by Jordan Koonts, Contributing Writer
When it comes to finding the perfect home plan, a multitude of factors come into play. Every little detail must be considered, from layout preferences to varying designs and functionalities. Your home can be as unique as you want it to be, but with seemingly endless options, it can seem almost impossible to choose. However, by defining several key elements that you may or may not want in your home, the perfect house plan can begin to take shape. Consider the following questions along with the pros and cons to begin the journey to the ideal home for you.
A one-story home can have as much or more square footage than a two-story home. A popular design, THD-9720 has 2,177 square feet of well-apportioned living space on one level.
One-Story Homes
A one-story house can be a hidden gem packed with unique features. However, it can also come with several limitations. A few elements to consider when deciding if a one-story home is right for you are:
If you or someone you live with is limited in mobility or unable to climb even a small set of stairs, a one-story home is for you. Stairs can also be a hazard for families with small children. Additionally, in many two-story homes, the laundry is actually located on the lower floor(s), often away from bedrooms. If hauling loads of laundry up and down stairs doesn’t sound appealing, maybe consider a one-story plan.
Where do you want the bedrooms?
With a one-story home, there is no choice but to have all of the bedrooms on the ground floor. To some, this can create an issue with noise. Typically, one story plans have shared walls between bedrooms and living spaces. If noise is a factor that you consider an issue, larger one-story plans and most two-story plans can work to combat the problem.
How much living space do you want?
A misconception with one-story homes is that they are limited in space compared to two- and three-story designs. The reality is that the amount of space in your home is only limited by you. Single-story homes can range from tiny to veritable mansions. With that much space comes ample room for customization and varying layouts. However, large square footage in a single-story home also means more lot coverage. Be sure to check your local laws and ordinances to be sure that you don’t build on more of your lot than rules allow.
Two-story homes offer great freedom when determining room placement. THD-5219 has a ground-level master suite with secondary bedrooms upstairs.
Two-Story Homes
Two-story homes can offer a more traditional feel with a lot of features that a one-story house can’t provide. Several factors to consider, along with the aforementioned, when looking at two-story homes are:
If your home’s energy efficiency is a concern, you may want to consider a two-story house. For the most part, a typical two-story home uses less energy than a one-story home of equal square footage. This is thanks in part to smaller foundation and roof space. However, other elements come into play when determining a home’s energy usage, such as age and quality of materials. As a general rule of thumb, two-story homes are more efficient than single stories and may result in a smaller energy bill.
Room locations and desired bonus space
With a two-story home, you have quite a lot of freedom to determine room placement. This can be tricky to navigate and a lot of factors can come into play. For instance, a bedroom placed over the living room can become filled with the sounds of television or conversations. On the opposite end, having a second floor can provide extra space downstairs which can lead to features like a larger kitchen or living room. Some two-story homes even have enough space to create an upstairs bonus or living room, an important feature for some.
A 1½-story home offers the look of a single story with much of the functionality of a two-story home. THD-5244 has split bedrooms and a spacious vaulted great room.
Bonus: One-and-a-Half-Story Homes
If you are stuck in-between a single-story home and a two-story layout, a 1½-story home might be the perfect match for you. A one-and-a-half-story home provides many of the benefits of a single story such as a spacious arrangement and the convenience of a main-level focused layout. Such a home can include upstairs bedrooms and often also gives the bonus space offered by a two-story property that can make the home feel larger. Perhaps the biggest draw, though, is that they offer two-story volume, because that missing half story is put into high and vaulted ceilings instead. For many, a one-and-a-half-story home joins several of the features they desire from different layouts into a single property. These homes do have stairs, which can be an issue for some as discussed earlier, so keep that in mind when considering such a house.
FAQs
One-story homes typically have fewer issues with roof and gutter maintenance due to their simpler design, while two-story homes may require more frequent maintenance due to increased wear and tear. Resale value and market demand can also play a role in determining which home type is a better financial investment.
What are the disadvantages of a two-story house? ›
Drawbacks of a two-story house:
The stairwell takes up square footage that can't be used for much else, and you may have to drag things like laundry or the vacuum cleaner up and down the stairs.
