When deciding to buy a home, it’s essential to find something that fits your needs, not just for now, but for the next ten to twenty years. That’s why Bob Webb is always staying on top of the latest trends.
One trend that has come into vogue recently is a first-floor master bedroom, and for good reason. It’s a trend that ages with you, the homeowner, as you and your family grow and change. There are benefits and drawbacks to having a first-floor master bedroom, as well as many factors to consider when deciding if it fits your life plan.
Benefits of a First-Floor Master Bedroom
There are plenty of reasons to consider a first-floor master bedroom when buying a home, from
comfort to convenience, as your home evolves with your current and future needs.
- You’re closer to everything. Your morning coffee is just a few steps away, and bringing laundry to and from the washing machine is so much easier.
- You may want some space from your aging kids. When children are younger, it’s nice to be close and be able to attend to their needs. As they grow up, that changes. They may stay up later, or you may want some privacy.
- It’s easier as you grow older. Getting older is a very real thing for homeowners. As the years pass, joints grow stiffer, and stairs get steeper. Having a bedroom on the first floor can make your nighttime routine easier.
- Increase your resale value. A master bedroom on the first floor is an extremely popular trend right now in every price bracket. If you’re considering selling your home at some point in the future, a master suite on the first floor can increase your value overall.
- You want a ‘mother-in-law suite.’ As parents grow older, you may want them to have a place to stay that’s their own, while still keeping an eye on them. A first-floor master bedroom can let you have aging parents live with you, while still maintaining their independence. You also don’t have to worry about them getting injured while climbing stairs.
- You want more than one master suite. A first and second-floor master bedroom is not mutually exclusive. If you have a guest staying over, a first-floor bedroom can be a great way to let them have their own space.
- You can save a fortune on heating and air conditioning. As kids start to move out and more homeowners are empty nesters, a first-floor master bedroom is a boon for your electric bill. You can save a fortune by just heating and cooling the first floor when the kids are away.
Drawbacks of a First-Floor Master Bedroom
A first-floor master bedroom, while it does have its benefits, certainly also has its drawbacks. It
takes some getting used to, and some situations may arise in which having the master bedroom
on the main floor may not be the best choice.
- You’re close to the common areas. The biggest issue of being on the first floor is your proximity to the rest of the house. Maybe your kids are having a movie night, or your spouse is a morning person while you like to sleep in. It can be hard to find some peace and quiet if you’re twenty feet from the kitchen and living room.
- It takes up a lot of space. A first-floor master suite can take up a lot of space that’s typically reserved for a dining room or living room, while the upstairs area isn’t used to its full potential. If you’re trying to find a house with a smaller footprint, it may be better to leave the first floor to its traditional role.
- You’re further away from your children. While having a first-floor master bedroom can be a great way to give older kids some space, younger children need much more attention. Having to run upstairs every time a toddler calls can be difficult and may not be worth the privacy later on.
- You may want a single-story home. A multi-story home isn’t always necessary. One floor may be all you need.
While there are certainly advantages and drawbacks to a main-floor master suite, it all comes down to what you want.
What’s right for one family can be wrong for another. When finding a house, it’s essential to think about what your family needs, now and in the future. While trends come and go, the only thing that truly matters is whether or not you’re happy.
While Bob Webb loves to stay on top of the latest trend, the most crucial trend we care about is the trend you want.