Given that they’re well-suited to a wide range of people, needs and lifestyles, it’s no surprise that single-story homes only continue to grow in popularity. After battling back the misconception that they’re only for an older crowd, single-story homes are increasingly popping up in new communities as an ideal choice for couples and families at any stage of life looking to experience the best of low-maintenance, open-concept living. Read on to discover five of the most significant benefits associated with single-story living.
1. They’re Great for Kid-Friendly Living or Easy Accessibility
Whether you’re a family with young children or a more mature couple in search of somewhere to settle down, one of the greatest advantages to single-story living is the ease and accessibility that comes with having all rooms on a single floor. Open-concept floor plans means that parents can monitor young children from almost anywhere in the house without the fear of them tumbling down stairs or playing out of sight on an upper floor. And while single-story homes may not be only for mature or elderly couples, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t well-suited to older homeowners. Mature homeowners or those with mobility restrictions have the ability to move about their home with greater ease and independence in a single-story home.
2. Their Open-Concept Designs are Highly Desirable
Single-story homes are often open-concept in design, meaning that they come with a host of advantages that include an efficient use of square footage and vertical space (such as the opportunity for taller windows and vaulted ceilings that make homes feel more airy and spacious); open sight lines and increased natural light (which in turn makes the home feel visually larger); and more room to entertain family and friends.
3. They’re Easy to Maintain
Less storys = less to clean, and that’s some math we can all get behind. One of the biggest benefits of living in a single-story home is that they are generally easier to maintain — both inside and outside of the home (think washing your windows and clearing your eavestroughs on a single-story versus multi-level home). And because single-story homes are only one floor, they’re also relatively easy and inexpensive to cool, as your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard to pump hot or cold air throughout the house. Heating is also distributed more evenly in a home with only one level, as it can’t rise to upper floors.
4. They Typically Come with Big Backyards
Single-story homes tend to require larger lots to accommodate their wider floor plans, which in turn means that homeowners will have more green space in their backyards. For people that have a green thumb or have always wanted to design the backyard oasis of their dreams, a single-story home is a great choice.
5. They’re in High Resale Demand
Because single-story living comes with many advantages, and single-floor home plan designs are harder to come by, they’re always in demand. Single-story homes are known for retaining and increasing in value, especially in sought-after or up-and-coming areas.
Many of our communities across Texas and the Carolinas feature single-story home designs; click here to explore and find the home and community that’s right for you today.