By Mark Abromaitis
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

A two-story, single family home may have been in vogue 20-some years ago, but studies show that many Americans are now opting for a single-floor style of living.

A recent survey by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) revealed an increasing demand for single-level home designs, not just among older Americans, but baby boomers and the younger generation as well.

“One-level homes provide greater accessibility and are generally more cost-effective—benefits that appeal to busy people of every age,” says Marie Dmoch, a retirement counselor at Ann’s Choice, a community where all homes are single-level models.

“The thing we hear most often from people who move to Ann’s Choice is that they are thrilled to be done climbing the stairs for no good reason and that they feel they’re living more efficiently,” Dmoch adds.

Waste not, want not
One reason Dmoch thinks that Ann’s Choice is seeing an increase in requests for their homes is because single-level living represents a huge cost savings.

“It just makes better sense,” she says. “If you think about it, most people find themselves doing the bulk of their living in their kitchen, den or living room, and bedroom. So why have those things stretched out on two different floors? And why pay to heat and cool an entire house or clean rooms that you simply never use?”

‘Lighten’ up
New homes are also moving away from the boxy rooms, narrow hallways, and divorced living and dining rooms of years past in favor of larger, more flexible spaces. In fact, 66% of architectural firms surveyed by the AIA said that more homes are being designed with an “open space” layout that provides more access to natural light.

“Single-floor living is becoming so popular—but people don’t like to be  cramped,” says Ann’s Choice Retirement Counselor Donna Donohue. “Our most popular models offer open floor plans with plenty of natural light.”