Our Blog Articles & Updates from TruStone Homes

So, you’ve secured that perfect piece of Gem State property—congratulations! Now comes the exciting part: designing the home that’s going to sit on it. One of the very first questions we get here at TruStone Homes is, "Should we build a single-story ranch or a beautiful two-story home?"

It’s a classic debate, and honestly? There’s no "right" answer—just the perfect answer for your lifestyle, your budget, and how your family wants to take in that gorgeous Idaho landscape. Let’s weigh the pros and cons together so you can make the choice that feels just like home!

The Case for the "Single-Story Sanctuary"

Single-story living is having a massive moment in Idaho, and for good reason! It’s all about flow, convenience, and feeling connected to the outdoors.

• Universal Access: No stairs means easier mobility for everyone, from toddlers to grandparents, and it’s the ultimate "forever home" design.
• Connected Living: Without stairs cutting through the middle of the house, single-story homes often feel more open, airy, and "connected" from room to room.
• Easier Maintenance: Cleaning gutters, painting siding, or checking the roof is much simpler when you’re closer to the ground!
• The "Idaho Landscape" Vibe: A sprawling ranch-style floor plan lets you have direct patio access from almost every room, perfect for those long summer evenings.

The Case for the "Multistory Marvel"

If you want to maximize your square footage or capture a specific view, going up is the way to go!

• Maximizing Your Footprint: On a smaller or steeper lot, a two-story home gives you more room for a large garage, a bigger yard, or more outdoor living space.
• The View Advantage: In Idaho, sometimes the best views of the foothills or the valley are just a few feet higher up. A second-story balcony is the ultimate spot for morning coffee!
• Built-in Privacy: Having the bedrooms upstairs naturally separates your "quiet time" from your "living time." It’s great for when guests are over or for keeping the kids' playroom messes away from the main floor.
• Architectural Drama: A grand staircase or a high, vaulted ceiling in a two-story foyer can make your home feel truly sophisticated and unique.

Ready to Start Sketching Your Dream Home?

At TruStone Homes, we don't just build boxes; we build structures that harmonize with the land. Whether you’re dreaming of a sprawling ranch with a massive kitchen island or a stunning two-story home with a wrap-around deck, we’re here to make it happen with the highest quality craftsmanship.

Our team loves to walk your lot with you, look at the sun path, and help you decide whether your future home should grow outward or upward! We help you think about how you will live every day. If you hate stairs when you’re tired, go single-story. If you love looking over the trees, go two-story. Don't let the floor plan be a puzzle, follow your lifestyle, and you can’t go wrong! Let’s get together, look at your lot, and start designing the home that fits your life like a glove.

So, you’ve decided to build a custom home. Congratulations! You’re about to embark on an incredible journey of choosing every doorknob, paint color, and floorboard. But before you get to the "fun stuff" inside, there is one decision that literally sets the foundation for everything else: choosing the perfect lot.

In our Gem State, we are blessed with everything from rolling hills and jagged mountain views to quiet suburban nooks. At TruStone Homes, we know that a lot is more than just a piece of dirt—it’s the stage where your life will play out. Let’s look at how to pick a "winner" so your dream home has the perfect place to grow!

Location, Location, (Idaho) Location!

In Idaho, "location" means more than just being close to a grocery store. It’s about how you want to live your daily life.

• The Commute vs. The Quiet: Do you want to be five minutes from downtown Boise, or are you looking for that "middle of nowhere" peace in the Treasure Valley?
• Future Growth: Take a peek at local zoning maps. That beautiful open field behind your potential lot might be perfect now, but is it slated for a new school or a shopping center in three years?

The "Dirt Details" Checklist

Listen to the Land: Zoning & Easements

This is the "detective work" phase! You want to make sure your vision for a three-car garage or a backyard casita actually fits within the legal boundaries of the lot.

• Easements: Are there utility lines running under the property that prevent you from building in a certain spot?
• Setbacks: Every lot has "setback" requirements—the distance your home must be from the property line. We can help you measure twice so you only have to plan once!

The "View" Factor

Idaho is famous for its "Big Sky" feel. When you’re standing on a potential lot, try to imagine where your windows will be.

• Frame the View: Does the lot allow you to orient the house to catch a glimpse of the mountains?
• Privacy: Think about where the neighbors' windows will be. Sometimes a slightly smaller lot with better "natural screening" (like a small hill or a grove of trees) feels more private than a massive, open field.

Get Your Piece of the Potato

At TruStone Homes, we don't just build houses; we build homes that belong in their environment. We love walking lots with our clients! We can see past the tall grass and sagebrush to help you visualize exactly how your floor plan will sit on the land, where the light will hit, and how to maximize your Idaho lifestyle.

You can change your kitchen cabinets in ten years, but you can't change where the sun sets on your back porch. Choose the land that makes your heart happy first! Don't let the "search" overwhelm you! Whether you’re looking for a view of the foothills or a quiet cul-de-sac, we’re here to help you dig in and find the perfect spot.