One of the ongoing debates in residential real estate is whether a ranch style or two-story home is best. Obviously, you can opt for either in your search for a new home, but understanding the differences and benefits of each can help you narrow your focus. To help in your search, here is what you need to know about ranch and two-story homes.
Why Choose a Ranch Home?
Ranch homes tend to have a less formal floor plan, which is ideal for families that are looking for an open plan. The homes typically do not have the dividers or pass-throughs that can make moving from one to the next seem like a chore.
Another benefit of ranch homes is that they are easier to add a room to. The home has a horizontal layout, which means you do not have to worry about making changes to stairs or finding additional support to the home while trying to add another floor. You and your contractor can simply extend out to add the additional room.
Ranch homes give you different options for the ceiling heights. Instead of being limited by the presence of a second floor, you can opt to go for a high ceiling. A higher ceiling can make the rooms in your home look larger and airier. If you decide to sell in the future, the ceilings can be an attractive feature that potential buyers will love.
If you are buying your forever home, a ranch is quite possibly the most accessible for older people. As you age, traveling up and down stairs can become more difficult. You could be forced to sell your home if you buy a two-story home. By contrast, the one-story layout of the ranch is nice to your aging knees and easier to navigate.
Why Choose a Two-Story Home?
A two-story home has its own benefits to consider. For instance, you could potentially save on the cost of the home. Two-story homes require less foundation, which can result in potential savings on building materials, including your plumbing and wiring. You can also save on the cost of the roofing.
Another possible benefit is that you get more square footage but with a smaller footprint. As a result, you could still get the square footage that you and your family need, but one a smaller lot.
There are many other benefits of both ranch and two-story homes to consider. Talk to your real estate agent to further explore those benefits and learn more about the home buying process.
