A Guide To A-Frame Houses: Pros, Cons And Costs

If you’re looking to build or buy a house, seemingly infinite design options are out there. With so many different types of homes available, it can be overwhelming trying to decide which would work best for you.

If you happen to be a lover of nature, windows, minimalist design or open, airy spaces, we’ll help you narrow down your options today by showing you a type of home you might just love: the A-frame. Let’s unpack everything you need to know about A-frame houses.

What Is An A-Frame House?

The term “A-frame house” is pretty self-explanatory: The home is shaped like a capital letter “A.” These triangular homes usually have long, steep roofs that extend almost all the way to the ground on two sides of the house and come to a sharp point at the top. The sides of the structure that aren’t part of the roof are often covered with windows that invite lots of natural light into the home.

While A-frame homes can be found just about anywhere, they’re especially popular in rural, wooded areas. You can also find them in a variety of sizes, from tiny houses to larger, more traditional single-family homes.

Key Exterior Features Of A-Frame Homes

So, what makes an A-frame home unique? Let’s briefly consider some classic exterior features that set A-frame houses apart from other types of homes. While modern A-frames may diverge from the typical design, you’ll find that most will have the characteristics detailed below.

A-Frame Roof

The most defining feature of the A-frame home is its large, steep triangular roof. Its symmetrical, angled sides form the pointed shape of the letter “A.” Because of its angled shape, the A-frame roof acts as a seamless drain, allowing heavy snow and rain to fall off rather than freeze up. For this reason, prospective homeowners who live in areas with extreme weather may prefer this roof design as opposed to others.

Large Windows

A-frame houses are adored for their large, angular windows, which give this cozy home style a more spacious feel. Not to mention, large windows provide a wonderful view of the picturesque outdoors and invite in a generous amount of natural light.

Natural Materials

Before A-frame homes became a popular choice for primary residences, A-frame cabins were often built. In fact, in 1934, architect Rudolph Schindler was praised for the construction of one in Lake Arrowhead, California. Inspired by such a design, A-frame homes today have a “cabin” feel, as they’re typically built from wood or other natural materials like stone. These natural building materials contribute to the rustic and minimalist feel of the A-frame home.

Key Features Of A-Frame Home Interior Design

Once you get inside, the interior design features of an A-frame house may just have you sold on this cozy, charming home. You can expect to see:

• Natural light: Thanks to their plentiful and large windows, most A-frame homes are oozing with natural light. While these homes typically have minimal square footage, the abundance of light leaves a noticeable presence, creating an airy living space.
• Open floor plan: Since A-frame homes are unusually shaped and small in space, they typically have an open floor plan so the home won’t feel cramped.
• Exposed beams: Inside A-frame homes, you’ll likely see exposed timber beams or trusses along the ceiling.
• Loft spaces: With a living room as well as dining and kitchen spaces on the open first floor, you can usually expect to see a lofted second story, which is often used as a sleeping space.

A-Frame House Pros And Cons

As with any home design, an A-frame house comes with both pros and cons. Therefore, you’ll want to be informed before deciding if this type of home is right for you.

Pros

Living in an A-frame home, you can typically expect to enjoy:

• Lots of natural light
• An open floor plan
• An affordable and scalable design
• A unique architectural design

Cons

Potential drawbacks of living in an A-frame home include:

• Less usable space because of a sloping roof
• Expensive roof maintenance
• Impractical walls
• Little room for storage, especially in tiny homes
• Possible ventilation, airflow and heat distribution challenges due to lofty ceilings

How Much Does An A-Frame House Cost?

If you’ve fallen in love with A-frame house plans and this home’s splendid features, you may now be wondering: How much does an A-frame house cost? This will depend on several factors, including size, location and accessibility. According to HomeAdvisor, a 1,000-square-foot A-frame house can cost anywhere from $100,000 to $200,000. However, with inflated labor and material costs, you could pay as much as $350,000.

While an A-frame kit home may only cost $37,000, you’ll also have to account for preinstallation foundation, plumbing and electrical expenses. In this way, the starting price of an A-frame kit doesn't usually reflect the final price.

A-Frame House: FAQs

If you’re thinking of buying a house in the A-frame style, check out the answers to these frequently asked questions.

Are A-frame homes good for cold climates?

The A-frame house’s sloped roof is ideal for snowy climates because it allows snow and other precipitation to slide off rather than sit idly atop the house. The wide square footage of the roof helps these homes remain well-insulated and well-protected.

How long does it take to build an A-frame home?

The time it takes to build an A-frame house depends on whether you’re building with an A-frame kit or building an A-frame house from scratch. Build times can vary, but you can expect A-frame prefab kits to be completed much faster than building from the ground up.

Are A-frame houses energy-efficient?

Since A-frame houses typically have high ceilings that cause heat to rise, maintaining a good airflow can be an issue. For this reason, a homeowner might find their electric bill a bit higher if measures aren’t taken to promote quality airflow.

How can I make an A-frame house more energy-efficient?

To make A-frame houses more energy-efficient, a homeowner may consider installing a ceiling fan or floor fans that can provide the ventilation needed for heat to escape and flow evenly throughout the home. It may also be helpful to give attention to the home’s insulation, appliances and HVAC system, along with other features that impact energy.

Is an A-frame house a good investment?

Considering the appeal of A-frame houses in the vacation rental industry, A-frame homes can be a good way to earn passive income. Resale value for this unique living arrangement will depend on the condition of the home, its location and other factors.

The Bottom Line

A-frame homes are loved by many for their unconventional and minimalist design, affordability and the scenic environments that often accompany them. These houses do, however, come with some drawbacks, such as reduced living space and energy-efficiency concerns, which are important to consider before settling on this type of home.

If you decide the A-frame house is right for your needs, we’d love to help you on your journey to owning one! Connect with an agent using Rocket Homes^SM today.