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For many buyers of custom homes, a single-story construction offers flexibility in design and use as well as cost savings. Unlike dual-story homes, where staircases and second-level floors limit the design of communal areas on the first floor, a single-story home can feature a large open living space with high ceilings and large windows. This can be particularly appealing to those building on a sloping lot with a view, as well as to those seeking a design that blends an open and airy indoor gathering space with an outdoor entertaining area.
Typically less expensive to build, one-story homes also allow homeowners to add a sunroom or patio for a lower cost, and they can be equally efficient to renovate as compared to similar two-story properties. Cost savings may also extend into heating and cooling, as rooms on the ground level do not lose heat to an upstairs level. Similarly, if the design features a central living area and distal private rooms, natural air flow patterns carry warmed and cooled air efficiently through the space and reduces the need for complex ventilation systems.
Finally, single-level homes tend to be more adaptable for the changing physical needs of residents. This can be a highly desirable feature for homeowners who hope to remain in the same location well into their golden years, though it is also appealing to families seeking to keep their young children safe by reducing fall risk on stairs and increasing fire escape options.