Discuss: 1 floor vs 2 floors (Dallas: transplants, sale, custom home)

[okapex]

While browsing for homes, I see lot of homes with 1st floor and 2nd floor options. Which one is preferable? In NJ , we always see at 2 floor homes and with basement ~ 3 floor homes.


Will there be any difference in sale price? or resale value?

[bencronin04]

You're going to get your most money back in resale dependent on the amount of sqft. So a 2 story in most cases with get more back IF it has more sqft. I think it then comes down to the quality of construction. For me it goes in the following order in cases of cost.

1. Location(school district & closeness to job markets)
2. Sqft.
3. Quality of construction
4. Amenities

[Rakin]

Many older couples like 1 stories and many families like 2 stories. One stories cost more to build per sq foot and have a bigger foot print which means smaller backyards.

Two stories puts the kids upstairs.

[wilsonthedog]

In general unless the 2 story is very well built I don't like them. Most "track" or "prefab" housing are built minimalistically and you can hear every step, bump, door close etc. If you are buying a custom house that is built RIGHT 2 stories are okay.

Basements are based more on locale you won't find them in the south.

[SilverGold]

Its a personal preference. Younger/older couples/familes with young children/older parents/disabled family members prefer single story. Families with tween & up want some peace and space of two story.

Having all family bedrooms upstairs and guest downstairs or having kids bedrooms upstairs and master and guest down works for some situations.

There are buyers with all sort of needs so not a huge issue.

[okapex]

I prefer to have 2 floor which gives some privacy on 2nd floor compared to all bed rooms on one floor.
Also I may get more backyard.

I see no homes with MBR (master bed room) on 2nd floor in Dallas TX area. I think custom built homes will have that option.

[Rakin]

Originally Posted by njking

I see no homes with MBR (master bed room) on 2nd floor in Dallas TX area. I think custom built homes will have that option.

They exist but in low demand since many families prefer the master BR down.

[Bruin85]

Originally Posted by Rakin

They exist but in low demand since many families prefer the master BR down.

I'm from California and I have never seen a 2 story home with the master bedroom on the 1st floor until I moved to Texas. Plus, not only are they are the 1st floor, they always seem to be right next to the kitchen. I can understand the benefit of this if you are elderly and have trouble with stairs, otherwise, I prefer all the bedrooms to be upstairs for more privacy. Why are downstairs master bedrooms the norm in Texas?

[Aceraceae]

Originally Posted by Bruin85

I'm from California and I have never seen a 2 story home with the master bedroom on the 1st floor until I moved to Texas. Plus, not only are they are the 1st floor, they always seem to be right next to the kitchen. I can understand the benefit of this if you are elderly and have trouble with stairs, otherwise, I prefer all the bedrooms to be upstairs for more privacy. Why are downstairs master bedrooms the norm in Texas?

Kids upstairs. Master downstairs. Privacy for everyone. Makes sense to me. Plus, let the kids run up and down the stairs all day.

[SilverGold]

More builders are offering this option now as there is more demand from transplants, immigrants and young families for master upstairs.

I've seen it in custom homes in DFW, they build master suite on one end with corridor in middle and kids bedrooms and game room on the other end. This way parents have privacy yet peace of mind that children are on same level and don't need to sleep walk on stairs.


I never understood idea of leaving babies and toddlers upstairs at night, another strange thing is having guest room upstairs with kids rooms and masters downstairs. Odd!