Are you ready to start designing your new home but can’t decide if you want to build a two-storey or single-storey home? It’s a big decision, and there’s a lot to think about including your family situation, lifestyle and future plans.
Whether you're after more space, a better view, or a simpler layout, both options have their advantages for your residential build. Let’s look at the pros and cons of each, so you can decide which one works best for you and your family.
Two-storey homes – The pros:
Design scope:
Two-storey homes give you more flexibility in design and layout. With two levels, you can dedicate one floor to living spaces like the kitchen, dining, and lounge areas, and use the other floor for private spaces such as bedrooms and bathrooms. This can create a better sense of separation between areas for work, relaxation, and play.
When there’s a second storey you can be more creative with your design, such as incorporating a home office or a media room without sacrificing valuable living space.
Take advantage of the view
Building a second storey allows you to take advantage of any views from your property. Whether it’s overlooking a garden, the beach, or the bush, a two-storey home can help you make the most of your location. It also allows you to place the more private rooms, like bedrooms, on the upper level, leaving the ground floor for social areas.
Higher resale value
In many cases, two-storey homes tend to have a higher resale value compared to single-storey homes. The additional space and design appeal of an extra floor often attract potential buyers, especially in locations where land is limited or expensive.
More space
A second storey gives you added square footage without taking up extra land. This is particularly useful if you’re building in a location where space is limited. With a second floor, you can have more rooms and more storage while still maintaining a reasonable footprint.
Two-storey homes – The cons
Longer build time
A two-storey home often takes longer to build compared to a single-storey home. This is because a two-storey build is more complex, with the build needing structural reinforcement to support an upper floor.
Higher energy bills
When it comes to building a second storey, you’ll also need to consider how to regulate the temperature across multiple levels, which can result in higher energy bills. You may need to invest in additional insulation, air conditioning units, or heating systems to keep the whole house comfortable.
Decreased accessibility
Accessibility is a big consideration, particularly if you have young children, elderly relatives, or anyone with mobility issues. Stairs can be challenging for some people, and as your family grows or ages, it may become more difficult to navigate between floors. If you plan to live in the home long-term, you may need to incorporate features like stairlifts, wider doorways, or even plan for future renovations to improve accessibility.
Single-Storey Homes – Pros:
Generally less expensive
For many homeowners, one of the biggest advantages of single-storey homes is the cost savings. Without the need for a second floor, building materials and construction time are often reduced. You also avoid the need for structural reinforcements, extra plumbing, or staircases, which can make a single-storey build more affordable, especially if you’re working within a tight budget.
Easier to regulate inside temperature
Single-storey homes are easier to heat and cool. Since everything is on one level, it’s simpler to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the house. There’s no need for extra cooling or heating systems for upper floors, and air circulation is more efficient. This can lead to lower energy costs and a more comfortable home year-round.
Better accessibility
With no stairs to worry about, single-storey homes are more accessible for people of all ages and abilities. Whether you have small children, elderly family members, or anyone with mobility issues, a single-storey home is easier to navigate.
Closer connection to the outdoors
A single-storey design can give you a better connection to the outdoors. You can more easily extend living areas into outdoor spaces, such as gardens, patios, or decks. This type of layout can make your home feel more open and integrated with nature, offering a better flow between indoor and outdoor living.
Single-Storey Homes – The cons:
Less space
While single-storey homes are generally less expensive, they can feel a bit limited in terms of space. With everything on one level, there’s less room to spread out, especially if you have a growing family or need more dedicated areas for work, hobbies, or entertainment. You may find yourself sacrificing extra bedrooms or larger living areas to fit everything into a single storey.
Less privacy
Without the separation of floors, it can be harder to create private spaces within the home. Bedrooms, living rooms, and common areas are all on the same level, which means there’s less division between your personal space and social areas.
Which one is right for you?
The choice between a single-storey and double-storey home depends on your personal needs, lifestyle, and future plans. If you value space, better views, and potential for resale, a two-storey home may be the right choice. On the other hand, if you want something more affordable, energy-efficient, and accessible, a single-storey home might be a better fit.
As a Gold Coast builder working from Yatala down to Northern NSW, we’re here to help you make the right decision for your dream home. Our team will guide you through every step of the design and construction process, ensuring you get a home that suits your needs today and for years to come.
Whether you’re leaning toward a single-storey or double-storey build, we’ve got the experience to bring your vision to life. Contact us today at 1300 506 622 to start building your dream home!