Today’s housing market is flooded with multi-story homes, and while they may save acreage, the truth is that they aren’t right for all families. The benefits of a one-story home are many, especially if you prefer to plan for the future. Here’s what you need to know before you make your purchase.
#1 – It’s Safer
A one-story home is undeniably safer than a two- or even three-story home simply because there are no stairs for children or the elderly to traverse. Slips and falls on staircases can be traumatic, life-changing, and in some cases even fatal, especially for the very young or the very old. What’s more, in the event of a fire, it’s easier to escape a window when the rooms are all on ground level. While there are ladders and other products designed to make escaping a second- or third-floor window safer, these aren’t always a good solution.
#2 – No Stairs to Climb
While you’re young and spry, stairs may seem like no big deal. In fact, they’ll even help you get your exercise in for the day. However, what would happen if you were to be injured, and you were suddenly unable to make the climb if only temporarily? This can be difficult for families to overcome. It’s true that you can install elevators or lifts that will carry you to the next floor, but these can grow quite costly, and they don’t make a worthwhile investment if you’ll only need them temporarily. A one-story home makes it simpler for you to get to every room, even when you’re nursing an injury.
#3 – Easier on HVAC Systems
Today’s HVAC systems are quite advanced, but they can’t make up for physics. Warm air rises while cool air sinks, and this can cause some discomfort. In the summer, you’ll need to crank up the AC to keep your upper floors cooled. In the winter, the upper part of the home will likely get too warm as you try to keep your ground floor comfortable. Though some homeowners can get around this by installing a second HVAC unit specifically for the second story to maintain their comfort, this isn’t cost-effective in most cases. A one-story home is heated and cooled evenly, which maximizes your comfort and keeps your costs down.
#4 – You’ll Make More Money if You Sell
Now that you understand all the benefits associated with a one-story home, it only makes sense that these homes tend to sell for more per square foot. They’re in higher demand, especially among families with children or households with elderly members. One-story homes also appreciate more quickly for this very reason. You can consider your home an investment, and chances are good that it’ll make you money when it comes time to sell.
As you can see, the benefits of a one-story home certainly speak for themselves. These homes are safer, more convenient, and eco-friendlier in terms of heating and cooling. You may pay a little more for a one-story home, but in the end, it’ll likely be worth the additional investment.