During your home search, you’ll likely encounter numerous layouts. Some houses may have a master bedroom located on the second floor, close to the other bedrooms, while others may have the master bedroom on the ground level and the other bedrooms upstairs. Each floor plan has pros and cons. Your family’s needs will influence your decision.
Master Bedroom Downstairs
If you choose a house with a master bedroom on the first floor and the other bedrooms upstairs, both you and your children can have some privacy. Having their own space may be important to your kids as they get older. A physical separation can also give you peace and quiet, allowing you the opportunity to relax in your bedroom without hearing your kids play and watch TV in their rooms.
A house with a master bedroom and bathroom on the first floor may appeal to potential buyers and make your home easier to sell in the future. Older people and buyers who have limited mobility may not even consider a house with a master bedroom on the second floor.
Master Bedroom Upstairs
A house with the master bedroom on the second floor can allow you to be close to your kids at night. Having all the bedrooms on the same floor can make things easier to manage if you have young kids since you won’t have to go up and down the stairs if they need something. That may be especially advantageous if you have a baby or a toddler who tends to wake up in the middle of the night.
Having your bedroom close to your kids’ rooms can help you keep an eye on them. You’ll know if a child stays up too late because you may see light coming from under your door or hear sounds from the TV.
You may be nervous about the idea of having a master bedroom downstairs and having your kids upstairs, especially if they’re young. Having all the bedrooms on the same level can allow you to be close to them in case there is an accident or emergency.
Having the master bedroom upstairs can give you a physical and mental separation from the kitchen, living room and other areas where you and your family gather. It can allow you to fall asleep easily if you go to bed while other family members are still awake and busy downstairs.
Consider Regional Factors and Preferences
The area where you’re looking for a home may also be important. In some parts of the United States, buyers prefer houses with a master bedroom downstairs. In other areas, buyers want a master bedroom upstairs. That may be due to the regional climate and how warm or cool it typically is on each floor. Your real estate agent can give you information on what is considered desirable in your area and which configuration will make a house attractive to buyers if you decide to sell it later.
