Modern 3-Bedroom Ranch
2,400 sq. ft. · 3 beds · Single story
Single-Story House Plans
Everything on one level. Ranch and one-story plans keep life close to the backyard and stay easy to move through at any age.
Single-Story Floor Plans
Modern Farmhouse with Home Office
2,652 sq. ft. · 3 beds · Single story
Courtyard 4-Bedroom Home
2,912 sq. ft. · 4 beds · Single story
Minimalist 2-Bedroom House
1,200 sq. ft. · 2 beds · Single story
What to Look For
Check the lot width
A one-story home spreads its square footage across the ground, so it needs a wider lot than a two-story of the same size. Check your setbacks and any lot coverage limits first.
Split the bedrooms
Without stairs to separate them, the best ranch plans put the primary suite on the opposite side of the home from the other bedrooms.
Bring in daylight
Rooms deep in a wide plan can end up dim. Courtyards, clerestories and skylights all carry light into the center.
Plan for aging in place
Wide halls, a no-step entry and a roomy primary bath are all easier to design in now than to retrofit later.
Common Questions
What is the difference between a ranch and a single-story house?
A ranch is a style of single-story home, typically long and low with an attached garage. Single-story is the broader category and includes cottages, courtyard homes and many modern farmhouses.
Are single-story house plans more expensive to build?
Per square foot they often cost more, because they need more foundation and roof for the same floor area. Your lot and location affect this, so ask a local builder to compare specific options.
How much land does a single-story house need?
It depends on local setbacks and the footprint. Our 2,400-square-foot ranch measures 60 by 40 feet, so a lot would need room for that plus your required setbacks, driveway and yard.