Home Plan Styles: What Are The Benefits?
One of the early decisions you need to make when building a home is the home plan style that you desire. There are several styles that are popular which include split-level, multi-level, ramblers, and modified two-story homes. Each design style has its own benefits, and understanding these can be extremely helpful during the planning stages. Building a home is perhaps the largest investment you will ever make, and choosing a style that fits you know and is likely to fit you for years to come is important. Let’s look at these common home plan styles, and the benefits each can offer you and your family.
Benefits of a Split-Level Home Plan
There are many shapes, sizes, and styles that fall under the split-level home category. However, all will have certain features that make it different from other home styles. The dominant characteristic is that split-level homes will typically have additional levels in-between the various stories of the house. Split-levels are known for offering an exceptional amount of living space. Because of this, they work very well for families and are very accommodating for parents and children alike. Also, it is common for split level homes to have the kitchen, primary bathroom, and bedrooms on the same floor. This allows homeowners to use the other level in a number of ways to suit them best. Whether a home office, a play area for children, or a family living room is needed, the split-level can be helpful. Also, the design is relatively straightforward which helps to reduce maintenance and upkeep. Upgrades and add-ons are also more easily completed than with other home styles.
Benefits of a Multi-Level Home Plan
A multi-level plan describes homes with floors on different levels that connect via a stairway. These houses work exceptionally well on lots that are sloped, or that are smaller in size. Also great for families, they can be built to include a great deal of living space. The multi-level plan also allows for separation between different areas of the home. For example, a play area for the children can be easily separated from other primary living areas.
Benefits of a Rambler Home Plan
Ramblers or ranch-style home plans first became popular in the 1950’s and are gaining in popularity again today. This plan style describes homes that are completely built on a single level. Ramblers allow you to design a very open plan. They are also very convenient, having with all living areas on one level not separated by stairways. Ramblers are a fantastic option for anyone from young families to retired couples. Ramblers can also help to reduce costs in some cases when they require a smaller foundation.
Modified Two-Story Benefits
Choosing to build a modified two-story home can be a wonderful alternative to traditional two-story homes. In a modified two-story plan, the second level will typically have less square footage than the primary level. This makes them a very economical choice. Also, they work very well on lots that are smaller in size. Generally, heating and cooling costs are low and more budget-friendly in the long term. Modified two-stories also provide the benefit of being very adaptable and open to more options for design.
There are a number of other varieties of plan styles available. This list covers the most common, and the majority of variations still falls under these categories. There is an incredible resource available from NorthstarMLS, which provides style category definitions on their website. The floor plan style you choose is important, and your builder is perhaps your best resource when considering your options.
About Yamry Construction
For 25 years, Yamry Construction has been dedicated to providing exceptional building and remodeling services for homes and businesses throughout Minnesota. As an experienced and licensed general contractor, we understand the importance of offering quality work at reasonable prices. Our mission is to do just that for each and every client. Yamry Construction only partners with the most skilled and professional trade partners. This ensures a delightful experience for our customers that will exceed their expectations. Visit our Residential Construction page, or contact us and learn why we are “Corner Perfect Every Time!”