Are single story homes more valuable? ›
Not only will single-story homes garner a price premium, but their appeal to older buyers will typically expand the buyer pool and increase sales velocities. Gains in both price and absorption make single story a true win-win.
What is one advantage a two-story home has over a one-story home? ›
More Privacy
Conversely, two-story homes allow you to separate private and public zones. Two-story designs offer more privacy by having bedrooms upstairs and common areas like kitchens and living rooms downstairs. Family members can have their own space while still being close by.
Do not buy a one-story home that is surrounded by two-story homes.? ›
A single-story home is often prized and might sell more quickly than a two-story home in a suburban area, while people generally prefer multi-level properties in older city neighborhoods. Do not buy or build a one-story home that's surrounded by two-story homes. You could run into resale issues.
Is it better to have a one story house or two? ›
One-story homes typically have fewer issues with roof and gutter maintenance due to their simpler design, while two-story homes may require more frequent maintenance due to increased wear and tear. Resale value and market demand can also play a role in determining which home type is a better financial investment.
Are two story houses worth more? ›
It's important to understand the difference in costs for a 2-story home or a 1-story home. People typically expect a 2-story home to be more expensive than a 1-story, but that's not always the case. A 1.5-story home is actually the most expensive.
What are the advantages of a one story house? ›
PRO: Never having to drag things up and down stairs all day long. PRO: Single-story designs mean a more open, sprawling floor plan. PRO: Can be safer for children and elderly: no stairs = no falls or injuries. PRO: Single-story homes can be easier to maintain in the long run because it's all on one level.
Why are most Florida homes one story? ›
THE TROPICAL FLORIDA WEATHER
Hot air rises, so keeping your home only one story can cut down on your cooling bill and help the whole house feel more comfortable. Single story homes can also fare better with hurricane-like conditions. Homes with two or more stories catch more wind.
Are single story homes more energy efficient? ›
The consensus has always been that a single-story home is more energy-efficient because heat rises, resulting in a larger temperature variance and additional burden on climate control systems. And this is correct, since warm air will always make a beeline for cooler air in an effort to balance things out.
Whether a second story is worth it depends on the structure of your current home. If your home and its foundation can handle the weight of a second story, it is a cost-effective way of doubling your square footage without eating up lawn space. The extra rooms can raise your property value as well.
Why build a two story house? ›
Whether living with family, friends or on your own, everyone needs their own space. With a double-storey home, there is inherently more privacy because there is more space. So, with more room to retreat to, families won't feel like they are on top of each other.
Are two story houses safe? ›
Two story homes also provide greater security and privacy. Because bedrooms are often on upper floors, they are more difficult to access by burglars and others with malevolent intent.
What are the pros and cons of a two story house? ›
Two-story homes can provide access to better views, beautiful balconies, and budget-friendly planning. However, a set of stairs may be a bigger hassle than they're worth.
Why are one story homes more expensive? ›
Single-story homes typically have a larger footprint and need more land. This spatial extravagance translates into a higher upfront investment. It becomes clear that the appeal of a large, single-story home comes at a higher cost and needs more acreage. In any popular area, it might drive up the total cost of a home.
Are single story homes easier to sell? ›
If you are thinking ahead toward a time when you might consider selling, it's important to note that single story homes tend to resell easier and quicker due to their popularity with home buyers. You can't judge a book by its cover, but you certainly can judge a house by its look and feel.
Is a double-storey house an advantage or disadvantage? ›
Advantages and Disadvantages of Double-Story Homes
By choosing a double-story design, you will have enough space for extra bedrooms, living areas, studies, outdoor rooms, and storage. More space also means that you'll have more control when it comes to the layout of your home.
Are two story homes less energy efficient? ›
Home efficiency
If your home's energy efficiency is a concern, you may want to consider a two-story house. For the most part, a typical two-story home uses less energy than a one-story home of equal square footage. This is thanks in part to smaller foundation and roof space.
What are the disadvantages of owning a second home? ›
The downside of buying a vacation home is that you will have two of everything – mortgages, property tax bills, water bills, fuel bills, etc. It also means additional responsibility for repairs and general upkeep.
