You’ve already accomplished making one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make when purchasing your new home: the decision of whether or not to build a custom home. Now that you’ve decided you’re going through with it, the next step will likely be figuring out what plot of land you want to build on or, if you want to go with a semi-custom home that’s already pre-built, which house you’d like. Either of these factors will depend on whether or not you want a one-story or a two-story home. Below are lists of things to consider when deciding on one-story or two-story homes.
One-Story Home
- If you’re thinking ahead, temperature control is much easier to obtain in single-level homes. It doesn’t matter if you have the best construction in the world, it all boils down to the simple laws of physics.
- If you have kids, or are planning on having kids, then you may want to consider the fact that stairs can be dangerous.
- Some argue that one-story homes are easier to clean. Dust settles in odd and hard-to-reach places in multi-level homes, and dragging cleaning equipment up and down stairs is not fun either.
- If, knock on wood, a fire occurs in the home, escape is easier from a single-level home compared to a two-story home.
- If you have older people in your home, climbing up stairs routinely may be an issue.
- Ranch homes typically require more land than two-story homes
- Single-level homes allow for taller, or more unique, ceilings. If you prefer high ceilings and unique architecture, this may be the route you want to go
Two-Story Home
- Typically require less land than single-level homes
- Typically, building two-level homes is cheaper and easier
- Some people prefer two-level homes because it makes them feel safer should a burglary occur
- Families with older children sometimes prefer having stairs in the house, as it provides a natural separation of living space from the general areas of the home
- If you’re the active type, stairs won’t have a negative connotation. Rather, you’ll view it as part of everyday exercise
These are just a few concerns/talking points we’ve heard over the years when planning our clients’ homes. If you are seriously considering purchasing/building a custom home in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and you have questions regarding single-level vs. multi-level homes, give us a call, and we’ll be glad to address your questions for you!
