The recent housing market boom has made many people reconsider their living situations. Whether families are moving cities or upgrading to a new home, many decisions come into play.
Building a home with Cross Custom Homes is a great option, but you need to work with your designer to determine the best layout for your family for the present and the future.
One-story house plans are popular in Texas because of the large plots of land. Consider these advantages and disadvantages of a single-story home to help make your decision.
Advantages of Single-Story Homes
There are many advantages to building single-story house plans. This layout provides numerous benefits for your family in your current and future state of life.
1. Age in Place
One of the best features of single-story homes is that they allow families to age. As adults age, stairs pose a threat and can force an older couple out of their homes.
Since single-story homes don’t have stairs, an aging couple can stay in their home well into retirement age if they want.
2. Safety is a Top Priority
Stairs, basements, and other multi-level designs increase the likelihood of dangers and accidents in a home. Whether you have toddlers, teenagers, or grandchildren, safety is a top priority, and stairs are always risky.
Single-story home designs are some of the safest options because they minimize the risk in the home for untimely and dangerous accidents like slips and falls.
3. More Design Options
Designing a single-story home gives you plenty of stylistic options that you otherwise wouldn’t get with a two or three-story home.
Since you don’t have to worry about a second floor, you can include some of these highly coveted design elements in your home:
- Vaulted ceilings
- Window walls
- Skylights
- Deck and patios
- Outdoor terrace
- Open-concept design
Disadvantages of Single-Story Homes
Although building and owning a single-story home is excellent, there are some disadvantages to consider before making up your mind.
1. More Expensive Per Square Foot
Single-story homes are traditionally more expensive per square foot. More expenses come with building your home with a more extensive foundation and roof.
Since these homes are spread out on your property, the foundation is much larger and takes up more space, thus requiring more materials and labor.
2. Minimal Privacy to Outside World
A single-story home is on the same level as the outside world, meaning that you don’t have the additional privacy that comes with a second floor.
3. Higher Security Risks
Since your home has only one floor, there are more access points than a house with a second floor if someone is looking to break in.
With more windows and exterior doors, there’s more for you to check at night and lock, which means it’s easier to forget if something is unlocked.
What’s Right for You?
Building your dream home is an exciting venture and gives you complete control over what design elements you include. One of the most significant decisions is the floor plan.
A one-story floor plan offers many advantages, like the ability to age in place, safety, and design options. However, there are other things to consider, like the more expensive price tag, minimal privacy, and higher security risks.
If you need help deciding what is best for your family, call Cross Custom Homes. Not only can we build your home, but we also help you decide on important decisions by offering creative solutions to your everyday problems.
