When it comes to choosing a home, there are many different styles to consider. One popular option is the ranch-style home, which is characterized by its single-story design and open floor plan.
While there are many benefits to living in a ranch-style home, there are also some potential drawbacks to keep in mind.
Let’s take a look at some of most important advantages and disadvantages to consider when it comes to living in a ranch style home!
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Looking for inspiration on how to decorate a ranch style home? Head over to my guide on What Is A Ranch Style Home? for some great ideas.
Pros of Living in a Ranch Style Home
1. Accessibility
Ranch style homes are known for their accessibility.
Since they are typically single-story homes, they are perfect for individuals who have difficulty navigating stairs or for those who prefer to have everything on one level.
This makes them ideal for older adults or individuals with mobility issues. Additionally, ranch style homes often have wider doorways and hallways, making it easier for wheelchair users to move around freely.
2. Single-Story Living
Single-story living is another advantage of ranch style homes. With everything on one level, there’s no need to worry about climbing stairs or going up and down multiple levels.
This makes it easier to move around the house and can be particularly beneficial for families with young children or pets.
I can tell you that my dog would really appreciate not having to traverse up and down the stairs all day long in a ranch house!
Furthermore, single-story living can be more energy efficient, as it requires less energy to heat and cool the home.
3. Open Floor Plan
Ranch style homes often have an open floor plan, which means that the living room, dining room, and kitchen are all in one large space.
This creates a sense of openness and allows for easy flow between rooms!
It also makes it easier to entertain guests, as everyone can be in the same space without feeling cramped.
4. Easy Maintenance
Ranch style homes are typically easier to maintain than multi-story homes. With everything on one level, there’s less space to clean and maintain.
Additionally, since the roof and other exterior features are lower to the ground, it’s easier to perform routine maintenance tasks!
Things like cleaning gutters, replacing shingles, or hanging holiday decorations like Christmas lights suddenly feel much easier.
Cons of Living in a Ranch Style Home
1. Limited Privacy
One of the biggest disadvantages of living in a ranch-style home is the limited privacy it offers.
Since all the rooms are on the same level, it can be difficult to find a quiet and secluded spot in the house.
This can be especially problematic for families with children, as it can be challenging to find a space to work or relax without being disturbed.
2. Less Square Footage
Ranch-style homes typically have less square footage than multi-story homes, which can be a disadvantage for families that need more space.
The lack of a second floor means that there are fewer rooms and less storage space. This can be a problem for families that have a lot of belongings or need extra space for guests.
Note: Depending on where the home is built, there may be an option for a basement which would greatly increase the home’s square footage.
3. Lack of Architectural Variety
Another disadvantage of ranch-style homes is the lack of architectural variety.
Since all the rooms are on one level, there is little opportunity to create interesting architectural features or unique designs.
This can make the home feel dull or uninteresting, especially if the exterior of the home is also plain and unremarkable.
4. Potential for Noise
Since all the rooms in a ranch-style home are on the same level, there is a greater potential for noise to travel throughout the house.
This can be a problem for families with young children or for those who work from home and need a quiet environment.
Additionally, if the home is located near a busy street or other noisy areas, it can be difficult to escape the noise.
If you found this article helpful, make sure to take a look at my other articles on Ranch style homes linked below!
