What Are The Pros and Cons of a Building 2 Storey House?
A two-storey house is the perfect way to get all of the space you need without sacrificing land, style or comfort. But like anything, there are both pros and cons to consider before making your final decision.
In this article we lay out the pros and cons of building a two storey house.
The Pros of Building a Two-Storey House
More Space
This is the number one reason people opt for a two-storey house. With an additional level, you have the opportunity to add more bedrooms, bathrooms, living spaces, and storage. And since the land footprint of a two-storey house is typically smaller than that of a one-storey home, you can opt to build on a smaller block of land and will have more room for a garden and maybe even a swimming pool!
Privacy
Another advantage of having a two-storey house is increased privacy. If you have older children or frequently have overnight guests, you can give them their own space on either floor by creating a separate space of the house for the minor or guest bedrooms, separate living space and guest ensuite or second bathroom.
Better Views
Seems obvious right? But if you have views available from your home of perhaps bush or parklands, the ocean or river, or perhaps the beautiful city of Perth, chances are, a two-storey house will give you better views than a one-storey home.
With the additional height available and option to include a balcony you’ll be able to enjoy picturesque views that aren’t obstructed by trees, neighbours homes or other buildings.
The Cons of Building a Two-Storey House
More Maintenance
One downside to having a two-storey house is that there may be more maintenance involved. Simply put, if the home is bigger, there is more to maintain.
You also have additional surface area of the home, with the exterior wall, plus the complexity of getting to the roof to maintain gutters and other general maintenance.
Increased Energy Costs
Another potential downside of owning a two-storey house is that energy costs can be higher since you have to heat and cool more space.
If sustainability is important to you, this is something to keep in mind when deciding whether or not a two-storey house is right for you.
However new construction techniques, intelligent solar passive design and new products such as solar panels and battery storage systems mean this is much less of a con that in years gone by.
In Summary
When it comes to deciding whether or not a two-storey house is right for you, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully. For some people, the extra space, yard and privacy are worth the increased maintenance and other costs.
But for others, a one-storey home makes more sense. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what’s best for your needs and lifestyle.