Once the square footage for the total living space is determined, the location of the square footage is the next major decision. Often clients come in desiring a rambler but they do not understand that ramblers are more expensive than two stories homes. Once a client understands the amount of square footage they will need to give up in order to live in a rambler, most clients opt for a different floor plan. Exceptions to this would be life stage (e.g. elderly) buyers who want or need one level living.
The fact ramblers are more expensive, generally means you are using more materials to build the home. From a “green” perspective a rambler does not really meet the intent of a “green” home, but the “green” rating systems (see December 03, 2009 Green Home fact #2 for more information on green rating systems) have not taken home style into account to date. Interestingly, the less materials you use to achieve the square footage desired, the “greener” the home. Isn’t that very interesting? The common misconception is that “green” cost more. It is true that some aspects of “green” building will cost more, but as a builder building “green” homes, we focus on how to reduce materials without sacrificing quality. Those cost savings are then redirected to the other more expensive aspects that cost more. At a later date, we will go into significant detail about this concept, but for now the point is the floor the space is on makes a big difference to cost. As a general rule, living space on the first floor is most expensive; the second floor (and other above grade levels) is next and the basement the cheapest.
As a general rule, going up (e.g. 2/3 Story) is going to be cheaper than going out (e.g rambler). Builders are always trying to perfect the cheapest way to deliver the most square-footage for the cheapest price. In the Midwest the “split” home design is the predominant home style especially for start type homes.
In any event, the way we determine the square footage of each level is discuss what rooms are going to go on each level and how big they need to be. Will the laundry room go in the basement, on the 1st floor or second floor? What about the master bedroom, den, guest bedroom, piano room, kids play areas, etc? In actuality, any room can go on any floor. For example, I have seen family rooms in the basement, 1st floor or the second floor. The goal is to reduce the 1st floor footprint as much as you are comfortable with and add the required rooms to the basement or second floor.
