Why Are Michigan Homes So Weird?!

As a Michigan realtor who's toured thousands of homes, let me tell you—Michigan homes are one-of-a-kind. From outdated wood paneling to underground basements that double as seasonal storage lockers, there’s a reason Michigan architecture stands out. In this post, I’ll explain exactly why Michigan homes look the way they do—and what you need to know if you’re moving to Michigan.

Well, my friend, today we’re taking a wild ride through the history of Michigan homes—why they look the way they do, why our basements are essentially underground storage lockers for Christmas decorations and canned goods, and why your house-hunting adventure might include at least one home with wood paneling straight out of your grandma’s basement.

Alright, let’s rewind to the 1800s, when Michigan was still full of lumberjacks, fur traders, and folks who thought indoor plumbing was too futuristic. Homes back then were simple, functional, and designed to withstand Michigan’s wild mood swings—because let’s be honest, the weather here has always had trust issues.

The earliest homes were built in Colonial and Farmhouse styles, which meant white, boxy, symmetrical structures with steep roofs and wrap around porches. These homes were perfect for frontier life—sturdy and practical—but if you wanted personality, you were out of luck.

The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 (Anything but great)

Then came the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which made the Midwest collectively rethink their love for wooden homes. People started using brick like it was going out of style, which is why even today, Michigan neighborhoods are filled with solid brick homes that look like they could survive a meteor strike.

By the late 1800s and early 1900s, the Victorian era swept through Michigan like an episode of Downton Abbey. If you’ve ever driven through towns like Ann Arbor, Detroit’s historic districts, or Bay City, you’ve probably seen homes that look like they belong in a Disney villain’s origin story—pointy turrets, wraparound porches, and decorative trim that screamed “Look how fancy we are!” These homes had character, but also came with the unfortunate side effect of creaking floorboards that make every house feel haunted, whether it actually is or not.

Michigan Auto Boom

Fast forward to the 1940s and 50s, and Michigan was booming thanks to the auto industry. Detroit was the Silicon Valley of its time, and people were flocking to the suburbs in search of the American Dream™—a good job, a family, and a home with a yard where they could grill hamburgers and pretend they understood baseball.

This is where Michigan’s love affair with the ranch home began. These homes were affordable, easy to build, and—most importantly—they were low-maintenance. Because let’s be honest, after a long day building cars at Ford or GM, no one wanted to climb stairs to go to bed. That’s why Michigan has an absurd number of single-story brick ranch homes, all lined up in neat little rows like someone copy-pasted them from a blueprint.

Ranch Homes Galore

Around the same time, another home style was making its way into Michigan—the tri-level. If you’ve ever walked into a Michigan home and found yourself immediately faced with half a staircase going up and half a staircase going down, congratulations! You’ve just entered a tri-level home. These became popular in the 1950s and 60s because they offered separate spaces for living, sleeping, and hiding from your siblings when they were being annoying. If you grew up in one, you know exactly what I mean.

Michigan Tri Level Home

Let’s talk about why Michigan homes are built the way they are—and spoiler alert, it has a lot to do with our ridiculous weather. First up: basements. If you’ve ever lived in a state like Florida, you might be wondering, “Why does every home in Michigan have a basement?” The answer: the frost line. Michigan gets so cold in the winter that builders have to dig foundations extra deep to prevent the ground from shifting. And since they’re already digging, they figure, “Might as well add an entire underground level while we’re at it.” That’s why Michigan basements exist, and why every homeowner has at least one unfinished basement full of old furniture, forgotten workout equipment, and a dehumidifier that no one remembers to empty.

Michigan Basements

Michigan’s love for brick homes also ties into the climate. Brick holds heat in the winter and stays cool in the summer, making it the perfect material for a state that can’t decide what season it wants to be in. And if you’ve ever noticed that Michigan homes have steeply pitched roofs, that’s because they’re designed to shed snow—because nobody wants to wake up to 2,000 pounds of snow sitting on their roof like a bad life decision.

There are some home quirks that you’ll find in Michigan and nowhere else. For starters, let’s talk about mudrooms. If you’re not from the Midwest, you might not understand why Michigan homes have a whole separate room just for shoes and coats. But trust me, if you’ve ever come inside after shoveling a foot of snow off your driveway, you’d be very grateful for a space to dump your wet boots before tracking slush all over the house.

Another Michigan staple? Pole barns and extra garages. If you’ve ever driven through a Michigan neighborhood and noticed that half the houses have detached garages the size of small aircraft hangars, it’s because we take “extra storage” to another level. Whether it’s for cars, boats, or “a project I swear I’ll finish someday,” having a second garage is practically a requirement here.

