One Story Home Plans vs. Two Story Home Plans

Many people mistakenly assume that a tight budget means one story home plans are a foregone conclusion. This is also coupled with the misconception that for a home to be truly grand, it must be at least two stories. Neither is true. There's no short supply of practical and affordable home design plans in either style - perhaps more so for one story home plans, but certainly each style has its fair share of lavish and large-scale layouts as well.

If you're looking to make specific comparisons between the two styles, generally, one story homes feature more spacious open floor house plans than their two story counterparts. This in turn usually allows for air to circulate more freely throughout the house, as well as a greater abundance of natural light. Ranch house plans with an open layout are the most popular plan style for those seeking spaciousness and light in their home. There is also the practical concern of a home with stairs, which can prove an inconvenience for aging seniors and families with small children.

Can't Decide Between One & Two Story Home Plans?

There is a solution, ala the split-level layout. With living space on multiple levels separated by short flights of stairs leading up or down, split-level designs are a great middle-of-the-road alternative to traditional one and two story home plans.