When moving to Florida, people are generally surprised to see far more one story homes than two story homes. There are several reasons why this may be the case.
When building in Florida, there are pros and cons of both styles of construction as far as preferences go. Here are some opinions of homebuyers, builders, and real estate agents as to why they prefer one style or the other – which represents the right home for you?
Benefits of One Story Homes
- Ease of Navigation: Many people enjoy the ease of a one story floorplan. These homes are especially attractive to retirees, and those who are getting older and cannot navigate steps as well as they used to. Many are looking a bit down the road and anticipating that steps may become a problem. One story homes can also be built to easily accommodate handicapped residents, allowing them to move from bedroom to kitchen to back patio without having to worry about steps.
- Easier to Cool: We all know that heat rises, and that means that a second story is a repository for a lot of hot Florida air. Your air conditioner has to work even harder to cool a second story in the hottest months, which costs you more in energy costs and wear and tear on your A/C unit.
- Moving, Redecorating and More: When it comes time for a new couch, putting down new flooring, or moving all of your possessions in and out – one story homes with wide open sliding doors are as easy a set-up as you can imagine.
Benefits of Two Story Homes
- Separation of Living Space: Many people, especially those who migrate from up north, are more used to two-story living. Keeping the bedrooms separated from the living space is a more natural floorplan for many homeowners. Not only do people enjoy the separation of space for noise and activity reasons, but to keep private spaces away from common areas when it comes to entertaining and visitors. Many Florida two story homes includes loft space, rooms for recreation, and lots of options – including a second wrap-around patio or deck to enjoy your views.
- More Living Space on Smaller Lots: Here in the downtown Sarasota or Longboat Key areas, we do not often see the large, sprawling acreage that we see in other parts of the city. The lots are often very small, meaning that building a custom home can be challenging. While simply constructing a smaller home is a solution, creative design often includes a second or third story to maximize the space we have on our property.
- Views, Views, Views! If you are close to the water, two story homes give you the opportunity to see above and beyond many of your neighbors. Whether a water view or a straight shot to the best sunsets on the Gulf Coast, the higher you go, the more you can see!If you love the idea of two story homes but a one story home seems more practical for your needs – the design experts at Lindahl Construction can help you to incorporate the best of both worlds. For instance, if you want a one story but need more space, let’s talk about a small cottage in the backyard, or an extra room off the back of your home. If you want the two story home but are worried about mobility, let us design an elevator into your space.Most people have an idea in their mind of what their Sarasota custom home looks like – let us help you bring it to life! Call us today.