What Are The Pros and Cons of Building a Two-Storey House?

Building a place to call home, whether it’s your first, forever, or retirement home, can be quite the challenge – and investment. Everyone has their preferences and needs.

While it’s easy to update the paint colour or change the furniture, altering the floor plan is a whole different story – or storey, as the case may be. That’s why many homeowners struggle with the decision of whether a double-storey home is the right fit for them.

If your idea of a dream home is a two-storey but you’re still undecided, our list of pros and cons should help you make the right choice.

The Pros of a Two-Storey Home

Increased Living Space

Building a double-storey home offers at least one fantastic advantage that can’t be ignored – increased living space. With two levels at your disposal, you can double up on your living space without sacrificing outdoor spaces, even if you have a small block of land.

Just imagine the possibilities: guest rooms, a dedicated gym or play area, a cosy home office, or even that hobby room you’ve always wanted.

You also have more flexibility in design and room allocation. You have the freedom to customise each part of the house to suit your tastes. Plus, separate living areas come with the benefit of more privacy.

Enhanced Privacy and Segregation

Speaking about privacy… another great benefit of a double-storey house is the enhanced separation and solitude you get. Not only from the neighbours but also from other family members or housemates.

Double-storey homes offer more flexibility with bedrooms and living areas than single-storey homes. When you have bedrooms and personal living areas on one floor, it tends to become crowded, with no respite from other members of the household. This can be particularly frustrating for parents dealing with a noisy (and rebellious) teen.

With a double-storey home, you can have the master bedroom upstairs, with living areas and other bedrooms downstairs. This also helps with noise reduction, which can be especially beneficial if you work from home.

Expansive Outdoor Views

This point seems obvious, but it’s still worth mentioning. If you wish to build in an area with views, a two-storey house will definitely be worth the investment. Imagine an uninterrupted view of the ocean, stunning parklands, or even the beautiful city of Perth. It’s a luxury you don’t often get from a single-storey home.

You could also build a balcony with a two-storey – perfect for creating an open-air seating area. What better way to wake up than with a beautiful ray of natural light filtering through your window and a breeze from better ventilation?

But the aesthetics don’t only look good from the inside; they’re also incredibly appealing from the outside. Double-storey houses often boast an impressive appearance, giving you better street appeal – and jealous neighbours.

Resale Value and Market Appeal

Investing in a double-storey home offers more than just a beautiful living space. It also presents a smart financial choice with a higher resale value. While the resale value may vary depending on location and market conditions, the demand for double-storey homes never seems to wane.

In fact, many Australian homeowners are looking to convert their single-storeys into double-storeys. The additional features of a two-storey contribute to its potential market appeal. Many home buyers favour homes with beautiful views, more outdoor and indoor space, and increased privacy.

Moreover, double-storey houses are more favoured in regional areas where land sizes tend to be small. They also provide a greater sense of security and separation in densely packed public areas.

 

The Cons of a Two-Storey Home

Lifestyle Factors

While two-storey homes offer great aesthetic appeal and functionality, they come with certain drawbacks.

Those with children, people later in life, or individuals who experience mobility issues may prefer a single-storey home. Whilst these factors can be addressed, with the use of baby gates, elevators, chair lifts, assistive hand-rails and more, many still prefer the convenience of a single-storey home.

Increased Energy Costs

Another downside is the potential for higher energy consumption, as a larger living space often means more lighting, heating, and cooling needs.

It’s worth noting, however, that recent advancements are going some way to alleviate this concern. One effective approach is to have heating and cooling systems installed during the construction phase. The availability of solar panels and battery storage systems can further decrease high energy costs.

By incorporating sustainable technologies, you can achieve optimal temperature regulation throughout your home.

Maintenance and Cleaning Challenges

Of course, a larger home often calls for more cleaning and maintenance responsibilities. The extra space and rooms can make tasks more time-consuming and physically demanding.

One challenge of two-storey houses is cleaning and maintaining high-up areas such as gutters and windows. Reviving the exterior or upgrading features can also be difficult and time-consuming.

Luckily, there are easy ways to manage this. For example, maintaining a regular cleaning schedule is a straightforward way to keep the house tidy before it becomes chaotic.

For tasks like cleaning upstairs windows or maintaining gutters, hiring professional services can save time. This also ensures thorough cleaning and minimises risks.

One helpful tip is to practice preventative maintenance. Inspecting your home regularly for signs of wear/damage and fixing minor issues can prevent costly repairs in the future.

Being proactive with cleaning and maintenance will keep your double-storey house in tip-top shape.

 

FAQs

Is a double-storey or a single-storey home better?

The choice between a double-storey or a single-storey home depends on your lifestyle, preferences, needs, and budget. Both options can be customised to suit the owners preferences, and ultimately factors like the size of your block, and personal preference will be the deciding factor. As the size of land in WA continues to shrink, it’s possible that to build home with the space you desire – you may need to build up, rather than out. For those with large blocks of land, or those in more rural areas, a single-storey home may be expansive enough to suit your needs.

Are two-storey homes expensive to build?

A two-storey house typically comes with a higher price tag. The extra materials, foundation work, and structural complexity are a few factors contributing to the increased cost. The benefits of a double-storey house often justify the price tag, though.

 

Final Thoughts

Building a two-storey home comes with its fair share of pros and cons. If more living space, increased privacy, and stunning aesthetic appeal match your lifestyle, then a double-storey design might be your dream home.

While convenience, maintenance, and high energy bills are potential drawbacks, there are ways to work around this.

If you’re ready to start building your dream double-storey home, your next step is to find an experienced home builder like Chross Homes & Developments to help make it happen!