ONE OR TWO STORIES?
Adecision that everyone building a house must make is how many stories they want or need. Both one- and two-story homes have great advantages and disadvantages. There are a few things to consider before you decide on which one is right for you.
Getting the most value is crucial when it comes to home building. Two-story homes typically cost less per square foot. This is because building up is cheaper than the excavation, foundation and roofing costs for the same square footage of a single-story home.
TWO-STORY HOMES
Besides costing less to build, a two-story home typically uses less fuel to provide heat. They feature fewer outdoor walls and less roofing to change the inside temperature, resulting in great energy savings. Another bonus to building a twostory home is having more room on your property to construct other buildings or use more landscaping options.
Designing this type of home also gives you more attachment points to build an attractive deck and space to add an addition later. However, there are a few downsides to consider in a two-story home.
The stairway will take up a considerable amount of floor space. There also is the fact that the stairs will not always be easy for you to climb up and down. If you’re planning to make this a forever home, remember that aging or injuries can sometimes render the second floor useless without the installation of an electric lift.
SINGLE-STORY HOMES
A single-story home can be more accessible and safe for families with small children. Children are often tempted to conquer a staircase, resulting in injury. Designing a single-story home also gives you more options as far as ceiling height or adding skylights. You also can create more unique floor plans since you will not be facing height restrictions for the structure’s integrity.
BOTH ONE-AND TWO-STORY HOMES HAVE GREAT ADVANTAGES
Single-story homes also are the safer option in case of a fire emergency. Occupants can quickly access an escape route without the worry of being trapped on a second story.
You won’t need to worry about mobility as aging or injuries occur, either. Single story homes are typically wheelchair accessible throughout the entire home.