Choosing a floor plan is one of the biggest decisions you'll make when building a new home. Before deciding where the kitchen goes or how many bedrooms you need, there's an even more fundamental question to answer: Do you want a ranch or a two-story home?
Both can be great options, and modular construction gives you flexibility to explore each. The right choice ultimately comes down to your property, lifestyle, space needs, and future plans.
If you're comparing two-story modular homes with ranch-style designs, here are some factors to consider.
Ranch Homes: The Appeal of Single-Level Living
Ranch homes place most or all of the living space on a single level. That simplicity is one of their biggest advantages.
Without stairs separating bedrooms and living spaces, ranch homes can be particularly appealing to people planning to stay in their home long-term. They're also convenient for families with young children and anyone who simply prefers having everything on one floor.
A ranch floor plan can provide plenty of room for an open kitchen and living area, bedrooms, bathrooms, laundry, and storage without requiring you to move between floors throughout the day.
For homeowners thinking about retirement or aging in place, that accessibility may become even more valuable over time. Our Sunset Ridge is a very popular model for single story modular living.
When a 2 Story Modular Home Makes Sense
For other buyers, building up instead of out is the better solution.
Two-story modular homes add living space without the larger footprint of a ranch.
A two-story design can also provide more separation between spaces. For example, bedrooms may be located upstairs while the kitchen, dining room, and main living areas remain downstairs.
That separation can work especially well for families who want quieter private spaces away from the home's main gathering areas.
Two-story designs such as our Glacier Model can also provide the exterior height and architectural presence some homeowners prefer.
How Your Property Affects Your Modular Home Floor Plan
Your land should be part of the floor plan conversation.
A sprawling ranch requires a larger footprint, which may not work as well on every property. A two-story home can provide comparable square footage while using less ground space.
That may leave additional room for features such as a garage, porch, outdoor living area, or yard.
Before choosing between modular home floor plans, read How to Know If Your Land Is Ready for a Modular Home.
Choose a Layout That Fits Your Everyday Routine
A floor plan should make daily life easier.
If you don't want to regularly carry laundry or other household items between floors, a ranch may be the natural choice.
If you like having bedrooms separated from entertaining areas, a two-story layout could offer the privacy you're looking for.
Think about questions such as:
- Where do you want the primary bedroom?
- Do you need additional bedrooms for children or guests?
- Would you prefer laundry on the main floor?
- How much separation do you want between living and sleeping spaces?
- Are stairs something you want to avoid long-term?
Looking beyond square footage can help you choose a home that works for the way you actually live.
Plan Your Modular Home for the Future
A home that works today should ideally continue working years from now.
You may need more bedrooms as your family grows, want space for visiting grandchildren, or eventually prefer having your primary living spaces on one floor.
If you're planning to make this your long-term home, consider what life might look like five, ten, or twenty years from now.
That doesn't necessarily mean choosing a ranch. Some two-story plans can be designed with important everyday spaces on the main level while reserving the second floor for additional bedrooms or flexible space.
Custom Modular Home Floor Plans Offer More Flexibility
Many buyers assume American modular homes come with fixed floor plans that can’t be changed.
At Buckhorn Showcase, many floor plans can be adjusted by moving walls, relocating windows or doors, or flipping portions of the layout. Buyers can also explore different finishes and features to create a home that better fits their preferences.
A modular floor plan gives you a starting point, but it doesn't have to be the end of the design conversation.
Ranch or Two-Story: Which Should You Choose?
There's no universal winner.
A ranch may be right for you if you prioritize single-level living, accessibility, and easy movement throughout your home. A two-story design may be the better fit if you want more separation between spaces or need additional square footage without expanding the home's footprint.
The best place to start is by thinking about how you want to live, both now and in the future.
Buckhorn Showcase builds modular homes in its Berlin, Ohio facility with the craftsmanship and flexibility to create a home that fits your property and lifestyle. Explore our modular home floor plans and start finding the design that feels right for you.