Single story homes

Is a single-story home right for you?

It could be! They come in all types of styles and designs. There are single-story ranch homes, single-story cottages, contemporary, modern, craftsman, and more.

Let’s dive into some of the pros and cons of owning a single-story home and find out if it might be a good fit.

What are some of the benefits of owning a single-story home?

Simple appeal. While some homeowners prefer the look of a two-story home many single-story homeowners simply prefer the look of a single-story home over a two-story.

Single-story homes have been reported to be easier to maintain than two-story homes. With a two-story home when something needs to be repaired on the roof or the second-floor level extra equipment may be necessary to access these hard-to-reach areas. This can lead to extra time and ultimately cost.

Homeowners can age in place. This is perhaps one of the most popular reasons buyers opt for a single-story home. The desire to not move again is so high that picking a home where they can retire is very attractive.

Resale value. This benefit is closely related to the desire to age in place. Here in the U.S., we have an aging population of homeowners and single-story homes have found themselves in ever-increasing higher demand. This demand continues to help single-story home values rise.

What are some of the drawbacks of owning a single-story home?

Again with the appeal. Not every homeowner is drawn to a one-story home. Others prefer the look of a two-story.

One-story homes are limited in the number of floorplan options when compared to two-level home designs. With two levels you can move living and bedroom areas around to create more combinations of living that best fit your lifestyle.

One-story homes are more expensive to build than two-story homes. For example, if you wanted to build a 1,000-square-foot home in one or two-story, the one-story home might require a larger lot to be built. It would certainly require a larger foundation poor and also more roofing materials. Between the larger lot and the extra foundation alone, the cost for the one-story is higher.

Finally, a one-story home takes up more space than a two-story. If lots are expensive in your area using a two-story plan may be the best option for smaller lot sizes where outdoor space is needed.