What Is a Patio Home (Slab-on-Grade / Single-Level)? In our ND/MN markets, “patio home” usually means a single-level, slab-on-grade home designed for low maintenance and easy living. Builders and MLS systems may label them courtyard homes, carriage homes, garden homes, cluster homes, or simply single-level. Some patio homes are attached (share a wall), others are detached on small lots.