Housing Types

The Bay Area has a range of housing built during different eras and in different styles. Identify your home’s style before taking the Earthquake Home Safety Quiz.

Identify your Housing Type

Many homes in the region are easy to distinguish and classify, while others can be more difficult and may have multiple vulnerabilities. If your home fits more than one vulnerability, explore resources and next steps for both. Is your home a single family, mobile, or multi-family house?

drawing of a single family home over a crawl space
drawing of a single family home on a slab
drawing of a home over a garage
drawing of a home on a hillside
drawing of a home on a hillside
drawing of a split level home

Single Family Homes

There are six common single family building types in the Bay Area, with almost all homes built with wood frame construction.

drawing of multi unit housing with garages underneath
drawing of multi unit housing
drawing of bricks

Multi Family Homes

There are many multi family building types in the Bay Area. Many built with wood fit into two categories -- others are more difficult to identify.

drawing of a mobile home

Mobile or Manufactured Homes

Most mobile or manufactured homes fit a single type and are easily recognizable.