Ranch-style or two-story homes: Which is right for you?

Chocolate or vanilla? Hardcover or softcover? We’re often forced to pick between two choices, with some decisions more difficult to reach than others. And that’s true in the world of real estate, too, where the vast majority of homes are two-story or single-story residences. Only here, the popular preference is pretty lopsided: Two-story designs are favored by most, 77% versus 29% for ranches, according to construction and remodeling professionals recently polled by Fixr. com. Why the predominant penchant for multiple levels in a single-family abode? The answers are obvious, the experts say. “First, two-story homes are more popular because there are more of them built and for sale than ranches,” explains Kris Lindahl, CEO and founder of Kris Lindahl Real Estate in Minneapolis. “Two-story homes are more economical and eco-friendly per square foot than ranches as well, offering more square footage of living space with a smaller footprint.” Also, notes Dan Rochon, associate broker at Keller Williams Realty in Falls Church, Virginia, by having bedrooms on the second floor, “twostory homes allow for a greater separation of living space from sleeping areas, which is particularly appreciated by families with children.” Also, two-story homes are generally cheaper to build and often have smaller roofs and foundations. “Having a smaller foundation footprint usually means greater yard space, too, which is liked by dog owners and parents,” says Jeff Lichtenstein, owner/founder of Echo Fine Properties in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. “And two-story residences offer the potential for balcony views and provide an aesthetic and stylistic benefit by having stairs, which can give the appearance of a larger home,” Lindahl says. But consider the perks of a single-level floor plan — most importantly, no indoor stairs to climb. “Ranch-style homes offer more comfortable living particularly for older people and those who want to age in place,” says Rochon, who adds that few twostory homes offer firstfloor master bedrooms in his market. What’s more, it’s often easier to create open living areas with vaulted ceilings in a ranch design, “and these homes are easier to evacuate in case of fire or another emergency,” Lindahl points out. “Ranches are also usually cheaper to heat in cold-weather climates, as you only need one HVAC system. (In a two-story home, you may need a separate furnace and air conditioning unit for each level.) On the downside, ranches commonly cost more per square foot, as you require a larger footprint and lot size to accommodate the layout. If you’re in a market primarily geared to families with kids, a ranch could be harder to market and sell. And considering that fewer ranches are built today, that means most ranches on the market are likely older homes — a turnoff for buyers seeking newer construction. “The floor plan is one of the most important things to think about when shopping for a home. You can make many updates to a house, but changing the layout dramatically isn’t usually very easy,” says Lindahl, noting that two-story homes have load-bearing walls that you may not be able to alter, and ranches require building out rather than up, which can rob your property of yard space. Sarabeth Asaff, home design expert for Fixr.com in Wilmington, Delaware, recommends carefully pondering the answers to several questions before committing to a home design. “What are your needs now and in the future? Do you have mobility issues? Do you plan on aging in that home? Do you have a large family and need the space to spread out? What are the resale prospects with this home?” Asaff asks. “You need to plan ahead and make sure that your home will meet your needs long term, regardless of what it looks like or its perceived value.”