Single or double storey house: which is best?
If you are thinking about building a new home, you may have asked yourself: is a double storey house better than a single storey house?
Homebuilders have been debating the pros and cons of a double storey vs single storey house for many years. While your choice may come down to your own specific set of circumstances, there are a few things to consider.
Who are you building it for?
The first thing to ask yourself is who you are building for. Are you building a property for you and your family, or are you intending to rent the property out?
If you are hoping to maximise rental yield, a single storey is likely to be cheaper to build, which makes it easier to recoup your investment. A single storey may have a wider appeal for tenants, as families with young children or people with mobility challenges won’t have any stairs to contend with.
What are your goals?
The next thing to consider is how long you see yourself being in the home, and what your goals are. If you are looking for a home that might grow with you as you expand a family, a double storey may be better at growing with you and more easily adapted to meet your changing needs.
The block itself
Different local councils have their own individual legislation when it comes to building heights. You need a building permit for most construction works but beyond that, each council has its own local planning scheme, which will affect things like building heights, setbacks and other design requirements.
It’s worth checking what the restrictions are in the area you are planning to build before you commit to a design. With over 30 years of industry experience, Novus Homes is skilled at navigating planning permissions and developing designs for your home that adhere to local legislation and meet your needs.
The pros of building a single storey home
Novus Homes has a selection of innovative and beautiful single storey homes and there are a number of advantages for sticking to just one storey.
Quicker to build
It’s significantly quicker to build a one storey home because the whole construction process is less complex. There are no scaffolding requirements and it’s much easier to access the roof, as well as easier to move all construction materials around the site.
A single storey removes the need for specialised trades to build a staircase. Plumbing and electrical requirements are simplified, again saving time.
More economical
A home that is swifter to build is likely to be more economical too. It can cost up to $800 per square metre extra to build a two storey home vs a single storey, according to research.
Sticking to a single storey over a double storey means you don’t have to pay for things like scaffolding, or a second foundational slab. You will also have to pay labouring costs for a shorter period of time.
Accessibility
A single-story home is a great option for people who have physical limitations. It is also an excellent choice for families with small children, so the bedrooms can be nice and close in proximity.
The main advantage of having a single-story home is that there are no stairs to climb. This makes it easier for older adults to move around the house and take care of themselves without any help.
Is it cheaper to build a single or double storey?
Building a double storey home is more expensive than building a single storey house. This is because it takes more time, materials and labour to build a double storey house.
There are many factors that affect the cost of building a double storey house. These include the location of the land, the size and design of the property, and the cost of materials and labour in that area.
Therefore, it is cheaper to build a single storey house than to build a double storey house.
You can make a single storey feel larger
If you love the idea of a spacious two storey home but would like to avoid the cost and time involved, there are several ways to make a single storey feel larger.
A large kitchen and dining area and open plan living will allow light to flow through the space and make it feel larger, while large windows or a facade with double height windows will also give the illusion that your home is larger than it really is.
The pros of building a double storey house
A double storey home is a perfect choice for families who would like to have their own private space and also have the option of living with their parents. The children can have their own rooms on the upper floor, while the parents can live on the ground floor.
It is also a good choice for those who want to take advantage of any views, or still have a good size home on a smaller block of land, because two storey homes take up less of a footprint on the block of land, meaning you can have more room for a garden or perhaps a swimming pool.
More space
Unarguably, building a two storey allows you the chance to have a more spacious home. Two levels will also give you the option to create separate living areas for different family members, if you would like to build a parents’ retreat or create a separate space for teenagers.
Separate levels or floors in your home definitely increase your ability to access privacy. Whether it’s a spirited dinner party downstairs while the children sleep upstairs or the ability to have a private area to have a home office upstairs, a second storey buys you privacy.
A double storey home also provides a great opportunity for multi-generational living.
The ability to maximise your block
If your block is well situated or has a decent aspect, a double storey house can give you better views as they obviously can achieve a greater elevation than a single storey home. Building a balcony can make the second floor even more advantageous.
Going up, rather than out, also means you can maximise the rest of your block for a swimming pool, garden or separate garage.
Greater value
Double storey homes can increase in value more quickly, as they have a wider market appeal due to better separation between living zones and more design flexibility. The ability to maximise a view can also make a house more appealing, as can the increased privacy that double storey homes can offer.
Why should I build a double storey home?
You should build a double storey home if you can comfortably do so within your budget, and you’re looking for greater living space and flexibility.
The size and shape of your block may also have an impact on whether you opt for a single or double storey. Smaller, narrower blocks may be better suited to double storey homes, as might properties with a view that you want to maximise.
Let Novus Homes help you decide double storey vs single storey
We’ve been in the home builder business for over thirty years and know the Perth property market like the back of our hands. Our team of experienced professionals can help guide you through the entire home building process, from house design and construction to finishes and fixtures. We can also customise any of our existing designs to create a bespoke home, tailormade to suit you. Contact us now to find out more.