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How to Choose a Between Single- or Two-Story Home

February 22, 2025
Published by Garrette Custom Homes

While two-story homes have been the standard for decades, single-story homes were hugely popular choices in the mid-1900s thanks to the housing boom after the end of WWII. Today, there’s an appreciation of both styles. Our goal is to provide an extensive range of one- and two-story new homes in Puget Sound WA that will appeal to a wide range of buyers, ensuring you find the home that’s right for you.

One-story homes have a number of perks that are worth exploring if you’ve never lived in one, but are planning to build a new home. Single-story homes typically have more usable square footage, because there isn’t the need for a staircase, which can take up as much as 100-square-feet of space. They’re often quieter, as well, without the noise of footsteps overhead. They’re typically easier to maintain and clean, as well. With just one story, cleaning gutters, washing windows, cleaning siding, and other tasks aren’t as risky and many homeowners can manage the maintenance on their own. Even inside, you don’t have to worry about lugging a vacuum cleaner up and down stairs or making multiple trips with laundry.

One of the biggest perks to single-story homes is the element of safety and accessibility. If you have young children, stairs can be a safety challenge. Even for adults, stairs can be a risk, and as you get older, stairs can be difficult with any mobility issues. Single story homes provide a certain peace of mind for families with young children, and they can easily be a lifelong home as you age and don’t want the hassle of going up and down stairs regularly.

Of course, two-story homes have their own benefits. They often have smaller footprints/foundations and may fit on a lot easier, without losing square footage. This can also make the home more cost-effective when building. Plus, while stairs can be a challenge, today’s floor plans often have the laundry room located upstairs with the bedrooms to limit the number of trips necessary.

Many people prefer the privacy and separation that two-story homes offer. The bedrooms are upstairs, away from the first floor, which is typically focused more on family and entertaining. There’s also the feeling of security that comes from having the bedrooms upstairs. Today’s homes also frequently have the primary bedroom suite on the first floor, and the rest of the bedrooms upstairs. This offers privacy, but it also creates options should accessibility be an issue. Our floor plans often include a den on the ground floor, which can be converted to or built as an additional bedroom for further flexibility.

There’s no one choice that is better than the other; it just depends on which style best fits your personal needs and preferences. If you’re looking to build one of the new homes in Puget Sound WA, contact us today so we can help you find the right home and the right lot for your brand new home.

Categorized in: Floorplan Tips, How to Choose a Between Single- or Two-Story Home, Market Tips, Uncategorized

This post was written by Garrette Custom Homes