,

aileth

I'm not so keen on them but wouldn't rule one out completely if it was everything we wanted.

One of my school friends lived all her life in the bungalow and had real problems with stairs. She wasn't used to going up/down them and so would struggle in school or at our house!

JustAnotherSaver

Thanks. I think we'll give them a viewing at the very least to give them a chance. Some very good points made

Although, hoovering stairs is not high on my list of difficult tasks to do during the week :rotfl:

aileth wrote: »

One of my school friends lived all her life in the bungalow and had real problems with stairs. She wasn't used to going up/down them and so would struggle in school or at our house!

Reminds me of the time at school a Brazilian came over & when it snowed in winter - his face was a picture!

hcb42

I dont care for bungalows either, although did live in one from 0-8yrs of age. But that is almost 40 years ago now!

I think it is mostly the style of housing that I really dont like - in the main.

I did consider looking at one in our old village last year, only as it was in our downsizing budget and we were looking to stay there. But we ruled it out quickly after visiting from outside. And my husband said something like no...way...but then our last house was three storey Victorian so would feel like we had moved into a 3 bed shoebox!

hazyjo

Another point - if there are bungalows nearby, you're not really overlooked in the garden. I hadn't noticed why, but a friend came round and commented on how we weren't overlooked, and I realised it was cos of the fact they're bungalows. Also, got one opposite so am not so paranoid if half starkers in the bedrooms with curtains open as it's not like I've got bedroom windows directly opposite!

Jx