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Choosing the Right Floor Plan for Your New Home

Deciding on a floor plan when building a new home is not just about selecting a style; it’s about shaping the future comfort and functionality of your home. Understanding the differences between popular floor plans like ranch-style and two-story homes, and aligning those with your land and lifestyle, is essential.

Understanding the Basics of Home Floor Plans

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Ranch-style homes are single-story and spread out horizontally, often characterized by their open layouts and accessible designs. This style is particularly appealing for those who prefer not to navigate stairs, making it a senior-friendly option. Additionally, ranch homes can offer a stronger connection to the outdoors, easily integrating features like patios and large gardens, ideal for larger plots of land.


Two-story floor plans, on the other hand, offer distinct advantages, particularly for families needing more space. The vertical design maximizes the living area on smaller plots of land. Bedrooms on the second floor can provide privacy and separation from the main living spaces, which is especially valuable in suburban settings.

At Bear Homes, LLC, we also specialize in 1.5-story floor plans, which creatively combine elements of ranch and two-story homes. This design features a master bedroom on the first floor for accessibility, akin to a ranch, with additional bedrooms or living spaces on a partial second floor, providing the vertical advantage of a two-story home. This blend offers the best of both worlds, catering to diverse needs and preferences, making it an excellent choice for those seeking both convenience and space optimization.

>> Learn How You Can Customize Our Floor Plans

Choosing a Floor Plan That Fits Your Lifestyle

Selecting a floor plan goes beyond just personal taste—it needs to reflect your daily life. Families with young children or plans to grow might find the separation of living and sleeping areas in a two-story home ideal.
Conversely, those looking for a forever home that ages as gracefully as they do might opt for the convenience of a ranch-style home.
Consider which rooms you use the most and how you entertain. Do you need an open plan for large gatherings, or separate rooms that can accommodate different activities simultaneously?

What Home Layout Can Your Land Handle?

The topography of your plot significantly influences your choice. A sprawling ranch might be perfect on a large, flat lot, whereas a two-story home could be better suited to a smaller, suburban lot. If your land is sloped, consider a floor plan that incorporates a walkout basement, which can provide additional living space with natural light and access to the outdoors.

Partnering with the Right Builder

When you decide to build a new home, the first step often involves selecting a floor plan. At Bear Homes, LLC, we offer a diverse portfolio of home plans including ranch, 1.5-story, and two-story designs, each tailored to meet various lifestyle and land needs.

However, floor-plan is just the beginning. What comes next is equally crucial—the actual construction and realization of that plan. This is where selecting a knowledgeable and experienced builder becomes indispensable.

Choosing a builder who understands local zoning laws, land characteristics, and personal needs can streamline the building process. In Kenosha and Racine counties, having a builder like Bear Homes, LLC, with deep local knowledge and comprehensive services from real estate to construction, ensures a smoother journey in creating your dream home.


The floor plan you choose is the blueprint of your daily life for years to come. Whether it’s the sprawling ease of a ranch or the efficient space of a two-story home, it should reflect your current lifestyle and future plans. With thoughtful consideration and the right partners, your new home will be a space where cherished memories are made.

Interested in a New Build Home in SE WI? Ask About Our Floor Plans!