Working with a custom home builder allows you to create a space designed specifically with your needs, tastes, and lifestyle in mind. One of the first major decisions you’ll have to make is whether you want a multi-story home or a single-level ranch style house. The guide below explains some of the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Two-Story vs. Ranch Style Houses

Multi-Story Homes

Many homeowners are attracted to the added space and lower cost per square foot of multi-story homes, which allow custom home builders to substantially increase the living area without expanding the foundation or roof. As a result, two-story homes tend to have more substantial front and back yards, high-priority features for many homeowners.

However, noises usually travel readily through multi-story homes. Going up and down the stairs several times every day can also be inconvenient.

Single-Level Ranch Homes

For maintenance-minded homeowners or those who worry about having mobility issues in the future, custom home builders often recommend ranch-style homes. Routine maintenance tasks such as inspecting the roof, cleaning the gutters, and spraying the siding are much simpler and safer on a single-story house, and will usually cost less. Your utility bills will also likely be lower.

Local zoning laws may dictate how much of a lot a structure can occupy, potentially limiting the size of your house. In addition, some homeowners may be uncomfortable that the bedroom windows are more easily accessible by intruders or viewable by nosy neighbors.

As one of Nebraska’s best custom home builders, Johnson Imperial Homes offers fully personalized designs, expert contractors, and reliable results on every project. With offices in Hastings and Kearney, they’ve been serving homeowners throughout the area for almost 100 years and have the expertise to make your dream home a reality. Visit their website to browse current properties for sale, follow their Twitter for more tips and advice, or call (402) 461-4100 to contact their office in Hastings. To discuss your project with their team in Kearney, call (308) 237-5610 today.