Home shopping is all about finding the balance between the things you need and the things you want. Unless you are having your new home built from the ground up, you’ll likely have to make compromises and weigh the pros and cons among the amenities that are available to you. One major decision to make involves one-story homes vs. multi-story homes, and there are certainly advantages and disadvantages to each.
One-story homes
- Pros
- Maintenance is easier on the ground level. With a one-story home, you’ll find yourself in fewer situations that require climbing ladders compared to a two-story residence. Overall, these types of homes are easier to maintain.
- You don’t have to deal with stairs. If you or people in your home are elderly, or you plan to have the home for a long time, then not having to climb stairs can be a big plus. On the other end of the spectrum, single-story homes can be safer for small children, who you do not have to worry about falling down the stairs.
- Evacuating is quicker in an emergency. If there is a fire, and you have to crawl out of a window, this is much easier to do in a single-story home compared to a multi-story home.
- Cons
- Less space equals less privacy. One-story homes vs. multi-story homes usually means less square footage. If you have a large family, this can mean less privacy for you when you need to get away from the action.
- Expanding will cost you. If you do decide to add-on to your home, doing so on a one-story home can be pricier than a two-story home. Even when building a one-story home from the ground up, think about the fact that single-story residences are built out rather than up, meaning you will need more land to accommodate it.
Multi-story homes
- Pros
- You have better privacy. With a second or even third floor available, there is more space for you to get away and have some time to yourself. On the second floor, you will also have more privacy from neighbors or people coming to your home.
- Views are a possibility. Being elevated bodes well to have opportunities for views, depending on where your home is located.
- There are more options for design. If you are building a new construction home, there are far more possibilities in terms of design. Even if you are remodeling or adding on to your home, you have more house to work with.
- Cons
- Stairs can be hazardous. Stairs in your home are simply an obstacle for anyone who has trouble walking up and down them. They also pose danger to small children.
- Utilities will likely be higher. Cooling and heating multiple stories versus one story is going to cost you more, especially when considering the science behind the fact that heat rises and cold air falls.
- You have more house to maintain. More square footage equals more space to clean, more room for things to break and more maintenance in general. When comparing one-story homes vs. multi-story homes, the latter will require you to break out that ladder that we referenced above.
Making the decision between one-story homes vs. multi-story homes comes down to deciding which will be better for the members of your household—and you as a homeowner. For more home buying and selling advice, continue to follow the Ryan Roberts Realtor blog! And for your real estate needs in Auburn, Opelika and Lake Martin, call Ryan today at 334-750-9872, or email [email protected].