Now that you are ready to search for your new home, you probably have many questions. You may be wondering is a colonial or ranch house right for me? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each.

Colonial Pros

• It costs less to build because the foundation and ground space is smaller. However, it may sell for more than a ranch of equal square footage.
• It has less roofing materials. Roof materials are costly if you need to replace it in the future.
• Plumbing and HVAC pipes do not need as much space to get to their destination, which reduces initial costs, as well as repair costs.
• Less ground space means you may have a bigger yard.
• More defined separation between the living area and the sleeping area.
• Potential for aesthetic beauty. For example, loft areas that overlook the living room are unique. Staircases may curve adding an elegant and a luxurious look.

Colonial Cons

• You must go up and down the steps, which may prove difficult for some people.

• More difficult to maintain the exterior.

• Cleaning the inside can be challenging due to carrying vacuums, mops, buckets from one floor to the next.
• If you want to leave the HVAC system off during mild temperatures, the upstairs may get too hot for comfort or the downstairs may become too cold since heat rises.
• You hear the noise from the second floor when you’re on the first floor.

Ranch Pros

• Everything is all on one floor so you don’t need to take the steps.
• If you have small children, you need not worry about falls down the stairs or using baby gates.
• Often appears larger due to the open layout.
• Can open up the windows in mild temperatures and get a good flow of wind.
• Easier to maintain (won’t need a ladder to clean).
• Less expensive to heat due to only needing one HVAC system.
• You get a larger basement if it lies beneath the entire home.

Ranch Cons

• Requires more roofing material which is costly.
• Costs more to build due to a bigger foundation.
• Pipes have farther to travel for plumbing.
• If you have a small to medium sized lot, the house takes up a good amount of it leaving less yard.

Overall, each home offers its own set of unique benefits. What’s important to you may not be relevant to someone else. So, ultimately you decide what pros or cons are important to you. Looking new construction homes or Washington Township homes? Contact the team at Columbia Homes today to get started!