First Floor vs. Second Floor Owner’s Suite – What’s Right For You?
When it comes to building a new home, it’s so much fun to think about design features like flooring, cabinets, and fixtures. While those details make up the personality of your home, it’s just as important to take a step back and look at your overall floor plan and layout. Where does your family spend most of their time? What are their habits? How might that affect a good night’s sleep for you?
Whether you enjoy lazing in bed undisturbed on weekend mornings, or being close to the center of the home to keep your eye (and ears) on things, the placement of your owner’s suite can determine how well you live in your home. There are several factors to consider when designing your bedroom, including how you plan on growing into the space and much much privacy you need. The answers to these questions will determine whether you place your owner’s suite upstairs or on the main level. Luckily, with a new Heartland Builders home, you get to choose! Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each layout.
First Floor Owner’s Suite
PROS
Privacy – The main benefit of a home on the first floor is that you are a good distance away from all the other bedrooms in the house. No one has to pass by your front door to get to the bathroom or the stairs, so you enjoy a bit more peace and quiet. This is particularly great if you have noisy teenagers who like to stay up late. Downstairs and tucked away from all the noise, you can guarantee a better night’s sleep.
Aging in Place – With a first floor bedroom suite, you never have to worry about accessibility. If you have mobility issues, or are caring for an aging parent, a first level bedroom makes the most sense. Even if you get around just fine now, if you plan on being in your home for the next 10-20 years, it’s worth considering building a first floor bedroom suite into your plan, even if you’re not worried about aging yet. We will all be touched by a mobility challenge in our lives – even if it is temporary (think knee scooter!)
Guest or Office Space – Going back to the previous point, if you decide to build out your first floor suite, but aren’t quite ready to use it, it makes an ideal guest suite or office space. Guests will enjoy their own bathroom and privacy away from the main home. For those working from home, it’s so nice to have a dedicated office space where you can close the door and focus on work.
Easy Access to Other Rooms – Even if you don’t have mobility issues, you may just enjoy easy and quick access to the other main level rooms in your home. For example, consider where your laundry room will be and whether you’ll want to carry loads of clothes or towels up and down the stairs. Or maybe after a long day you don’t want to have to carry yourself up the stairs to lie down.
CONS
Noisy – Even if a first level bedroom is quieter at night, there’s a chance it will be noisy every other time of the day. If you have a busy household, napping or resting during the day may be difficult on the first level.
Challenge with young children – If you sleep on the first floor, it may be more difficult to hear children at night, or to get to them quickly in case of an emergency.
Second Floor Owner’s Suite
PROS
Close to Other Bedrooms – Many parents prefer to sleep on the same floor with their young children as a safety measure. It’s easier to hear when a toddler is wandering around or a baby is crying.
Away from Household Noise – If you have a noisy household, where family members are up at different times of the day and night, an upstairs bedroom will give you more peace and quiet for a restful night’s sleep.
Larger Space – With an upstairs bedroom, you can have a large owner’s suite without sacrificing backyard space. This is important if you spend lots of time outdoors and wish to have a large patio, install playground equipment, or just anticipate large social gatherings.
Safety – You can leave the windows open at night for fresh air or the blinds open without the concern of someone peeping in.
CONS
Not Ideal for Aging – Unless you’re planning to install a lift or elevator at some point in the future, second level bedrooms are not ideal for aging in place as stairs may become harder to navigate.
Close to Other Bedrooms – Just as this is a pro for some families, it’s a con for others. Just think of those noisy teenagers or frequent house guests just down the hall!
Remember, there is no “best” way to build a house – only what’s best for you and your family. Think about a home layout that serves your needs today and will ensure your comfort for years to come. Wherever you decide to place your owner’s suite, make it functional, beautiful, and ideal for a great night’s rest.