The popularity of single-level homes versus two-story floor plans varies depending on location, demographics, and lifestyle preferences. The livability and functionality of the two types of floor plans, is dependent on the homeowner’s individual hopes and needs as well as their desired home location.
Ranch Homes
A ranch -style home, is a popular architectural design in the U.S. that emphasizes simplicity, efficiency, and accessibility. Single level, ranch-style homes are extremely popular in the midwest, especially in Wichita, KS. Ranch homes are wonderful for retirees, adults with mobility issues, and families alike. They also are an ideal option for individuals who are interested in aging in place, or living in their home for decades.
Key Features:
- The ranch layout often features an open concept layout, with minimal barriers between the kitchen, dining, and living areas. This creates a visually spacious and connected living environment.
- Ranch homes often have large, expansive windows, including sliding glass doors, to let in loads of natural light and connect indoor spaces with the outdoors.
- Ranch-style homes are usually wider than they are tall, with a long, horizontal orientation. This design maximizes the footprint on a lot and makes the home’s living space feel more spacious.
- Accessibility: Ranch homes are primarily single-story, with some floor plans having a basement, while others are built on a zero-entry slab foundation. Both options provide endless possibilities for homeowners with varying needs.
- Main Floor Master. Ranch homes provide a main level master making the home ideal for aging in place.
Two-Story Homes
Two-story homes are extremely popular with families, younger homebuyers, and people who live in urban or land-restricted areas. In large cities or places where land is more expensive, two-story homes are more common because they maximize space.
Two-Story Advantages:
- Upward mobility: Two-story homes allow more home square footage on smaller lots with less square footage available.
- Often offer more personal-space privacy by separating entertaining spaces from bedrooms that are usually on a different floor.
- Curb Appeal. Two-story homes may visually appear larger in scale than the ranch-style homes.
Paul Gray Homes is a custom home-building expert in Wichita, Kansas. Our design team expertly custom designs single level and two-story homes that our customers will love for generations. We have floor plans that we can customize to fit your needs, or if you would like a fully custom designed home, we can make it happen. Our design team can custom curate your vision in a home design that fits you.