Good Question! With only one floor it would seem logical that a Ranch would be less expensive than a 2-story home right? This is a very common misconception among buyers.
The answer is simple, the basement and the roof. In a Ranch home, all of the square footage is on one floor therefore the basement and roof are double what they would be in a Colonial of the same size. Colonials are simply more economical to build and can guarantee to give you a larger home for less money.
Of course, if a Ranch is the home of your dreams, there are ways you can keep your home more affordable. A helpful hint to keeping costs down in any home is to focus on structural items rather than surface items. Surface items such as flooring or counter tops can be changed anytime, however raising your ceilings from 8 feet to 9 feet would be impossible after the fact. If you are on a budget (and most people are), this is a good rule of thumb.
Also, consider looking at homes with more of a rectangular shape, simple rooflines and standard windows compared to a complicated roof with lots of gables or a hip roof. This will without a doubt keep more money in your pocket. Using simple things like house colors and landscaping to enhance the look of your home will always give you a great looking house for less.
