[Downtown Dave]

Having previously lived in Dallas, I had noticed that dwellings sometimes have upper floors that can get quite hot in the summertime probably due to cheap construction and substandard building codes. Air Conditioning costs can go through the roof in the summer.

I was wondering if the same is true in Las Vegas. Is it wise to avoid two-story houses and opt for a one-story house instead?

[Nn2036]

I thought 2 stories house is better since the first floor is completely insulated by the second floor. Your roof is smaller so your house exposed less to the sun.

The hot air does rise so the upper floor may be slightly hotter.

Most roof in new Vegas house is concrete so it will be better than the cheap asphalt shingles of Dallas houses.

[LuisSuarez]

Less roof = cheaper to cool and heat. Single story are a nightmare.

[aqualung8705]

Unless you're in a wheelchair, a two-story is fine.

[foundapeanut]

Originally Posted by LuisSuarez

Less roof = cheaper to cool and heat. Single story are a nightmare.

Depends totally on how the house was contructed, sq footage, dark vs light colored roof, what the price range of the hosue is, upgrades, etc.

There are a not many one stories vs 2 stories in Vegas.

Will say since our heat is dry, vs what you have in Dallas. You will wait longer to turn your air on here (for example) 90 her feels a lot cooler than 90 in Dallas.

We have plenty of cheaply constructed and substandard builds here too.

[BBMW]

One of the first things I'd do if I bought a house in Vegas is have the under roof insulation inspected and likely upgraded. Installing a powered attic vent fan would also likely be a good idea.

[Camaro5]

I would agree that it depends on how the house is constructed and insulated. There are other factors, too, such as what direction it faces and how much shade you have.

We bought a single story because we didn't want the stairs. That was a bigger factor than the costs of heating and cooling.

[johninvegas]

Most new builds larger than 1200sf in Las Vegas are going to be two-story. That way, the builders can maximize their investment in land, more houses per acre.

[yellowsnow]

I would not like sleeping in a hot 2nd floor bedroom. I would probably end up on the couch downstairs. I lived in a 2 story in Houston and the main floor was always more comfortable plus I hated carrying laundry and other stuff up and down all day long.

[foundapeanut]

Originally Posted by johninvegas

Most new builds larger than 1200sf in Las Vegas are going to be two-story. That way, the builders can maximize their investment in land, more houses per acre.

In cheaper homes, yes.

But there are a couple new developments (700k) with one story larger than 1200 sq ft.