If you plan on building a house, one of the key considerations is whether to build a single- or two-story home. Depending upon your needs and where you’re at in life, there are both pros and cons to each layout. And while there’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing, you’ll want to consider your family’s needs before making a final decision.
After all, if you have young kids at home and plan on living in your custom home until they are out of college, you may want to build a two-story home to give them space and privacy. Are you nearing retirement and wanting a low-maintenance home all on one level? Are you looking for a modest home or something stately with a higher budget? These are all questions you’ll want to ask yourself before you make a final decision.
No matter what you choose, Total Quality Home Builders will help you design the perfect house, customized for your needs. Consider the following before you begin building your house.
Cost Differences between a One-Story and Two-Story Homes
This may come as a surprise, but a two-story home is a more affordable option. One-story homes are wide, while tall two-story homes have a smaller footprint, which takes up a smaller foundation space and requires less roof structure.
Furthermore, building a house that is two stories removes the need for plumbing and wiring that stretches across a wide space. In short, two-story homes offer construction cost savings that can truly pay off.
However, single-story homes have certain cost advantages as well. One example is with cooling and heating costs. Single-story homes typically need one HVAC unit, versus a two-story home, which is often equipped with two units. A one-story home tends to stay cooler in the summer heat, too.
Here’s another great tip: if you’re thinking about building a house now, but have a time in mind to consider selling, there’s a positive trend toward single-story homes. They resell easier and quicker because they are so popular with home buyers.
Think about the Design Aesthetic
U.S. home buyers and custom home builders love the appeal of the open floor plan that comes with a single-story home. It’s a favorite because its bright, spacious living area is alluring thanks to its ability to feel expansive and comfortable all in one.
It’s in single-floor homes you’ll find grand cathedral ceilings, sprawling master suites, and the luxury of quiet without noisy family members stomping around above your head. Single-story homes also make the best use of square footage since space isn’t wasted on stairs or HVAC systems.
Building a house with a second story has design benefits as well because you’re building up instead of out. If you’re planning to build on a smaller footprint, a second story can provide children with larger bedrooms to call their own.
There’s a lot of opportunity to plan for additional privacy with a two-story home, too. If you have a parent or older children living with you for a time, a two-story home is a great opportunity to create an owner’s retreat on the main floor with additional bedrooms upstairs. Or plan for your master suite on the second floor to create quiet and solitude away from the great room and kitchen.
Property and Expansion Possibilities are Endless
Have you begun to think beyond the inside when building a house? The yard and landscaping of your potential home are important to consider as well and may ultimately make the story decision for you.
Because a single-story home has a larger footprint, its construction requires a larger plot of land. If you know you’d like to add on to your home at some point—a sunroom or a mother-in-law suite, for example—single-story homes are easier to extend if you have the land space available.
In addition, single-story homes often are built with fewer bathrooms as space in an open ranch home is more communal. Furthermore, functional spaces like a laundry room and mudroom are frequently combined in a single-story home, which allows for living space where it matters most.
Keep in mind that two-story homes are great for a small plot of land or if you have the space but are considering extending your outdoor entertainment areas. For example, a large yard, a pool, or a sun deck might be your dream. If that’s the case, consider a two-story home to make use of your land in the way that best suits your needs. And best of all, if you’re building that dream lake home or have a property with an unforgettable view, a two-story home may just give you the kind of expansive view that will leave you breathless.
Accessibility is Important
When building a home, it’s incredibly important to think about accessibility and how a lack of it could affect those living in your home. Begin by taking into consideration who will be living in your home. Do you have young children who need safety features installed? Will your parents or in-laws be living or staying over regularly, and how mobile are they? Do you plan on living in this house for the long term, making it important for your home to have features that allow you to age gracefully at home? What about pets? They’ll need to be considered as well, particularly if they’ll have a hard time walking up and down a staircase.
A single-story home may be the right answer for families who have accessibility concerns. From pets to aging parents to toddlers, stairs can create a number of issues that should be considered. Single-story homes also provide peace of mind for safety issues, because they’re much easier to evacuate in an emergency than a home with a second story.
Keep in mind that the security of a second-story home is a great benefit as well. Keep those upstairs windows open during warm spring days or cool fall nights and enjoy a breeze and the soothing sounds of nature.
Take Maintenance into Consideration
There’s always maintenance to be done when building a house and owning a home. Cleaning the gutters and accessing the roof will be a chore no matter what. Just keep in mind that a single-floor ranch home is far easier to maintain because they’re easier to reach.
As you can see, there’s no right answer when it comes to choosing a single- or two-story home. The best choice is to make an informed decision after weighing the pros and cons of the features your family is looking for. Total Quality Home Builders is here for you, whatever you’re thinking, to guide you through this important decision and help you build your dream home.
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