Posted By wes on 02 Mar 2010 07:13 AM
Ouch,
I think Lindseyk just put the smack down on several of us on this forum who consider ourselves construction professionals. There are a lot of different shades of 'green', and I think most everyone on this forum are at least pale 'green'. We don't always espouse the green mantra, but focusing on building strong, comfortable, long lived homes that save 30-50% of conventional energy useage seem awfully 'green' to me.

with 2 posts he is a semi-pro

I am just about done with this new home in Blaine, WA.  Two story uses less material overall but, as has been pointed out here and by a few folks who have toured my home, the stairs may be an issue with 'boomers'. While my house is an infill project designed to attract a suburban family your own home should meet your needs.   At the risk of going on too long feel free to e-mail me off this forum if you'd like a longer opinion.

http://www.thenorthernlight.com/news/article.exm/2010-03-04_local_builder_showcases_green_blaine_home

Michael McAuley
McAuley Building Conservation
[email protected]

From my expierence, 2 story is cheaper per sq ft.

A few other things to consider:

A 1 story house needs a larger lot.  Further, a 1 story requires a flatter lot. 

RE privacy, sound seperation from the kids, the "split floor plan" ranch is very popular here.  The idea is that the master suite is on one side of the house and the secondary bedrooms are on the other side, with the living areas (family room, dining room, kitchen) in the center.

Another thing to consider is natuarl light.  If the house you want to build is fairly large - say 3000 sq ft, for a ranch style home, there very often ends being a room or 2 that are interior - ie - no windows, whereas with a 2 story it is more feasable for every major room to get a corner with a window(s) on 2 sides.

The second story is more labor and cost more money to build.

Other considerations are your age and what type heat you'll use.

Older adults like 1 floor because its less work to maintain.

If you have forced hot air heat, 2 floors are a headach because your heated air is quickly rising to the upstairs. Hot water basebord or radiant heat works best for 2 floors.