In the News

Building a new home is an exciting journey, and one of the biggest decisions is choosing a single-story (ranch) or a two-story house. Each offers unique benefits and potential drawbacks, so understanding the differences can help you make the best choice for your lifestyle, budget, and long-term needs. This guide explores key factors to consider when deciding between these two styles.

The Case for a Single-Story Home

Ranch-style homes have been popular for decades. They offer convenience, accessibility, and an open feel that appeals to plenty of homeowners.

Accessibility, Safety & Aging in Place

A major advantage of a single-story home is its accessibility and safety. With everything on one level, it’s an ideal choice for:

• Families with young children: No stairs mean fewer fall risks and easier bedtime routines. Parents can move freely between rooms without worrying about child safety gates or stair-related accidents.
• A stair-free layout for homeowners planning to age in place ensures easy mobility as needs change over time, making it a smart long-term investment.
• Wider hallways, open layouts, and step-free entryways make movement easier for individuals with mobility concerns, such as walkers or wheelchairs.
• Overall safety: Eliminating stairs reduces fall risks, making single-story homes safer for young children and elderly family members.

Open Floor Plan & Better Flow

Ranch homes often feature open-concept designs, creating a spacious and connected feel. Benefits include:

• A more open, airy environment: The home feels larger and more cohesive without walls dividing rooms.
• Easier navigation: The layout allows for seamless movement between living areas, making everyday activities more convenient.
• Better natural light: Fewer interior walls allow sunlight to travel freely, brightening the home and reducing the need for artificial lighting.
• It's great for entertaining. Guests can move effortlessly between the kitchen, dining, and living spaces, creating a more social atmosphere.

Easier Maintenance & Energy Efficiency

Single-story homes are generally easier to maintain inside and out. Advantages include:

• Simplified cleaning: No stairs mean vacuuming and laundry are more manageable.
• Exterior upkeep is easier: Washing windows, painting, and repairing roofs can be done without tall ladders or scaffolding.
• More efficient heating and cooling: Temperature regulation is easier, as air doesn’t need to circulate between multiple floors, potentially lowering energy costs.

Potential Drawbacks of a Single-Story Home

While single-story homes offer many benefits, they also come with some challenges:

• Requirements for a larger lot: A bigger lot is as since all living space is on one level.
• Higher foundation and roofing costs: A larger footprint requires more materials for the foundation and roof, increasing construction costs.
• Less privacy: Without an upstairs, bedrooms and living areas are closer together, which may limit privacy.

The Case for a Two-Story Home

A two-story home is often the better choice for those looking to maximize living space while keeping their lot size manageable. 

More Living Space on a Smaller Lot

Building up instead of out allows homeowners to have more square footage without sacrificing yard space. Benefits include:

• Larger indoor space: A two-story home provides additional rooms without a bigger lot.
• More outdoor space: You’ll have more room for a backyard, patio, or garden.
• A two-story home makes better use of available space: Ideal for urban or suburban areas with limited land.

Clear Separation Between Living & Sleeping Areas

A typical layout for two-story homes places common areas downstairs and bedrooms upstairs, providing:

• More privacy: Sleeping areas are away from the busiest parts of the home.
• Quieter bedrooms: Noise from other rooms is less likely to disturb those upstairs.
• Better organization: Living spaces remain separate from sleeping and relaxation areas, creating a natural division for work and family time.

Lower Foundation & Roofing Costs

A two-story home requires less foundation and roofing material than a single-story home of the same square footage, resulting in lower overall building costs per square foot.

Better Views & Curb Appeal

Two-story homes often offer enhanced features, including:

• Elevated views: Second-story windows provide a broader perspective of the area.
• Enhanced curb appeal: Multi-level designs allow for grand entryways, vaulted ceilings, and unique rooflines that add character to the home.

More Flexibility in Design

A two-story home allows for striking architectural features and functional bonus spaces. High ceilings in common areas create an open, airy feel, making the house feel more expansive. A well-designed staircase can be a dramatic focal point, adding elegance and character. The extra square footage upstairs also allows for versatile spaces like a loft, additional bedrooms, or a dedicated home office, giving homeowners more room to adapt their homes to their needs.

Potential Drawbacks of a Two-Story Home

Despite their advantages, two-story homes also come with some challenges:

• Stairs can be an obstacle: Navigating stairs can be difficult if mobility is an issue.
• Noise transfer: Footsteps and activity from the top floor can sometimes be heard below.
• More complex heating and cooling: Temperature differences between floors can be challenging to regulate, potentially increasing energy costs.
• Exterior maintenance requires more effort: Cleaning second-story windows and roof repairs may necessitate professional help.

Which Home Style Is Right for You?

Choosing between a single-story and a two-story home ultimately depends on your lifestyle, budget, and long-term plans.

Choose a Single-Story Home If:

• You want easy access with no stairs.
• You prefer an open floor plan with a seamless flow.
• Low-maintenance living is a priority.
• You plan to stay in the home long-term and want it to be future-proof.

Choose a Two-Story Home If:

• You need more space but want to maximize your lot.
• You prefer separation between living and sleeping areas.
• You want a home with greater architectural variety.
• You’re looking for a lower foundation and roofing cost per square foot.

Both styles have advantages and challenges, so the best choice depends on your preferences and long-term goals. Whether you opt for the accessibility of a ranch home or the space efficiency of a two-story house, selecting the right design ensures your home suits your lifestyle for years to come.