Choosing a single-story or multistory home

It's common to see real estate listings touting "single level" or "one level" living. This trend has become popular in recent years, especially as older homeowners look to downsize.

There are a number of advantages to single-story homes. However, buyers can also find a variety of benefits in homes with a second or third floor.

SINGLE-STORY

Perhaps the most notable benefit of a single-story home is that there is no need for a staircase. This is a safety benefit for both older residents and the very young. Elizabeth Weintraub, writing for the financial site The Balance, says knee problems and other ailments make it difficult if not impossible for elderly residents to get to the upper floors.

The staircase will also present a safety hazard for mobile infants and toddlers. Parents of young children must put up safety gates to minimize this risk, but it can also be vexing for adults to get past these gates.

Since single level living is becoming more popular among older buyers, this type of home can command a higher price. Margaret Heidenry, writing for Realtor.com, says it might not be worth it to pay this premium if you don't have any problems navigating stairs. However, you'll also want to consider how long you'll live in the home and whether anyone with mobility issues, such as an aging parent, might move in with you. Bensonwood, a home designer based in Walpole, N.H., says it will cost thousands of dollars to modify a staircase with a stair lift.

Eliminating the stairs has benefits beyond easier mobility. A staircase in a multistory home can take up a significant amount of room that could otherwise be used for living space. It can also add to the construction costs when building a new home.

Single level living can also be more convenient for a variety of tasks. Montchanin Builders, a construction company based in Wilmington, Del., says it will be easier to carry laundry baskets, vacuum cleaners, and other items commonly toted during the maintenance of a home if you don't have to move them up or down a staircase.

There are a number of design options available for one-story homes, and these can capitalize on a number of features. Domain, an Australian real estate company, says these homes can feel more open and allow more natural light into the rooms. Bensonwood says single story homes also allow more variation in ceiling heights and the possibility of space-saving solutions, such as combining rooms and minimizing the number of necessary bathrooms.

Homes with one level are typically quieter than multistory residences, and it is easier to maintain climate throughout the property. Stephanie Booth, also writing for Realtor.com, says it is also easier to evacuate the home in case of an emergency such as a fire.

Maintaining a single-story home is easier than doing the same maintenance on a two- or three-story home. For example, a simple stepladder is all you'll need to clean out the gutters or give the windows a thorough washing.

This easy access also has some drawbacks, though. One-story homes offer less privacy, since any passerby can look in through the windows. It might also be simpler for a thief to enter your property.

One-story homes are often more expensive to build than multistory ones. Bensonwood says you'll need a larger lot for the home, which will require more materials for the foundation and roof. Other systems, such as the plumbing, will also be more expensive since they have a longer distance to extend through the home.

Unless you wish to build up, adding on to a single-story home means bumping out into the surrounding yard. Elizabeth Weintraub,