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The term “cottage” is subjective, so there’s no rigid definition, but it generally refers to a small home with simple and purposeful architecture that embraces nature and focuses on charm over everything else. Cottages are typically 1 or 1 1/2-stories tall, usually with gabled roofs, and are built out of natural materials that help make the structure a part of the surrounding nature rather than something that stands out from it. A big part of what makes a cottage a cottage is the decor, which includes natural materials from the nearby area.

It is almost always more affordable to buy an existing home than to build a new one. Building a home involves numerous costs, including labor, permits, inspections, utility hookups, and brand-new materials, finishes, and appliances. Additionally, new construction loans can have higher interest rates than traditional mortgages, and property taxes on new homes are often higher, increasing long-term costs. An exception is a DIY house build, which can be cheaper than buying an existing home if you do the labor yourself. While building is generally more expensive, a new custom home offers complete control over the layout and design. Furthermore, new construction is typically worth more than a comparable pre-owned home and may provide a better return on investment if sold quickly.

Barns and barndominiums are most commonly painted red, like barns depicted in movies and paintings. The practice of painting barns red dates back to America’s colonial days, when new farmers would borrow the European practice of mixing linseed oil with ferrous oxide to coat the barns in order to protect them from the elements, leaving the structures with a red color.

Pole barns and carports are similar in that they rely on posts for support and are often not connected to a primary structure. The main difference between the two is that pole barns usually include walls that surround the entire perimeter of the structure, while carports generally remain open on three or four sides. It’s possible to insulate garage doors and even exterior walls on pole barns to create a comfortable workspace, and it’s a bit more secure for storage purposes. However, carports are more affordable.