Poll: One story or two?

mamie329

What do you prefer in houses? 

One or two stories?

 

[Poll]

Leigha12

I voted 2 because that's my ideal, especially because I like the idea of a second floor living/gaming room on the landing. But in Texas, 1 story homes are more practical, especially in the summer (you know, that heat rising thing).  I guess if I lived north, I'd definitely want a 2-story, though, because I'd love that upstairs has some added warmth.

hawkilady

I want a 2-story, it's just what I like best... I think it adds more visual interest to the house from the outside (different roof lines, etc.) and for some reason a lot of ranch houses just dont appeal to me.  Either way, it has to have some vaulted ceilings though so it doesnt feel closed in.  I would also want all the bedrooms on the same level or master on the first floor, remaining bedrooms upstairs though because I dont think I would want my kids sleeping below me.  Also you generally have more yard space with a 2 story since the house has more square footage on a smaller footprint. 

I have a story and a half right now and I really like the vaulted ceilings and openness of our living room.  My complaint with the story and a half is that the upstairs bedroom is really a loft so its a little too open. 

SBS0628

I thought I wanted two stories. DH thought he wanted two stories.

Then we started looking at houses...and our friends/family with kids starting telling us stories (watching the kid fall down the stairs when they were trying to walk, how many loads of laundry they had to carry from the upstairs bedrooms downstairs to the laundry room, etc.)...and we started pricing...

THEN we found a few one stories that we loved. 9 foot ceilings, great rooms, awesome floorplans. Now, we're only looking at/for a one story.

LarkNow

2 stories.  Unfortunately, they are rare out here and, when you find them, ridiculously expensive.  And I grew up in a 2-story house, I never fell down the stairs.  I'm actually sort of worried that a child of mine will not know how to crawl up and down stairs if we live in this 1-story house its whole life.  That's a useful skill!

mamie329

We both wanted a two-story house since we think one story may feel too much like apartment living, but blogs like younghouselove make me think one-stories are just the cutest thing ever. 

We're looking at a one story with a half finished basement today. The exterior leaves a lot to be desired, but the inside has sooo much of what I'm looking for, down to paint colors and beautiful hardwoods. So conflicted.  

stephriz

I think stairs add great exercise to your daily routine, and I've always loved 2 story colonials and southern revival homes.  We're ending up in a one story Texas ranch, which was not high on my list, but I do love this house. 

Leigha's right, though, a one story in a hot location is definitely more efficient to heat and cool.

mofe

We own a rambler with a finished basement.  I don't really care if a house is a 1 or 2 story home.  The only thing I hate is split level homes, I don't mind split entry.

hawkilady

mofe:

We own a rambler with a finished basement.  I don't really care if a house is a 1 or 2 story home.  The only thing I hate is split level homes, I don't mind split entry.

Me too... split level always makes its seem like your in the basement.  I'm not a fan.

Savy _05

We definitely want a 2 story house. I have always felt that they are visually more appealing, and definitely our taste. We would both love for our bedroom to be on the first floor with kids rooms upstairs. That is the type of house that I grew up in and loved it.. David has always lived in 1 story homes and would love nothing more than to have a 2 story house. We are in the process of looking for another house or building a house.. either way we wont settle until we have a 2 story.