Single-level or Two-story? Which floor plan fits your family?

Congratulations!  You’ve decided on the state – Idaho.  You’ve decided on the area – Boise. Perhaps you’ve even decided on the city – Boise itself, Meridian, Eagle, Nampa, Caldwell, or Star.  You’ve chosen a thriving, enviable real estate market, and you’re ready to seriously look at properties to purchase your next home.  You’ve even decided about how many square feet you want your home to be, so all your decisions are made, right?

Almost…

Your next question is:  single level or two story – which floor plan fits your family?

Just like the size of your home, this is another important question that will take a lot of consideration, discussion, and also, perhaps, compromise for you and your family.  Ultimately, you’ll want to settle on the floor plan that will suit your family best for comfort, convenience, and affordability – but also, as you’re deciding, think about which floor plan will bring you closest together as a family.  Try to make the decision together, if you can – it will be something you will all have to live with.

Here are some factors to think about when you’re considering how many levels:  do you want your bedrooms to be on the same level as the kitchen?  How many bathrooms will you need, and where would you prefer them to be located?  Will you have changes in the size or makeup of your family while you are living in your new home and which floor plan would accommodate those best?  For example, if you are planning to have a baby or add another family member to your home in the future, you’ll want to consider how a single level or two story home would affect your abilities to care for him or her efficiently and comfortably.

Also, simply think about how you would most prefer your house to be laid out.  Do you want the kitchen to be the central meeting point, or the living room?  Does a split-level sound ideal, or would you prefer a more standard entryway?  Think about the traffic that will be coming in and out of your front door, and what the first thing is that you want your guests to see.  How will your family’s needs be best suited by the floor plan you choose?

Above all, don’t stress too much– just put enough time in to carefully consider what will work best for you and your family in your new Idaho home.