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Master on Main or 2nd floor

17 years ago

We are thinking of renovating our 1950s home to accomodate our needs with a master bedroom and ensuite. We currently have 2 bedrooms/1 main bath on the main and 2bedrooms and one bath on the 2nd level.

We are considering adding on a back porch/laundry with a level above it that would be either a master/ensuite or a spare room. So it actually wouldn't be on the second level but 1/2 a level above the main level.

(I hope this isn't confusing)

Or we can change the 2nd bedroom on the main floor into a ensuite for the master room that is there now. Doing this would mean we would have 2 bathrooms on the main level, and only one on the 2nd level. So the spare bedroom addition would use the main level bathroom, not the ensuite one though.

My question for everyone is what would you do?? If we do the master/ensuite in the addition we then have 2 bedrooms on the main that are for either spare or office.

I think I like this idea better but again there is cost. It will cost more to put the master/ensuite due to plumbing and size in the new addition.

HELP....the Contractor needs my ideas and I just can't seem to make up my mind.

THanks in advance for your help.

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Comments (4)

cordovamom
17 years ago
The trend is towards main floor master suites. Baby boomers are aging and don't want to climb the stairs to a master suite. If you're considering resale in the near future this is something you should consider. Personally I wouldn't look at a house unless it had a main floor master suite. But if you plan on staying in the home for a while and it suits your needs to do the master suite upstairs then go for it. Trends may change again before you sell.
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jac3crafty
Original Author
17 years ago
I don't know which way to lean more. The idea of the upstairs appeals to me as I would then have 2 extra rooms versus one.
Although the idea of the bedroom being on the main makes complete sense in terms of what you mean by the babyboomers and such.

As for the resale value. I can't say if we will be in this house forever or not. We have been married 12 years and have moved 5 times.

I guess I just have a lot of thinking to do on this one.
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chris8796
17 years ago
I say second floor, I like the MBR to be away from the action and maximize the common areas (main floor). I agree main level MBR will be more common as the population ages, but I think they'll go to ranches. The elderly will have no use or value in your extra upstairs bedrooms, so don't cater to the trend. Younger families need those extra bedrooms and dont mind walking up the stairs.
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jakkom
17 years ago
Well, here's my thoughts on your situation, from the viewpoint of a BB'er who broke her leg and wasn't able to get up/down stairs to the master suite for 4 MONTHS (at least the sofa was comfortable to sleep on, LOL):

If you can't get a level-in MB suite on the main level, and it sounds like you can't, don't do it. We had a mere four steps to our front door, and had to build a ramp for me to manage getting in and out (first I used a wheelchair, then a walker, then a removable "boot" cast).

Plus, you've moved an awful lot in your past, and already have a 4bd 2ba house. Remodeling in a poor or even average market means your chances of recouping remodeling costs when you do sell, are not great. I would recommend you do what works best for you, keeping the design and finish consistent with the rest of the house, and adhere to a strict budget. This sounds like putting the master suite upstairs would work best in your situation.
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