Craftsman homes are easy to love. They have welcoming front porches for people-watching, gabled roofs with exposed rafter tails, tapering columns, and exteriors that often showcase wood siding and locally-sourced stone. Large, multi-paned windows flood interiors with light.
Speaking of interiors, ceiling beams are typically exposed, floors are clad with hardwoods, wood and glass hutches adorn dining rooms, and built-in bookcases flank masonry fireplaces.
Basically, Craftsman homes feel like…well, home. But before you fall head-over-heels for this endearing style, here are a few things you should know.
You May Need to Update the Electrical and Plumbing
It’s possible for an original Craftsman home that hasn’t been updated to have knob and tube wiring, which is outdated and unsafe. So it’s always best to inspect the electrical system—of any older home, really—to see if it’s original to the house. Signs of electrical issues can include flickering lights, blown fuses, and outlets that spark. It’s also best to have the plumbing inspected, too, since it could contain original lead pipes.
The Floorplan May Take Some Getting Used To
Because Craftsman homes can have asymmetrical floorplans some layouts may not always be an optimal use of space. Also, a majority of Craftsman homes are one story-and-a-half, which may mean that the top floor has lower ceilings and unique angles due to dormers—which could make furniture arrangement a bit of a challenge.
Exterior Wood Will Require Maintenance
Craftsman exteriors can require a decent amount of upkeep. Wood siding, if painted, will need a periodic refresh. Painted exposed rafter tails and fascia will also require maintenance. When it comes to a porch that’s exposed to the elements, worn or rotting wood floor planks will need attention, and debris like twigs, leaves, and dirt will need to be regularly cleared away.
