Which Is Better To Buy, A One- Or Two-Story House?

Oct 10, 2022 By Susan Kelly

Since you can only pick one option for your ideal house, let's compare the pros and cons of each to make an informed decision. The local real estate market and the age-old adage, "Location, location, location," play major roles in determining whether or not a single-story home is a better investment than a two-story house. There are pros and cons to living in a multilevel home, such as increased heating expenditures. However, there are drawbacks to single-story houses, such as a lack of privacy. This lovely couple finally settled in their long-awaited dream house in March 2018. A formal living room, family room, sun porch, kitchen/dining area, and office make up about 2,100 square feet of living space. Also, there are parallel plots. Sarah, a nonprofit administrator of 29, likes the partitioning of the room.

Dimensions In A Yard

When all the homes on a city block have the same 40-foot-wide by 80-foot-deep lot size, it comes to 3,200 square feet. This may be subject to a fractional allocation by local ordinances in some communities. Buildings on lots measuring 0.07 acres in size are permitted. If your home is not allowed to take up more than 40% of the lot area, then its "footprint" cannot be larger than 1,280 square feet. If you value a large backyard, a one-story house may not be the best choice because it will take up more space on the property than a multi-story house. If a house is three stories tall, the builders might use a 900-square-foot base, enhancing the usable space in a yard measuring 3,200 square feet. A 900-square-foot basement would take up around 28% of the lot, compared to the 40% taken up by the single story.

House Dimensions

In this case, the largest single-story home in the area may be 1,280 square feet, while the largest multi-story home in the area could be 2,560 square feet. The price per square foot of a one-story house is often higher than that of a two-story house. It's also more expensive to construct because the basis and the roof are the most expensive portions of any house.

Effects Of Sound

Some builders recommend leaving a 12 inches gap between floor joists on the second story to dampen noises and squeaks. The joists in an older house tend to be farther apart. If a bedroom is positioned directly above the living room on the first floor, the TV's sound could easily travel to the second floor.

Emergencies

It's sad that natural and artificial calamities, like fires, occur. Depending on where you live, this may be the most important factor. Tornadoes in the Midwest, tidal flooding on the East Coast, and earthquakes in California are all real threats.

Security Concerns

The best option is a house with numerous stories. Suppose it's spring or fall, and you've kept your windows open to let in some fresh air while the temperature inside your home rises or falls. If you're looking to buy a one-story house, remember that all the ground-level windows are easy targets for burglars.

Conclusion

It's all down to taste, and everyone has a different idea of what makes a house a home. That two-story home with the surrounding bushes and trees was wonderful. My outlook changed when one of my aunts and her family relocated to a one-story bungalow in a development full of magnificent ranch-style homes. Everything I needed was on the same level and kept running through my mind. I've gone back and forth over the years on whether I want a one-story or a two-story house. There indeed are those like myself who can see the merits in either strategy or find motivation in having access to both. Since you can only pick one option for your ideal house, let's compare the pros and cons of each to make an informed decision. A two-story or one-story home is a superior financial investment that is very subjective.

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