If you were building a new home, would you choose a ranch or two-story floor plan?

The popularity of each style has alternated over the years, with one gaining steam and then the other catching up. Today’s home builders tend to offer both options in order to suit lifestyle preferences for people of all ages and persuasions. To help you decide which one is best for you, we put together a list of some of the advantages to each.

Advantages to a two-story home:

Bedrooms can be grouped together

It’s common now for the second story to include a master bedroom, one or two additional bedrooms, and a loft or lounge area. This arrangement works well for parents who want to be close to their kids (or vice versa). And if someone wants to watch TV late at night on the main floor, the noise isn’t likely to disturb the sleepers upstairs.

Get the laundry off the main floor (or basement)

Another common feature of two-story homes is putting the laundry room on the second floor, adjacent to the master bedroom. No more lugging heavy baskets of clothes up and down the stairs! Plus, it’s easy for everyone in the family to put their dirty clothes in the proper place.

High ceilings

Having two stories allows builders to open the space, usually in a front room or family room, where the ceiling can extend all the way to the top. This creates a spacious feel and adds connection between the two floors.

Better views

Although not a guarantee, it is more likely you’ll have good views from higher windows. This is especially beneficial along the Front Range, where everyone loves to get glimpses of the Rocky Mountains.

Advantages to a ranch-style floor plan:

Everything is on one floor

Not having to climb stairs to get to a bedroom or other living area is seen as a big plus by many people, especially those with an eye towards retirement or who have small kids at home. The danger of falling is dramatically reduced, and senior citizens don’t have to worry about any major remodeling.

More living space

Without the need for stairs, homeowners gain up to 100 sq. ft of living space in a ranch-style home.

Easy access to the outdoors

Ranch homes are usually designed to allow for easy access to the backyard, and are oftentimes laid out in U or L shapes. You can take advantage of that by adding sliding patio or french doors off the kitchen or dining room. The indoor/outdoor flow this creates is popular with just about everyone.

Accessible

With only one story to scale, it’s relatively easy on a ranch-style home to access the roof, gutters, and windows for cleaning or repairs. You might need a ladder, but the stakes are (literally) lower.

Even more important than the floor plan you choose is the builder you decide to entrust to build your home. Check references from recent clients, visit their communities, and make sure that the builder can deliver quality, craftsmanship, and excellent customer service. After all, your home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, and you deserve peace of mind to go with it!

Berkeley Homes has been building quality homes in the Denver area since 1985. A local company, they offer innovative floor plans built with enduring craftsmanship in both ranch and two-story options. Check out their communities to learn more.