10 Advantages of One-Story Houses I Archival Design

Choosing the right house plan is a big decision. Whether you’re building a new home or buying an existing one, one-story house plans are a popular choice - and for good reason! One-story homes offer a range of benefits that make them an excellent choice for many homeowners. From easier accessibility to energy efficiency to simply more flexible designs, a one-story home might be exactly what you need.

In this post, we’ll explore the 10 key advantages of one-story houses and why they’re a smart choice for modern living. Ready to find out more? Let’s dive in!

1. Ease of Access for Everyone

One of the most obvious benefits of a one-story home is the easy access. Without stairs, moving around the house is a breeze for everyone, regardless of age or mobility. Whether you’re carrying groceries from the car or chasing after kids, you won’t have to worry about going up and down stairs.

Let’s take a closer look at why this accessibility is a game-changer for many families:

Mobility-friendly – One-story house plans are ideal for families with young children, older adults, or anyone with limited mobility. Everything is on the same level, so there’s no need to worry about stairs becoming a challenge. For aging homeowners, these homes are especially valuable because they remove the stress of navigating steps as mobility changes.
Wheelchair accessible – For those with wheelchair access needs, a one-story house offers a much more convenient layout. There’s no need for stair lifts or extra construction to accommodate different levels.

The single-level design provides peace of mind, making it easier to move from room to room. For families with elderly members or individuals who have limited mobility, a single level provides independence and comfort.

Additionally, for young families, avoiding stairs adds an extra level of safety. No need to worry about kids tripping or running up and down stairs - everything is conveniently located on the same level.

2. Better Flow and Open Spaces

The layout of a one-story house floor plan is designed to feel open and connected. With no upper floors dividing the space, you get a better flow between rooms, making the home feel larger and more inviting. Many homeowners love this because it promotes togetherness while still allowing for individual spaces when needed.

Here’s why the open flow in a one-story home makes everyday living easier:

Open concept – Many one-story house plans are built with an open-concept design, meaning that the living room, dining room, and kitchen often blend into one large space. This makes entertaining guests or spending time with family easier. It allows for more interaction and communication without feeling boxed into smaller rooms.
Social spaces – Because the rooms are all on one level, your social spaces feel more accessible, allowing people to move freely without the need for stairs or separate areas. For example, you can be cooking in the kitchen while still engaging with guests in the living room, creating a seamless connection between spaces.

In addition to improving social interaction, the open flow also allows natural light to move freely throughout the home. With fewer walls and barriers, one-story homes often feel brighter and more welcoming, creating a warm and comfortable living environment.

3. Enhanced Energy Efficiency

If you’re looking to save on energy bills, a one-story home might be a smart choice. It’s typically easier to heat and cool a single-story home because the temperature remains more consistent throughout the house.

With fewer walls and no upper floors, heat circulates more evenly, allowing you to keep the home comfortable year-round without excess energy use.

Even temperature control – In two-story homes, heat rises, which can make it tricky to keep the upstairs cool. With a single-story house, you won’t have to deal with this issue, which can lead to lower utility bills. The absence of stairs also ensures that heat is distributed more evenly throughout the home.

Smaller footprint – A 1-story home often has a smaller square foot footprint compared to a two-story house, which means less space to heat and cool, saving energy in the long run.

Because the living spaces are closer together, your heating and cooling systems don’t need to work as hard, which not only saves energy but also reduces wear and tear on the system itself.

Additionally, a smaller overall footprint means that one-story homes can often take advantage of natural cooling or heating strategies, such as optimizing window placement for cross-breezes or using ground-floor windows for ventilation.

4. Increased Safety

Safety is always a priority, and one-story homes tend to have an advantage in this department! Without stairs, there’s less risk of falls or accidents. This is especially beneficial for families with small children, elderly members, or anyone who might find stairs difficult to navigate.

No stair hazards – Stairs can pose a danger, especially for young children or the elderly. A single-story home plan eliminates this risk, providing a safer living environment for everyone. Without stairs, parents can let children move freely around the home without worrying about falls or accidents on a staircase.

