Over at bubbleinfo.com, Jim Klinge gives a buying tip: Buy a one-story home. Two-stories are less desireable. I personally agree. Two stories make sense for small lots, but if you have a choice, get a lot that holds the entire house, so you are not forced to cut it in half. Older people prefer single story homes, too.
I like that Jim has the data to make the point.
We already know the other important items: not backing up to a busy street, a cul-de-sac location, views.
I too love the usability of one story floor plans. However, I think that large lots are wasteful. Personally, I’d rather have a 1 story apartment/condo than a same size townhouse.
One story houses are definitely better than 2-story house, if given the choice.
I also agree that 1 story houses are preferable, especially inland, where that second story can get really expensive to keep cool. There are some 3 story homes up here in Temecula and I can’t imagine what they do with that third story when it’s 107 in the summer (a couple of weeks ago it actually got up to 117 degrees in Temecula – global warming, I guess).
I agree – in the long run, a one-story home is better as the baby-boomer population continues to age. Or if you do buy a two-story home, one with the master suite on the first level is preferable.
The problem is, that in a lot of areas, like Carmel Valley, there are almost no one-story homes.
Supply and demand at work. Single levels are far more rare and those that need them, really need them. The aging of the boomers will certainly continue to drive this.
I’m a renter and my room(master bedroom) is on the second floor… damn does it ever get hot!!! If you’re going to buy a 2 story, make sure it has ventilation!!
speedingbullet, excercise of climbing up and down the stairs is a good idea. It’s better than nothing and I’ll keep your mother-in-law mobile longer than she would otherwise be. One of my auntie is 92 and she’s in super shape from stair climbing about 20 times per day. Everybid of excercise counts.
Yes, especially inland, the 2nd story gets hot. It’s good to have an attic fan set on thermostat that draws out the air as it gets warmed up by the sun hitting the roof.
Large 2 bedroom single level homes are best for seniors in wheelchairs.
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