When it comes to choosing a new home, the many choices can seem daunting. In other cases, you may know exactly what you want. Our Modular Home Plans offer an array of options to suit a variety of needs and styles.
For many people, the decision between a single-story or two-story house is the first starting point. But how should you choose?
In some cases, the decision will be easy — the lot size or shape may restrict your choices, or preferences in living habits may influence your decision. In other cases, there is more room to choose between single or two-story dwelling.
To help you decide, review these key factors:
Lot Size
You may have already purchased a lot, but if not, you likely have an estimated size in mind. The lot size can determine a lot about the type of home you want to build. A smaller lot may cause you to consider a two-story design, so as to conserve land space. Otherwise, if you have a large lot, you may not be limited at all.
Another consideration is your personal enjoyment and habits regarding land use. If you enjoy gardening, you may prefer a smaller home in order to keep more land. If you prefer the indoors, you may want less land with a sprawling house and open floor plan.
Heating and Cooling Costs
In general, a single-story house is less costly to heat/cool than a two-story home. By saving money on your monthly utilities with a one-story house, you may be able to afford to do other things like traveling, hobbies, etc. However, if you’re set on a two-story house, there are ways to reduce the heating and cooling with proper insulation, an efficient system, and possible inclusion of wind or solar power.
Visual Aesthetics
Certain styles of house design tend to carry many pre-conceived ideas regarding a second floor. Ranch homes are generally one floor, cottages can be single or two-story, and craftsman styles often have two or three floors.
Another consideration with regard to visual appeal is the look from inside the home. Single-story homes will have a more minimal viewpoint to enjoy scenery. Two-story homes may offer broader views of nearby mountains, sea, or other landscape features.
Exercise
If you’re a very active person, you may find you get bored easily in a single story home. A two-story home can give you more stairs to climb, potentially more grassy space to mow outdoors, and more ladders to climb for repair work. This gives extra exercise opportunities simply by doing chores around the house.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more sedentary lifestyle or have physical limitations for certain activities, a single-story home may be better.
Safety
Single-story homes are usually considered more safe for seniors and disabled, as well as small children. Stairs pose fall risks for these groups and can be avoided in a single-story design. Also, a single-story home is easier to make wheelchair accessible. Additionally, in the case of a fire, a single-story home is always easier to escape than two-story.
Space Division
Many people have multiple uses for their homes. Living, eating, sleeping are of course common to everyone, but others may also use the space for recreation or work. In these cases, a two-story home may provide additional opportunities to divide the space for privacy.
Additionally, some homes may be meant for multiple generations of family living together. Give separate family units their own space with a two-story home.
Time to Make a Decision
When it comes to choosing a house design, rush decisions cannot be made. Compare house plans and thoroughly consider the points above to make the best decision. Take your time and share your ideas with friends and family.
Still not sure? Let the experts at Supreme Modular help guide you in a decision. Contact us to get a modular home construction guide and view floor plans.