And then there’s the Michigan basement. If you’ve never heard of one, consider yourself lucky. A Michigan basement is essentially an unfinished, slightly creepy, dirt-floor basement that makes you feel like you’re starring in a low-budget horror movie. If you’re house-hunting and the listing says “partial basement,” run.

So, what’s the takeaway here? If you’re moving to Michigan, expect brick ranches, tri-level mysteries, basements full of forgotten belongings, and homes built for survival in a state that loves throwing weather curveballs. The good news? Michigan homes are built to last. The bad news? You’re probably going to tour at least one home that hasn’t been updated since the Carter administration.

If you’re on the hunt for a home in Michigan and need someone who actually understands what you’re getting into, I’d love to help.

Drop a comment below with your weirdest home feature.

Also, I have a link to the Living in Michigan newsletter below to give you insight on all things Michigan, so be sure to subscribe so you never miss out! Thanks for reading, until next time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan Homes

1. Why do so many Michigan homes have basements?

Michigan homes typically have basements because of the region’s cold climate and deep frost line. Builders need to dig below the frost line to lay stable foundations, and since they’re already digging, adding a basement becomes cost-effective. These basements are great for storage, utilities, and storm protection — but let’s be honest, most are filled with holiday decorations and old workout gear.

2. What is a “Michigan basement”?

A Michigan basement refers to an older, often unfinished basement with stone or dirt floors and low ceilings. They were originally crawl spaces that were later dug out for utility access or storage. While they're part of Michigan’s housing history, today they’re more of a spooky curiosity than a practical living space.

3. Why are so many Michigan homes made of brick?

Brick became popular in Michigan, especially after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, because it’s fire-resistant and durable. Brick also holds heat in the winter and stays cool in the summer — ideal for Michigan’s unpredictable seasons. Plus, let’s be honest: brick homes just have that "solid" Midwestern vibe.

4. Why are there so many ranch-style homes in Michigan?

After World War II, Michigan’s booming auto industry created a demand for affordable, easy-to-build homes. The ranch-style design was perfect: single-story, low-maintenance, and ideal for suburban families. You’ll find rows of brick ranches in Michigan suburbs because they were mass-produced during this era.

5. What’s the deal with tri-level homes in Michigan?

Tri-level homes became popular in the 1950s and 60s, offering a unique layout that separates living spaces, bedrooms, and recreational areas. In Michigan, where families wanted more room without adding a full second story, tri-levels became a stylish solution — even if the split staircases have confused homebuyers for decades.

6. Why do Michigan homes have steep roofs?

Steeply pitched roofs help shed snow and prevent ice buildup during Michigan’s long winters. A flat or low-slope roof in Michigan would risk snow accumulation, which can lead to leaks or even structural damage. That steep pitch? It's doing more than just giving the house character — it’s surviving the snowpocalypse.

7. Are mudrooms common in Michigan homes?

Yes — mudrooms are practically a rite of passage in Michigan homes. They serve as a buffer zone between the outdoors and your clean interior, perfect for shedding wet boots, coats, and all the joys of Midwest weather. If you’ve never used one, just wait until your first Michigan blizzard.

8. Why do many Michigan homes have detached garages or pole barns?

Extra storage is king in Michigan. Detached garages and pole barns provide space for tools, toys, snowblowers, boats, and the occasional “someday” project. Especially in rural and suburban areas, having that extra outbuilding is almost expected — like owning a riding mower, even if you don’t have a lawn.

9. How old are most homes in Michigan?

Many Michigan homes date back to the 1940s–1970s, especially in cities like Detroit, Flint, and Grand Rapids. You’ll also find Victorian-era homes in places like Ann Arbor, Bay City, and parts of Detroit. That’s why it’s common to tour a home that hasn’t been updated since the Nixon administration.

10. What should I know before buying a home in Michigan?

Be prepared for older construction, lots of basements, and weatherproofing features like brick exteriors and steep roofs. Also, watch for outdated interiors and mechanicals — many homes haven’t been updated in decades. A local realtor (hey, I know a guy 👋) can help you spot hidden gems versus future money pits.

Cheers,

Andrew

Andrew McManamon is a Michigan REALTOR® with Signature Sotheby’s International Realty and provides real estate services to Buyers, Sellers and Investors throughout SE Michigan including Livingston County, Oakland County, Washtenaw County, Genesee County & beyond. Andrew has become one of the pillars of Michigan real estate. Prior to his real estate career Andrew was responsible for managing a senior living facility in Brighton, Michigan as a dining supervisor and an activities assistant. Andrew’s passion to help people is unlike any other, and he continues to strive to be the best resource he can be. Andrew graduated from Cleary University in Howell, Michigan with a double major in business and marketing, and currently resides in Brighton, Michigan.

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