The bungalow features to look for are the ones that are hard or costly to change later: the floor plan, main-floor laundry, basement height, lot size, roof and core systems. Paint and flooring are easy. Layout and land are not. Use these 10 features as your checklist when you tour bungalows in Ontario.
Key takeaways
- Prioritize features you can’t easily change, like layout, lot and basement height.
- Main-floor laundry and a no-step entry make a bungalow truly one-level.
- Bungalows have large roofs and foundations, so check their condition closely.
- A separate entrance adds flexibility for family or rental income.
Why features matter more in a bungalow
A bungalow puts all your daily living on one floor. That’s its biggest strength, but it also means one awkward hallway or a cramped kitchen affects every single day. Bungalows also have a bigger footprint than a two-storey of similar size, so the roof, foundation and lot carry more weight in your decision.
Not sure which bungalow style fits you? Our guide to the different kinds of bungalows covers raised bungalows, bungalofts, backsplits and more.
The 10 bungalow features every buyer should check
1. A smart floor plan
Look for a layout that separates bedrooms from living areas. Bedrooms down a short hall feel quieter and more private. Check that the kitchen connects to the dining and living spaces without awkward walk-throughs.
2. Main-floor laundry
Many older bungalows put laundry in the basement. A main-floor laundry room, or space to add one, is high on most buyers’ lists. It’s what makes one-level living truly one-level.
3. Basement height and condition
A dry basement with good ceiling height doubles your usable space. Check for water stains, musty smells and a working sump pump. Raised bungalows often have bigger basement windows and brighter lower levels.
4. A separate entrance
A side or rear entrance to the basement gives you options: an in-law suite, a home office for clients, or a legal rental unit. Browse bungalows with a separate entrance if this is a must-have.
5. Lot size and orientation
Bungalows need land. A wider lot gives you a more practical footprint and room to expand. A south- or west-facing backyard gets more afternoon sun.
6. Accessibility features
Even if you don’t need them now, these features protect resale and let you stay longer:
- A no-step entry from the driveway or garage
- Wide doorways, ideally 36 inches
- A walk-in or curbless shower
- Lever handles instead of round knobs
7. Roof and attic
A bungalow’s roof covers the whole home, so it’s a big expense when it needs replacing. Ask the roof’s age, look for curled or missing shingles, and have the inspector check attic insulation and ventilation.
8. Natural light
Single-storey homes can feel dark in the middle. Look for large windows, skylights or a layout that lets light flow from front to back. Bright rooms feel bigger and sell better.
9. Updated systems
Ask about the age of the furnace, air conditioner, water heater and electrical panel. Older bungalows may still have galvanized plumbing or outdated wiring. These upgrades aren’t glamorous, but they affect insurance and safety.
10. Garage, parking and storage
Without a second floor, storage space matters. An attached garage, good closets and a dry basement keep clutter off the main floor. If you need room for two vehicles, look at bungalows with a 2-car garage.
Must-haves vs nice-to-haves
Use this table to sort features by how hard they are to change.
| Feature | Hard to change later? | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Floor plan and room flow | Yes, often structural | Must-have |
| Lot size and orientation | Can’t be changed | Must-have |
| Basement height and dryness | Costly to fix | Must-have |
| Main-floor laundry | Sometimes possible to add | High |
| Separate entrance | Possible, needs permits | High for income or family |
| Kitchen and bathroom finishes | Easy to update over time | Nice-to-have |
| Flooring and paint | Easy and affordable | Nice-to-have |
Bungalow tip: Bring a tape measure. Check hallway widths, bathroom doors and the space beside the bed. In a one-level home, those few inches decide how comfortable you’ll be for years.
How to compare bungalows on your shortlist
After a few showings, homes blur together. Score each one out of 10 on the features above, then add notes on price and location. Our home comparison tool helps you line them up side by side.
Remember that no home has everything. A bungalow with a great lot and layout but a dated kitchen is often a better buy than a renovated one on a tight lot.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most important feature in a bungalow?
For most buyers, it’s the floor plan. A layout that works for your daily routine matters more than finishes, which you can update later.
Are raised bungalows better than regular bungalows?
Neither is better overall. Raised bungalows usually have brighter, more usable lower levels, while regular bungalows often have fewer stairs at the entrance.
Should I buy a bungalow without main-floor laundry?
You can, as long as there’s room to add it later. Ask a contractor whether a closet or mudroom near the kitchen could fit a stacked washer and dryer.
Choosing features that fit your life
The best bungalow is the one whose layout, lot and systems match how you live now and how you’ll live later. Focus on what you can’t change, and let the cosmetic details wait.
When a home on your list checks the big boxes, be ready to act. Well-located bungalows in good condition still draw strong interest, so set up new-listing alerts to see them first.
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