Ground-level living – As mentioned before, everything is on the ground level, which means there’s no need to worry about climbing stairs to access different parts of the house. In case of emergencies, like a fire or medical issue, it’s much easier and quicker to exit the home or move between rooms.

For those who prioritize safety, especially in multi-generational households, one-story house plans provide peace of mind and security without sacrificing comfort or design.

5. Outdoor Living Spaces

One-story homes often include fantastic outdoor living spaces like rear porches, patios, and decks. These areas seamlessly extend your living space, making it easy to enjoy the outdoors without leaving the comfort of your home.

This connection to nature is something many homeowners appreciate, especially in homes that emphasize outdoor spaces as part of the overall design.

Here’s why outdoor spaces are a key advantage of one-story homes:

Extended living space – Ready for some extra square space? Many one-story house plans come with covered porches or outdoor patios that connect directly to the indoor living area. This creates a smooth transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, so it’s easy to step outside and enjoy fresh air or entertain guests in an outdoor setting.
Connection with nature – With all the main living areas on one level, it’s easier to step outside and enjoy the fresh air. Whether it’s having a cup of coffee on the porch or hosting a BBQ, the outdoor spaces feel like a natural extension of your home.

You can easily create a private space for outdoor relaxation without feeling disconnected from the house - especially if you’re living in an area where it’s sunny all year round!

Additionally, many-story modern house plans incorporate designs that bring the outdoors in, with large windows or glass doors that connect living spaces to outdoor patios or gardens, giving the home an airy, open feel.

6. Lower Construction Costs

Building a one-story home can sometimes be more affordable than building a two-story house. Since the construction process is simpler and fewer materials are required, the overall construction cost can be lower.

This is great news for anyone looking to build their dream home while staying within budget:

Less structural complexity – Because one-story house plans don’t need to support an upper floor, the building process tends to be quicker and easier. This translates into reduced labor costs, as the construction crew can work more efficiently on a single-level structure.
Foundation savings – A single-story home often requires less complex foundations, which can reduce costs compared to multi-level homes. Additionally, homes with a single level are often easier to insulate and weatherproof, further reducing construction expenses.

Another financial perk of one-story homes is that they often require fewer internal structural supports, making it easier to create open spaces without costly beams or reinforced walls.

7. Easier Maintenance

Now, this one is usually a deal-maker for growing families!

Maintenance is another area where one-story homes shine. With everything on one level, cleaning, repairs, and upkeep are much simpler.

Ground-level maintenance – You won’t need to climb ladders or stairs to take care of tasks like cleaning windows, fixing the roof, or painting. It’s all within easy reach. Regular home maintenance, such as cleaning gutters or checking on ground-floor windows, becomes a more manageable task without the added height of a second story.

Simple landscaping – Managing the landscaping around a single-story house is easier, too, especially around ground-floor windows and patios. You won’t need to worry about trimming trees or shrubs that block second-story views or windows.

For homeowners who want a low-maintenance lifestyle, one-story homes are an excellent choice - convenient and simple when it comes to repairs and upkeep.

8. Flexible Design Options

When it comes to design, one-story house plans offer a lot of flexibility. Without the restrictions of supporting upper floors, you have more room to play with features like large windows, higher ceilings, or outdoor spaces.

Here are two popular choices:

Vaulted ceilings – Want a more open, airy feeling? Many one-story modern house plans include vaulted ceilings that add height and space to the living areas. These ceilings not only create a sense of grandeur but also allow for more natural light to enter the home.

Interested in creative ceiling options? Check out our top 10 picks here!

Dramatic windows – Without upper floors blocking the light, dramatic windows can bring in plenty of natural light, making the home feel bright and spacious.

Larger windows or floor-to-ceiling glass walls are much easier to include in a one-story design, helping to connect the indoor spaces with the outdoors.

Additionally, with no upper floors limiting your options, it’s easier to incorporate unique exterior features like wraparound-covered porches or large, open patios. This added flexibility allows homeowners to customize their living spaces to fit their needs while maintaining a cohesive, modern look.

