I need a definition of these housestyles: cape, colonial, victorian; and
what "detached frame construction" means.

Hi julie99,

House Style Definitions
http://www.homeplaninfo.com/styles/planstyles.asp

"Cape Cod  
A residence usually with two levels of living area (1.5 to 1.75
stories) featuring steep roof slope and dormers. The design is
generally symmetrical and does not feature much overhang or other
ornamentation. The area of the second floor is usually 40% to 75% the
area of the ground floor. Almost all homes that are 1.5 or 1.75
stories are Cape Cods. The rare exception being Contemporary designs."


"Colonial
Dating back to historical New England, there are many variations to
the Colonial style residence. It is a style which has transcended time
and has changed to meet the needs of the marketplace. The Garrison
Colonial, New England Colonial, Dutch Colonial, Salt Box, Southern,
and Modern Colonials are just a few of the various Colonial styles.

A colonial home can be described as any house where the second floor
living area is 100% of the first floor living area. More specifically
it is very symmetrical with a center (or slightly offset) door with
windows equally spaced on both sides. The roof ridge runs parallel to
the main road. Bedrooms are usually always on the second floor. Newer
versions of the Colonial are usually 2 story with a covered front
porch, attached garage, and a family room situated behind the garage.
The second floor living area frequently extends over all or part of
the garage."


"Victorian 
For a Victorian House, Gingerbread detailing is the key element. Most
Victorian Homes have multiple roof lines with varying roof pitches. In
some cases, a Victorian house has octagonal turrets (towers). The
exterior of a Victorian house is always clapboard. Lattice work and
decorative railings are often used."


Detached frame construction means anything that is not attached to the
house, such as a garage, guest house, cabana (pool area) gazebo,
workshop, etc.  Frame construction generally means wood (not block or
brick) and sometimes frame construction can be steel.

Google search: "house definitions"  

Best regards,

tlspiegel
Google Answers Researcher

very fast response, very accurate, and very helpful!

Thank you for the nice rating.  I enjoyed doing the research. ;)

tlspiegel
Google Answers Researcher