If you’re searching for a new home and you have kids, one of the most important things to think about is the floor plan. The location of your kids’ bedrooms can affect the amount of noise, how much privacy family members have and how you will all interact with each other.
Bedrooms Together or Separated?
For families with young kids, it’s generally a good idea to choose a house with bedrooms grouped together. This can make getting the kids ready for bed and school easier than it would be if their bedrooms were spread out. Having bedrooms close together can also encourage siblings to play and help keep toys in a relatively confined area. If you have or plan to have a baby, a house with a nursery close to the master bedroom can make it easy to take care of nighttime feedings and diaper changes.
When your children reach middle and high school, they will most likely want more privacy. If your kids are older or will be out of the house soon, it may be better to choose a house with bedrooms that are more spread out so they can each have their own space. Consider updating the attic, basement or additional living space into a bedroom for older children, especially if they plan to live at home while attending college.
One or Two Levels?
Another thing to consider is whether to choose a one- or two-story house. Having the bedrooms and living areas on the same level can make it easier to keep an eye on young kids, but it can also make it difficult to keep the house clean.
With all the rooms on one floor, you won’t have to hear footsteps above you, but you will hear the sounds of TVs, video games and music through the walls. That may be a problem if your family is particularly noisy, especially if you work from home.
If your kids are older and you feel comfortable leaving them unattended, a multi-level house may be a better choice. This can give your children an opportunity to spend time in their own rooms and give them some added privacy.
If you like to have guests over for dinner or parties, having your kids’ bedrooms upstairs will make it easier to keep the downstairs clean while allowing the kids to play in their rooms if they don’t want to hang out with the adults. After the kids go to bed, you will be able to continue to spend time with your guests without worrying that the noise will keep the kids awake.
Think About Your Current Lifestyle and Future Needs
Deciding which house would be the best for your family can be complicated. The locations of bedrooms throughout will affect your family’s day-to-day lives in numerous ways, so give it careful consideration to figure out which floor plan will work best for your family, both now and in the future.
