One-Level or 2 Level-Homes? (Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert: custom home, costs , bedroom)

[ajgranda]

Hi,

There seem to be more one-level ranch style homes in Phoenix metro; however; I am seeing bi-level homes being built now also (N Scottsdale). Is one in more of a demand than the other? Are there any advantages to having a 1-level besides not having to walk up the stairs? Would one-level be less expensive to keep cool (lower electric bill)?

Thanks

[Andre5140]

Originally Posted by ajgranda

Hi,

There seem to be more one-level ranch style homes in Phoenix metro; however; I am seeing bi-level homes being built now also (N Scottsdale). Is one in more of a demand than the other? Are there any advantages to having a 1-level besides not having to walk up the stairs? Would one-level be less expensive to keep cool (lower electric bill)?

Thanks

Although I don't currently live there, I know that in the Midwest second stories are more expensive to heat and cool...especially in the hot summers.

Since heat rises, it takes a lot more energy to cool off the upstairs. Depending on the size of the home, a second a/c unit may be necessary. Consider also the fact that air is EVERYwhere. What do I mean? Well, if your home has a cathedral ceiling (such as in the foyer), all that wasted open space must be heated or cooled.

One-story homes are typically cheaper to cool and keep cool. They are also more expensive to build since it costs more to built "out" due to larger foundation than it does to build "up" on a 2-story.

Regardless of what type of home you choose, remember also that good materials are also crucial. That is, tinted windows, properly-sized windows, and a tiled roof are very important. Composite shingle roofs (most common across the country) absorb heat and the tar substance becomes gooey and loses integrity in direct sun and constant heat. The same is true with flat roof that are typically black. Plus, their "flatness" quality allows them to contantly be in the sun whereas a gabled roof is only exposed for certain periods of time.

Lots of "general" info and probably more than you wanted but I hope that helps.

Best of luck to you.

[gigi927]

Yep, one stories are more desirable because of the cooling costs. You will also see in resale that single story homes tend to drive a higher price per square foot than the two story homes do.

[sablebaby]

Single story homes tend to be cheaper to cool, however, you will find a lot of of them with vaulted ceilings and that will cost more also. My last house had 18 ft ceilings. So, that's something to keep in mind. Our house now has 10 ft ceilings and I love them. That extra foot makes it look so much better. I say get whatever appeals to you more.

[ajgranda]

Thanks for the informative replies. I have noticed that per sq ft, 2-story is less expensive. That is really the only reason I was considering one. I hate the idea of being in my 70s, 80s, 90s (if Im lucky) and having to walk and carry things up and down stairs. It's also a nightmare to have a king size bedroom set brought up and down unless you have a WIDE staircase. I guess after 20 years of cooling costs in a one-level, the initial premium in purchase price could offset. Do you think the cooling costs are still less with some of these homes being built with 12 ft. ceilings throughout?

Thanks again

[aj661]

If you can find a basement, go for it, otherwise stay with the single level. The 2-story I owned in Gilbert cost a fortune to cool. The a/c was almost always running in the summer because of the 2nd story.

I'm not an expert on heating and cooling, but 9ft or 10ft ceilings would be better than than old standard 8 ft., at least in the summer. Since heat rises, it has a place to settle above head level in a single story. And like sablebaby said, it looks nicer. Add in a few ceiling fans and you'll save a few more pennies. There was a reason many 19th century homes had high ceilings...

If I could afford a custom home it it would be single story, Integra block, with 10ft ceilings and an a/c with a piggyback evaporative (swamp) cooler. I saved SOooo much money with one of those units in the 80's. We only needed a/c during the monsoon.

[aj661]

Originally Posted by ajgranda

Thanks for the informative replies. I have noticed that per sq ft, 2-story is less expensive. That is really the only reason I was considering one. I hate the idea of being in my 70s, 80s, 90s (if Im lucky) and having to walk and carry things up and down stairs. It's also a nightmare to have a king size bedroom set brought up and down unless you have a WIDE staircase. I guess after 20 years of cooling costs in a one-level, the initial premium in purchase price could offset. Do you think the cooling costs are still less with some of these homes being built with 12 ft. ceilings throughout?

Thanks again

Yes, absolutely. High ceilings + single story = good. Any ceiling + 2nd story= bad

[Andre5140]

Originally Posted by aj661

Yes, absolutely. High ceilings + single story = good. Any ceiling + 2nd story= bad

This is largely true. Any 2-story home with typical 8-foot ceilings will cost more to cool than even a 1-story with 9-foot ceilings and a cathedral (taller celing) great room and/or foyer.

One thing I've noticed about metro Phoenix homes (compared to those in the Midwest) is that they have very tiny (if any) foyers. Is a grand entrance only important in the Midwest and East Coast? I guess it totally depends on the builder...

Either way, sorry for all the "foyer" references!

You can't go wrong with a good 1-story home. One thing to keep in mind (if you are in market for a new custom-built or even an older home) is that block is a great building material. It keeps homes cooler and is termite-proof.

[aj661]

Originally Posted by Andre5140

This is largely true. Any 2-story home with typical 8-foot ceilings will cost more to cool than even a 1-story with 9-foot ceilings and a cathedral (taller celing) great room and/or foyer.

One thing I've noticed about metro Phoenix homes (compared to those in the Midwest) is that they have very tiny (if any) foyers. Is a grand entrance only important in the Midwest and East Coast? I guess it totally depends on the builder...

Either way, sorry for all the "foyer" references!

You can't go wrong with a good 1-story home. One thing to keep in mind (if you are in market for a new custom-built or even an older home) is that block is a great building material. It keeps homes cooler and is termite-proof.

Aren't foyers just formal "mud rooms"? Maybe because we don't need a room to drop our muddy snow covered boots in as we come inside? That's my best guess.

[ajgranda]

Thanks for the replies. We're going to stick with one-levels. I don't understand why they are building so many 2-level homes in communities like DC Ranch and the new Windgate in Scottsdale. I guess they are trying to save on lot size. Which is just insaine with the prices they are asking.
As for foyers, I think part of it might be the muddy boots and all the winter coats, umbrellas etc. Foyers are big here in NY also. Our realtor in Scottsdale actually told us not to look for a large foyer because that would be waisted sq footage that would take away from the rest of the house.