One-Story vs. Two-Story Home: Pros and Cons

Are you in the early stages of planning your dream home? One fundamental decision is whether to build a one-story or two-story home. Each style has benefits and drawbacks that may affect your long-term satisfaction. Explore the qualities of a two-story vs. single-story house to help you decide which design fits your needs best.

One-Story Home Advantages

• Accessibility: With no stairs to navigate, one-story homes are ideal for families with young children, elderly members, or those with limited mobility.
• Simpler upkeep: Maintaining a one-story home is generally easier since there’s no need to carry cleaning supplies up and down stairs. Tasks like window cleaning and painting are also more straightforward.
• Design choices: With a single-story layout, you may have more flexibility to incorporate high ceilings, skylights, and an open floor plan.

One-Story Home Downsides

• Higher construction costs: Despite being simpler to design, one-story homes can be more expensive to build due to the larger foundation and roof area required.
• Land requirements: Sprawling single-story homes require a larger lot, which may be a limitation in urban areas where land is at a premium.
• Limited privacy: One-story construction means all living spaces are on one level, reducing privacy throughout the house. Window coverings are also a must to keep bedrooms and bathrooms concealed from prying eyes.

Two-Story Home Benefits

• Smaller footprint: Two-story homes offer more living space on a smaller lot, making them a good choice for urban or suburban areas where land is limited.
• Defined living areas: With separate levels, it’s easier to designate distinct areas for different activities, such as public entertaining spaces on the ground floor and private bedrooms upstairs.
• Lower per-square-foot cost: Building up rather than out usually requires less foundation and roofing material, making two-story homes less expensive per square foot.
• Better views: The upper floor offers better views, an important consideration when building a home amid scenic surroundings.
• Increased privacy: Bedrooms and other private spaces on the second floor are more secluded from public areas on the lower floor and passersby outside your home.

Disadvantages of Multi-Level Homes

• Temperature inconsistencies: Maintaining a consistent temperature between floors can be challenging. Typically, the upper floor stays warmer, especially in the summer, while the lower floor remains cooler.
• Mobility challenges: Stairs may pose a problem for people with mobility issues and elderly family members. They can even be a safety hazard for young children.
• More maintenance: Cleaning and maintenance tasks are more cumbersome when you must navigate stairs, reach high windows, and repaint a two-story exterior.
• Longer build time: A two-story home might cost less per square foot, but building up tends to take longer.

Making Your Decision

Choosing between a one-story and a two-story home comes down to your lifestyle, family needs, budget, and personal preferences. Whichever option you choose, Landmark Fine Homes can bring your custom home to life. We have over 20 years of experience serving the Oklahoma City area as a family-run business with a reputation for building quality, energy-efficient homes. Contact us today at 405.400.8616 to take the first step toward making your next house the home of your dreams.