Among the myriad factors to consider in building or buying a new home, deciding between multi-story or one-story house plans is one of the first decisions you’ll encounter. Single-story house plans come in plenty of different architectural styles, sizes and floor plans, potentially fitting the needs of many potential homeowners.
However, one-story house plans have disadvantages to consider as well. But, how do you know if a one-story house is right for you?
One-story house plan pros
- Perfect for open floor plans: If you’re in the market for an airy, open-concept home, single-story designs provide the perfect starting point.
- Easy to clean and maintain: There are cleaning and maintenance advantages to single-story homes, such as the ability to use robotic vacuum cleaners to cover the entire square footage of the house.
- Accessibility advantages: Young children, elders and people with mobility hurdles or disabilities benefit from single-story homes because they don’t have to worry about getting up and down flights of stairs.
One-story house plan cons
- Less separation between shared and private spaces: single-story homes have every room on one level, which means bedrooms are relatively much closer to shared spaces like kitchens, living rooms and entryways.
- Often built on smaller lots: Homes built on a single-story take up more lot space, and therefore leave less room for outside living areas like backyards, porches and patios.
- Ground-level disadvantages: In some locations, having your bedroom at ground level can be extremely noisy and uncomfortable. You might not find it ideal having street and foot traffic right outside your window.
Is a single-story house plan right for you? Only you can decide, but considering these key pros and cons will help you make the most informed decision.
About the Author
Shevaun Gandy
Hi, I'm Shevaun Gandy and I'd love to assist you. As a seasoned real estate professional, I understand that buying or selling a home is more than just a transaction: it’s a life-changing experience. That’s why I am dedicated to providing exceptional, personalized service for all of my clients. I take great pride in the relationships I build and always work relentlessly on the client’s behalf to help them achieve their real estate goals. My philosophy is simple: Clients come first. I pledge to be in constant communication with my clients, keeping them fully informed throughout the entire buying or selling process. I believe that if you’re not left with an amazing experience, I haven’t done my job. I don’t measure success through achievements or awards but through the satisfaction of my clients.
