As you explore the Denver area’s neighborhoods you start to run into the same familiar faces. Victorian, Denver Square, Terrace Homes, Mid-Century Ranch, and Split Level houses were all popular at different points in Denver’s history, and I’ll bet that many of you reading this live in one of them.
This article collects examples of projects I’ve done on each of these house types. Hopefully they provide you with some inspiration for expanding or remodeling your own home. Don’t see your house listed here? Get in touch and we can talk about the opportunities for your own home.
Victorian
The family home of the 1880s.
Challenges
- Seldom a full basement
- Room sizes are small by modern standards, especially bathrooms
Strategy
- Reconfigure main floor for better flow and room layout
- Convert unfinished attic to bedroom suite
Terrace Home / Rowhouse
Affordable starter home of laate 19th century Denver.
Challenges
- Small Lots
- Connected to adjacent units
Strategy
- “Piggyback” addition to add second story and improve basement and back yard access
Denver Square
One of the most common houses of the early 20th century.
Challenges
- Small Kitchens
- Choppy Floor Plans
- Small (or no) bedroom closets
Strategy
- Use existing space to create layout suited to today’s needs
- Small addition for service spaces
Mid-Century Ranch
Ubiquitous in the Denver metro in the 1950s and 1960s.
Challenges
- Small Kitchens cut off from other spaces
- Small bedrooms & bathrooms
- Limited outdoor access
Strategy
- Open up kitchen/living/dining area
- Addition creates room for larger bedrooms and ensuite baths
Split Level
A roomier alternative to the Ranch that became popular in the 1970s.
Challenges
- Awkward, inefficient layouts
- Cramped kitchens
- Outdoor access an afterthought
Strategy
- Rework living spaces for better flow and sight lines
- Add direct back yard access
- Enlarge bathrooms and laundry space