Should Your New Home Be One Story or Two?
One of the first decisions you’ll need to make when you begin discussing building a new home or home remodeling in Massachusetts is whether you should build up or out. In other words, do you prefer to have your new or improved home be a one-floor ranch- or cottage-style home or a two-story home?
Do You Plan to Grow Old in Your New Home?
Even if you are completely healthy now, if you’re remodeling and plan to retire in your home, you have to consider the what-ifs. If you or your spouse develop arthritis or physical limitations that make it difficult to get around, a two-story home may eventually become a liability, especially if the master bedroom is upstairs. On the other hand, a two-story home will offer a great space for your grandkids to visit!
Do You Plan to Start a Family in Your New Home?
If you’re considering buying a new home or remodeling your existing home and have or will have young children, there are pros and cons to both single- and multi-story homes. It’s tougher to childproof a two-story home. If the master bedroom is on a different level than the kids’ rooms, bedtimes can be challenging. On the other hand, as your children grow, having a second story makes it easier to add a playroom.
Do You Plan to Sell Your Home in the Foreseeable Future?
If you consider the home you’re buying or remodeling to be a stepping stone for now but believe you’ll move eventually, look at real estate recent-sales histories in your area. Do two-story homes sell for more money or sell more quickly than single-story homes? If you’re not sure how to research home sales in your area, remodeling contractors in Massachusetts usually have data and contacts who can help you.
Think About Your Lifestyle
Do you like to have clear lines of sight and keep an eye on what everyone in the household is doing? Do you hate cleaning? Do you desire a separate “wing” for your children or a quiet home office away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the house? Are you an avid gardener or do you have kids who love to play soccer or football in the yard? Consider all of these questions before beginning home remodeling in Massachusetts. A one-story home allows you to keep tabs on everyone easily and makes cleaning easier. A two-story home provides more yard space and opportunities to create “zones” in your home.
If you’re ready to remodel or enlarge your home, you can go up and add a second story or go out and keep a single story. If you’re not sure what to do, contact us at Colony Home Improvement. We have provided remodeling services in Massachusetts for 30-plus years and are one of the most highly-regarded remodeling contractors in Massachusetts!