In many respects houses of more than one story are better suited for
farm use in the Northern States than single-story buildings. They are
more economical in foundation and roof construction, and are easier to
heat. They should be arranged with one bedroom and a bath, or at least
a toilet, on the ground floor. A cellar for fuel and vegetable storage
and a central heating plant are usually needed with this type of house.
The laundry may also be located in the cellar if suitable drainage and
a grade door to the outside can be obtained, but in a poorly drained
location it is best to keep the laundry above-ground. In building a
cellar advantage should be taken of the slope of the ground to obtain
good lighting and an easy entrance on the low side of the slope.
To avoid uncomfortably warm second-floor bedrooms in summer cross
ventilation should be provided in each room. Insulation of the ceiling is
valuable both in summer and in winter.
It is very convenient to have a bathroom on the second-floor as well as
one on the first-floor, especially if rooms are to be rented to tourists
when the family does not need the whole house.