Although there are almost as many preferences in home buyers as there are in homes, two main types of buildings tend to be most popular: Ranch Style vs. 2-Story. A typical ranch home is a one level home; sometimes with a basement or sometimes not. All of the living areas are on the ground floor. In a 2-story home, the bedrooms and at least one bathroom, usually the master bath, are located on a second level above the rest of the living areas or the garage. Both types are favorites for several demographics in Colorado, but to be able to choose which best suits you, let’s go over a few of the key features of both.
Ranch Homes
This single level architecture regularly features an open floor plan even with several bedrooms or bathrooms. In more typical examples, the ranch has one main hallway that most of the rooms branch off from, although larger homes may include more. As with most homes, the kitchen, dining room, and living room are clustered in one end of the home while the bed- and bathrooms branch off as you traverse the hall.
The biggest advantage of the ranch is that, except in the case of a basement, there are no stairs. This makes cleaning easier; no lugging a vacuum cleaner up and down. The lack of steps also means that moving heavy furniture around has a smaller likelihood of injuring the poor souls doing the hauling; great for moving in and out. A ranch is also nice for those with physical injuries or disabilities that might keep them from being able to step up or down. A ranch is definitely a favorite with the ADA.
Finally, with no second level, you don’t have to listen to the people clomping around upstairs. The not-so-subtle “thud, thud, thud” of someone walking across the second level is nonexistent in a ranch. Certainly, if they are stomping, you can tell where the heavy footfalls are in a ranch, but they don’t sound like they are going to come through the ceiling on top of you.
Multi-Level Homes
This multi-level architecture may feature two, three or more levels, and will sometimes include a basement, giving more privacy to a family. Mom and Dad can definitely feel like they are have “alone time” ensconced in the bedroom upstairs with the kids happily playing downstairs. Conversely, parents can have a place to unwind after the little ones are asleep without having to tread lightly.
Multi-level homes also tend to have more floor space devoted to living and dining rooms, as opposed to ranch homes, since the designers have a varied area to work with. This is not to say that multi-level homes have more room, instead the communal rooms are usually a bit larger.
As a final touch to multi-level homes, the variant floor plan allows for a “bonus” room on the main floor that can be turned into a guest room, den, craft room, or additional storage. Usually, due to the layout, a guest room is the popular choice.
Making a Decision to Buy a Ranch or Multi-level Home
Deciding between a ranch style or 2-story home is a decision that home-buyers have to make. The supply of ranch style homes is often lower than that of multi-level homes and ranches end up attracting a broader market in Colorado, but multilevel homes are usually favored by larger families. The preferences are as varied as the buyers.
When you want a realtor who will make you their number one priority, it’s time to contact me to set up an initial consultation. Feel free to call True Performance Real Estate today and any questions you might have about selling your home!
Call: 303-317-6311