California is the third largest state and is home to roughly 12% of the United State’s population. Homes in the state have unique attributes that help them function well, and provide the features people need to live in this Mediterranean-type climate. Learn more about While some of the things you find in homes in California can be found in other places, some features are uniquely theirs:

California Style

There are a variety of architectural styles to be found in the state of California. Depending on the region, you can find almost any design type. Two of the most common styles found are Spanish and Mediterranean.

Due to a large number of Spanish settlers in California, there is an abundance of Spanish Colonial homes. The common features in a Spanish Colonial or Spanish Revival home are a flat or very low-pitched roof, arched colonnades around the courtyard, and the rooms connecting to a common area, rather than to each other.

This style is all about flow, and these homes often have large patios in the back that lead to garden areas. Spanish Revival homes in California place a particular emphasis on color schemes to mimic the sky, sea, and sand.

The other popular style in California, Mediterranean, is most famous for the tile work on the roof and the stucco buildings. This style is very popular in the warmer states, particularly those with a history of Spanish settlers.

This style mixes inspirations from Italy, Portugal, Spain, and other countries around the Mediterranean Sea. Some of the key elements in a Mediterranean home are steep roofs, tall second story windows, symmetrical proportions, and porches with balustrades.

Energy Efficiency

California has been leading the way in reducing greenhouse emissions for decades. With initiatives and rebates, homes in this state have been built with some of the most cutting-edge, energy-saving techniques.

This is a great bonus for homeowners. In a time where home values are often plummeting, energy efficiency seems to be the one thing that consistently raises the value.

Things are about to get a lot more energy efficient, as well. As of 2020, all new construction of homes that will be sold will be required to have solar panels. The California Energy Commission (CEC) estimates that this will add an additional $9,500 to the construction price of new homes.

On the flip side, it will save homeowners an estimated $16,521 in energy costs over the life of the building.

Lack Of Basements

Many people who move to California, from other parts of the United States, are shocked to find that most homes have no basements. In many parts of the country, the basement provides a second or third floor of living space.

So why the lack of basements? The better question is why do other places have them, except as protection from tornadoes? Building at ground level is much cheaper than digging into the ground.

Many states need a basement simply because of a need to get the “footing” of the house beneath the frost line. In parts of the country, the frost line can be 3 or 4 feet down. In California, there is very little risk of frost.

There are quite a few homes in California that are built into the hillsides. In this case, there are sometimes partial basements. Unlike the rest of the country, however, there usually is no connection from the main part of the house to the basement.

Conclusion

California homes have a style of their own. Combining historical beauty with energy-efficient technology, the homes are often a masterful blend of old and new. While the real estate market in the state is far from appealing, the homes certainly are.