by Larry James
One-story homes have always found favor with Americans. We like their economical construction and the way they cover the land. We enjoy feeling anchored to the earth.
In recent years, the reasons to choose a one-story home have increased. The baby boomers are aging; indeed, our entire population is getting on in years. More and more, we prefer to live our lives on one level, rather than clambering up (or down) stairs at the end of each day. When bedtime comes, who wants to climb a hill before turning in?
One-story homes have always been popular in the South. Ranch plans were favorites because they spread over the land, delivering wide-open spaces and vibrant interior vistas. Most had slab foundations rather than basements, which made their construction less expensive. They went up faster, too, since the builders didn't have to deal with the scaffolding that is requisite for two- and three-story homes.
Along the northern portion of the U.S., the one-story home didn't fare quite as well. Land was more expensive, since more earth was needed to build on. Foundation costs were also prohibitive, since a larger foundation was required. The northern folks built "up" to ease the strain on their bank accounts. They chose stair steps and pocketed the spare change.
When country-style homes began to grow in popularity, designers and architects realized that a steeply pitched roof was required, and with that, dormer window treatments. To compensate for this, my company, Larry James & Associates, Inc., began including a stairway to the unfinished attic space. In this way, both tastes were served. Those who wished to live on one level could do just that and use the attic as a storage area. Those who desired a two-story home could finish off the upper floor, creating extra bedrooms, a home office, a game room or a media room.
In my view, the one-story home is a more popular choice, nowadays. Homes that are "on the level" readily lend themselves to farmhouse and country-style design. I find that the majority of my customers prefer a "single slice" of life. With the master bedroom, private bath, Great Room and kitchen all on one floor, what more could a family want?
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