Choosing a Single-Story or a Two-Story Home Design
Your home design should be uniquely yours and meet all the needs of those who dwell inside. Building a home from the ground up means that you get to choose the design features that are most important to you and a floor plan that works best for you and your family. A great place to start is to decide whether you want a single-story or two-story home. Read on for some helpful information that can help you decide which one is right for you!
Single-Story Homes
A single-story home, also known as a rambler or ranch, brings the family together on one level. Most will agree the best feature is that there are no stairs to climb. This could be an advantage for young families who want to avoid the danger of stairs or prefer to spend less energy chasing little ones around the house. A rambler is also a great choice for those who have a harder time physically climbing stairs, retired homebuyers, and children caring for elderly family members. What’s more, it’s a much easier escape in case of a house fire. No need to worry about escape ladders dangling from high stories!
Exterior maintenance can be a burdensome responsibility for all homeowners, however, a single-story home can lift some of that burden. When it comes to cleaning, gutters, windows, and shingles are easier to access, giving you more time to enjoy your new home. Interior cleaning is also less of a hassle without stairs to vacuum or laundry to carry from one floor to the next.
Two-Story Homes
Two-story homes have their own benefits and assets. Predominantly, you can get much more square footage over a smaller area. If you are a large family looking to build a home with many rooms, a two-story home is likely the most cost-effective approach and may give you more space for a larger yard.
Many find it favorable to separate living spaces from bedrooms. Two levels can help bedrooms feel more private and can reduce noise emanating from other parts of the home. This is especially valuable for a household full of teens who stay up late or for those who enjoy throwing events for visitors. Another option is to choose a master on the main level, giving overnight guests and kids some secluded space upstairs.
Two-story homes also offer many more design options such as breezeways, balconies, and lofts. Elegant staircases, romantic balconies, and cozy lofts are simply not an option with single-story homes.
Whether the walls are built on ground-level or above, your home should be a place of retreat after a long day at work, a place where kids can grow and learn, and a space you are eager to show off to friends. Both single-story and two-story homes have a lot to offer, so weigh the pros and cons of each and get building!