How are houses built in the USA?

Table of contents

• American style houses
• Why are houses in the US made of wood? We explain!
• How long does it take on average to build a house in the US?

When we hear the phrase American houses, we immediately think of similar estates of wooden houses, with a characteristic roof and shutters. Today we decided to take a closer look at this phenomenon!

Each region of the world has its own traditions and preferences regarding construction. In the United States, the process of building houses has its own unique characteristics, and one of the most famous is the widespread use of wood. Why is that? What are the characteristics of American construction and where do some traditions come from? We invite you to read!

American style houses

What are the characteristics of houses in the USA? They have rather similar structures, they are usually made of wood, the roof is sloping, often gray, and the façade is decorated with wooden paneling. A decorative element are also classic, white shutters, also made of wood.

How are houses built in the USA? The way houses are built in the United States is much less complicated than in Poland. At the beginning, structures made of wooden poles are placed on a classic screed, and inside the whole thing is covered with plywood, insulation is added, cables and electrical installations are routed. In this way, the skeleton is ready. Then, inside, the walls are finished with plasterboard, and outside, the façade is often decorated with characteristic wooden paneling.

Why are houses in the US made of wood? We explain!

Okay, but actually, why wood? There are at least several reasons. First of all, wood is a convenient material in the context of building a house, and Americans value comfort very much! Wood can be easily shaped, replaced, rebuilt – in a word, it is a very renovation-friendly material.

In addition, in the United States, there has been easy access to wood as a raw material for centuries. Building a wooden house is much cheaper and faster, and this is the option that most Americans can afford.

Speed is important for Americans, because they move often and have a different attitude to their properties than Europeans. They don’t get so attached to their homes, they don’t build them for generations, and frequent moves and buying new properties are the norm. If necessary, a wooden house can be quickly rebuilt or even demolished and built anew, and such flexibility is highly appreciated by Americans.

Check: How to insulate a wooden house?

How long does it take on average to build a house in the US?

Due to the way houses are built in the States, the construction itself takes really fast! According to data from 2013, the average duration of building a house in the US is about 6 months. [1] Currently, the situation is similar, although sometimes construction can be prolonged due to the smaller number of professionals available on the market. However, it is still a very short waiting time for your dream home. In Poland, on average, the entire process takes from one to 2 years, although it can be a much longer period. Do you care about time? Check out our offer of prefabricated houses.