BY CHAFIN COMMUNITIES
Ranch Plan Versus 2 Story Plan
Whichplan is better for you? What about now AND later?
Ranch Versus 2 Story by Chafin Communities
There are two ways to look at the facts tohelp you decide: #1 – Pros and Cons. #2 – The Different Features
#1: The Pros and Cons:
2 STORY FLOOR PLANS
PRO of 2 Stories:
- PRO – Less expensive per square foot – 2 Stories with owner’s suites up are usually less expensive than ranches and 2 stories with owner’s suites on the main. This is because those plans both need a larger foundation, so they require more concrete, more roofing and larger homesites.
- PRO – Extra privacy – The second story windows tend to be high enough up to make viewing from outside easy.
- PRO – Lower risk of burglary – If you accidentally leave a bedroom window open, odds are it is out of reach upstairs.
- PRO – More square feet – 2 stories tend to have more square feet since you two stories to spread it out.
- PRO – More design options – 2 stories tend to have more flexible ways to use spaces…like turning a dining room in to a playroom. Or taking the 2 story great room and making it one story with a giant media room or loft up. Or adding an additional bedroom and bath up instead of the 2 story great room.
- PRO – Larger Yards -The 2 story plans often have much smaller foot prints than a ranch, giving you usually a larger outdoor living space typically in the back yard.
CONS of 2 Stories:
- CON – Greater risk of injury – Stairs always present the potential for young kids and edlerly falling down. YOu usually have to add baby proofing like baby gates. Most stairs are difficult to adapt for people with disablities, too….and making a second floors accessible can cost upwards of $20,000.
- CON –Higher energy costs – Hot air rises, cold air drops. So your upstairs will run hot and your downstairs colder. It is usually more expensive to keep the higher stories cool and warm accordingly.
- CON –Higher noise – You will hear the people walking around upstairs and if they play really loud music, youwill hear that too.
RANCH FLOOR PLANS
PRO of Ranches:
- PRO – Maintenance is easier – One story homes are easier to clean on the inside – no stairs to lug vacuums or laundry up and down – AND way easier on the outside. Shorter ladders only needed for clenaing windows, gutters or hanging outdoor lights. Also less expensive to paint when needed.
- PRO –Safer to navigate – Toddlers and elderly parents may not be able to safely navigate the stairs. Single level living reduces the number of falls or accidents. It also means once YOU are old, you can safely age in the home you built memories in.
- PRO – Easier to evacuate – In case of a fire, everyone has a window and a short drop out. Earthquake…ranches are the safest structure during one.
- PRO –Easier for parents with small children – Small children usually mean many times getting up at night. With all the bedrooms on one level, you aren’t going up and down the stairs and fighting a baby gate all night. You can do this with a 2 story with all bedrooms up too.
CON of Ranches:
- CON – More expensive to build – A ranch plan requires a larger footprint, which means more concrete, more roofing materials and a larger homesite. Both add to the cost.
- CON –There is less privacy – with bedroom windows on the ground floor, people can literally walk by or worse see in from the nearby home.
- CON –Smaller yard – The ranch plan’s larger footprint takes up some of the space that would have been your rear yard.
#2: The Perks of Different Features
There are perks to each type of floor plan design.
2 Story floor plan options:
- Some 2 Story plans have more than just the primary suite and have second full suites complete with walk in closets and full private baths
- Primary suite on the main and the rest up
- The 2 Story plans also have a wide variety to choose from in terms of how the secondary baths can be set up:
- Large second mini-suites up that could be used as a second primary suite
- Secondary bedrooms that are mini-suites up complete with private full bath and usually a walk in closet.
- Guest suites with private baths on the main with either private or semi-private access
- READ MORE HERE about all the different options for secondary bathrooms
- Media Room or Loft Options Up: Most 2 Stories offer this option as standard or as an upgrade
Ranch floor plan options:
- Single level living – If no stairs living is a must, then a ranch without a bonus room is it
- Bonus room option – If you don’t mindstairs to some of your home’s space but still want a ranch plan with the primary suite on the main, most of our ranch plans have or offer optional bonus rooms or optional bedroom/baths up
- Additional bedroom and bath up in lieu of bonus room.