Another great benefit is the ability to adapt the layout based on lifestyle changes. As your family grows or changes, it’s often easier to modify a single-story home plan by adding extra rooms, creating bonus spaces, or even expanding outdoor living spaces to make your home fit your needs perfectly.

9. Privacy and Separation of Spaces

Even though everything is on one level, a well-planned one-story house floor plan can still offer plenty of privacy for family members. Thoughtful design can separate private spaces like bedrooms from social spaces like the living room.

This layout ensures that even though the house is on one level, you can still create distinct areas for different activities:

Separation of living areas – One-story house plans often divide the house into zones, with bedrooms on one side and living areas on the other. This layout helps create distinct spaces for privacy while keeping everything on one level. You can easily design your home to ensure that the private spaces are tucked away while the more social areas, like the kitchen and living room, remain open and welcoming.
Quiet zones – With no upper floors, noise doesn’t travel as much. Well-designed single-story homes can feel peaceful and quiet, even when the family is spread out across the house. By arranging the layout in thoughtful ways, such as placing bedrooms away from common areas, you can create quiet retreats for everyone in the family.

This balance between privacy and social spaces makes one-story homes versatile for all types of family dynamics, ensuring comfort and flexibility in the way you live and interact with your home.

10. Perfect for Any Plot of Land

Whether you have a large yard or a smaller plot, one-story house plans can be adapted to fit your space. These homes work well on all types of land, making them a flexible choice. Because you’re working with a single level, you have more flexibility in how you use the land and how the house sits on the property.

Adaptable to any lot – Whether you have a wide-open plot or a more compact lot, single-story homes can be designed to fit the land you have. The flexibility of these plans means they’re perfect for different plot sizes. Whether it’s a sprawling ranch-style layout or a cozy cottage plan, one-story house plans can be tailored to match the natural features of your property.

More usable space – With everything on one level, you maximize the usable space inside and outside the home, allowing for easy access to all areas of your property. This means you can get creative with your yard, patio, or garden spaces, using the plot of land to its full potential.

Additionally, the flexibility of one-story homes makes them great for a variety of climates and landscapes. Whether you’re building in a suburban neighborhood or a rural setting, these homes offer a balanced and practical approach to maximizing land use.

So, with these ten benefits in mind, are you ready to go single-story? Check out Archival Designs’ offer of single-story houses here, and we are sure you’ll fall in love with one of these simple yet versatile homes!

Great Examples of One-Story House Plans

If you’re interested in exploring specific one-story house plans, here are a few fantastic options:

Darlington House Plan

The Darlington House Plan combines elegance with everyday comfort. This home features an open layout where the living, kitchen, and dining areas flow seamlessly together, creating a spacious feel. Large windows bring in plenty of natural light, making every room feel bright and welcoming.

With easy access to outdoor spaces like a wrap-around porch, this home offers a balance between modern living and cozy charm - perfect for both entertaining and relaxation.

Wayside I House Plan

The Wayside I House Plan is a modern-looking beauty designed with families in mind, offering flexible spaces that adapt to your needs. The open layout makes it easy to transition between the indoors and outdoors, especially with the inclusion of outdoor living areas like a covered porch.

There’s plenty of room to spread out, with separate spaces for privacy and shared living areas for family time. It’s a versatile plan that balances functionality and comfort for busy households.

Mark Harbor D House Plan

The Mark Harbor D House Plan blends modern elements with traditional touches, creating a stylish yet functional one-story home. The floor plan is laid out for convenience, with all the main living areas on a single level, making access easy. It’s perfect for families or individuals who want a practical layout that doesn’t sacrifice style.

With plenty of space for day-to-day living, this plan is ideal for those seeking a well-rounded home design.

One-Story Homes Might Be Perfect for You

So, convinced yet? These homes are just perfect for anyone who wants a simple layout with everything at hand. Growing families, or elderly couples - the accessibility is what usually sells these houses.

At Archival Designs, we specialize in creating beautiful, functional homes that fit a wide range of styles and needs. If you're ready to explore your options or have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact our team. We’re here to help you find the perfect home plan and bring your dream home to life!

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10 Advantages of One-Story Houses