What was different about houses in the 1700s versus now?

Answer 1

It depends on where, what country. But generally speaking, differences between houses in the 1700s versus today would include:

• In some countries, houses were mud pits dug into a hillside, and a lean-to added on 2 to 3 sides. The same type of "dug outs" were used to protect livestock.
• In Colonial America, many settlers were still in cabins. Cabins had timber laid on 4 sides, with dried plants and mud between the logs to keep out the cold. Doors often opened out rather than in. Holes were cut for windows, with a piece of wood to act as a "shutter". Later, a cellophane-like covering made it so you could see out---sorta--- but it was filmy and distorted. It mostly just let light in. Upstairs was a loft. Downstairs was 1 room for cooking and living. Many cabins were 1 and 1/2 stories high, rather than 2 stories tall. Because these were rural homes, snakes and rodents made their homes inside settlers' homes.
• People in richer homes were not that better off. They often had clapboard over the logs, inside and out. Clapboard was like siding, but had to be painted (often white because colors were costly).
• Walls had no insulation.
• No air conditioning.
• No indoor Plumbing.
• Food cooked in a kitchen fireplace.
• No ice box.
• Water drawn from a well outside the kitchen door.
• No bathtubs or showers; bathed in the creek or a basin.
• No lights. Went to bed and got up with the setting and rising sun.