MORE FLOOR PLAN GUIDES:
Guide to Ranch Plans with Single Level Living Guide to Ranch Plans with Single Level Living Guide to Plans with Primary Bedroom Suite on Main Guide to Plans with Primary Bedroom Suite on Main Guide to Plans with Gourmet Kitchen Options Guide to Plans with Gourmet Kitchen Options Guide to Plans with Different Kitchens Layout Offered by Chafin Guide to Plans with Different Kitchen Layouts Offered by Chafin Guide to Interior Fireplace Options Guide to Interior Fireplace Options Guide to Floor Plans with Flexible Number of Bedrooms Guide to Floor Plans with Flexible Number of Bedrooms Guide to Primary Bath Options Offered at Chafin Guide to Primary Bath Options Offered at Chafin Guide to Ranch Floor Plans with Finished Spaces Up Guide to Ranch Floor Plans with Finished Spaces Up Guide to Townhome Floor Plans Guide to Townhome Floor Plans Guide to Floor Plans with Home Offices Guide to Floor Plans with Home Offices Guide to 2 Story Floor Plans with 2 Story Great Rooms Guide to 2 Story Floor Plans with 2 Story Great Rooms Guide to 2 Story Floor Plans with Lofts Up Guide to Enlarged Shower Option in the Primary Bath Guide to Enlarged Shower Option in the Primary Bath Guide to Floor Plans with Lofts, Media Rooms & Bonus Rooms Guide to Floor Plans with Lofts, Media Rooms & Bonus Rooms Guide to 2 Story Floor Plans with Sitting Rooms in Primary Suites Guide to 2 Story Floor Plans with Sitting Rooms in Primary Suites Guide to Floor Plans with Guest Suite or Home Office Guide to Floor Plans with Guest Suite or Home Office Guide to Homes with Basem*nts Guide to Homes with Basem*nts Guide to Outdoor Living & Covered Porches Guide to Outdoor Living & Covered Porches Guide to Butler's Pantries: More Space to Entertain Guide to Butler's Pantries: More Space to Entertain Guide to Secondary Baths: What Do You Want? Think About the Future, too! Guide to Secondary Baths: What Do You Want? Think About the Future, too! Guide to Laundry Rooms - There Are More Options Than You Think Guide to Laundry Rooms - There Are More Options Than You Think Guide to Floor Plan with Formal Spaces! What Do You Want? Guide to Floor Plan with Formal Spaces! What Do You Want? Guide to Floor Plan with Three Car Garage Options Guide to Floor Plan with Three Car Garage Options Guide to 2 Story Plans Versus Ranch Plans - Which is Better For You? Guide to 2 Story Plans Versus Ranch Plans - Which is Better For You?
Need Help Finding the Right Chafin Floor Plan for YOU?
Let our ONLINE Specialists guide you!
Contact Us Today: ONLINE Chator Call 1-470-269-3829.
I am a seasoned real estate professional with extensive experience in architectural design and residential property development. My background includes hands-on involvement in the planning, construction, and sale of various housing projects, including both ranch-style homes and two-story dwellings. I have closely followed industry trends, conducted market analyses, and interacted with homeowners to understand their preferences and needs.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article comparing ranch plans to two-story plans by Chafin Communities:
-
Pros and Cons Analysis:
a. 2 Story Floor Plans:
-
Pros:
- Cost Efficiency: Two-story plans with owner's suites upstairs are generally less expensive per square foot due to a smaller foundation.
- Privacy: Second-story windows offer increased privacy.
- Square Footage: Two-story plans often provide more square footage.
- Design Flexibility: More options for space utilization, such as converting rooms or adding extra features.
- Larger Yards: Two-story plans often have smaller footprints, resulting in larger outdoor living spaces.
-
Cons:
- Safety Concerns: Greater risk of injury, especially for young children and the elderly.
- Higher Energy Costs: Increased expenses in maintaining temperature due to heat rising and cold air descending.
- Noise Issues: Sound transmission from upstairs can be a drawback.
b. Ranch Floor Plans:
-
Pros:
- Ease of Maintenance: Easier to clean and maintain both inside and outside.
- Safety: Reduced risk of falls or accidents, making it suitable for toddlers and the elderly.
- Evacuation: Easier evacuation in emergencies like fires or earthquakes.
- Parenting Convenience: Particularly suitable for parents with small children.
-
Cons:
- Higher Construction Costs: Larger footprint leads to increased construction expenses.
- Privacy Concerns: Bedroom windows on the ground floor may compromise privacy.
- Smaller Yard: Larger footprint may reduce the rear yard space.
-
-
Perks of Different Features:
a. 2 Story Floor Plan Options:
- Varied secondary bathroom setups.
- Multiple full suites with walk-in closets and private baths.
- Options for media rooms or lofts.
b. Ranch Floor Plan Options:
- Single-level living.
- Bonus room options for those open to stairs.
- Additional bedroom and bath options.
-
Additional Information:
- The article provides a range of guides related to various floor plan features, including primary bedroom suite location, gourmet kitchen options, flexible bedroom layouts, primary bath options, finished spaces in ranch floor plans, and more.
In conclusion, the decision between a ranch and a two-story plan ultimately depends on individual preferences, lifestyle, and specific needs, considering factors such as budget, family structure, and long-term considerations. Chafin Communities offers a diverse range of floor plans to cater to different preferences and requirements.
