One of the most fiercely debated issues in our sector is whether a building should have one or two floors. For most people, it’s simply a matter of personal preference and adoration for double-storey home designs. In contrast, others may prefer the aesthetics of single-storey home designs. Or, they just don’t like staircases.
Either way, with so many available architectural options across the world of residential construction, doing your research is an integral part of any home building journey, especially when you add another storey.
Planning to build or buy a home soon? Need some extra information on double-storey home designs? Keep reading for the pros and cons of two-storey home living, from living space to accessibility.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of a double-storey home?
Living space
A two-storey house offers a plethora of space for you, your family and whoever’s coming for dinner. A two-storey home design increases the total habitable living area far beyond most single-storey houses. Some double-storey home designs can even compete on living space with acreage home designs, with the added benefit of squeezing into narrow lots. Even with a two-storey home design, you won’t be limited by the size of your block, unlike single-storey houses, which are restricted to land size.
Privacy and noise
You’ll love the increased feeling of privacy that comes with a double-storey home. The clear demarcation line between occupants, the multitude of rooms to occupy and the solitude of being above it all. One-storey homes with fewer rooms tend to be more crowded – especially with growing families – making it difficult for tenants to maintain their privacy.
With more room to stretch out in a two-storey home, residents enjoy increased levels of solitude. Even the distribution of living areas across the two storeys contributes to the noise reduction. A must-have in the age of working from home is an environment with some degree of privacy.
Panorama
A home with two storeys, regardless of where in the world you decide to put it, will almost always have a spectacular view, a panorama, if you will. Simply being one storey up is enough to see the world in a whole new way. Even in the suburbs, there’s nothing more breathtaking than a view that extends into the distance. And if you’re living somewhere truly picturesque, well, lucky you.
Curb Appeal
As is often said, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The look and feel of your property from the road are essential attributes for any home design. Double-storey home designs offer lavish appeal thanks to their extensive facade, offering owners even more opportunities to improve their curb appeal. Think balconies, feature staircases, verandahs and skylights.
With a two-storey house design, the world is your oyster.
Natural lighting
More storeys mean more windows. And more windows mean more natural light. Reducing your reliance on artificial lighting and increasing the amount of natural light that can enter your home can result in cost savings on your electricity bill.
Accessibility
Climbing up and down the stairs may seem like a simple task in a two-storey home. However, for those with physical limitations, this can quickly become a hazard, particularly for elderly relatives who may also find living in a two-storey house more challenging. But then again, there’s nothing wrong with having the guest bedroom on the ground floor for nana and pop.
Cleaning
Cleaning your two-storey home is always going to be a chore. Sure, it might be more work than a single-storey home, but think about all the benefits we just listed! Consider all that extra space for the family, the abundance of natural light and the beautiful views from the second storey. With so much to enjoy in your double-storey home, cleaning it is half the fun.
Utilities
A bigger home means more electricity, more water, more gas (if connected), more internet, and pretty much more of every other utility cost. But you knew that already. That’s why you’re looking at building a two-storey home for your family because you want more.
Construction
When you’re building a double-storey home, it’s naturally going to take longer than a single-storey home. However, even with the added time, a double-storey home design rarely takes double the time to build. And best of all, the construction cost won’t be double either.
Double-storey home builders
There are several essential considerations before choosing your home design, from the amount of living space, privacy and noise reduction to accessibility and utilities. However, at the end of the day, your dream home is what you envision. Whether that’s a single storey, two storeys or three, the research you do before pulling the trigger on a home builder is essential to making your dreams a reality.
However, we can’t downplay the importance of choosing the right home builder. With so many double-storey home designs to choose from, it’s all about finding the very best.
From building family homes to residential investment properties in Sydney, find the right home builder to help bring your dream project to life.