Building your dream home – single/two-storey?

You will probably only once in a lifetime build your dream home. When preparing and planning to build a house, choosing between a single-storey or two-storey design will depend on many factors, such as, budget, the available plot of land, lifestyle preferences, and your future plans.

Selecting a bungalow is ideal for larger plots of land as it takes up more ground space; while a two-storey house is more suitable for smaller or narrower sites. If the living space is stacked, it reduces the amount of ground area required.

Generally, a single-storey house can be cheaper to build in terms of the construction costs. This is because it requires less structural support, less materials, no extra foundations or load-bearing walls. Building upwards requires additional supports and engineering planning, which can raise construction costs. However, you may save on the cost of land if you have limited space.

A single-storey structure is much easier to navigate, especially for people with mobility issues, elderly family members and young children with no stairs to worry about.

In a two-storey building, stairs can be a challenge for those with mobility problems. However, some people appreciate the separation of spaces for privacy and convenience in living areas downstairs and bedrooms located upstairs.

When it comes to energy efficiency in the home, a single-storey house normally has higher heating costs in the winter since the heat spreads across a wider area. However, with a proper design, a single-storey can still be energy-efficient with good insulation and natural heating. This information will be set out on the conditions attached to your planning permission.

A two-storey house can be more energy-efficient, and normally is, due to having a smaller roof space to heat and potentially fewer rooms requiring constant heating, especially as the upstairs areas are primarily for bedrooms.

A bungalow offers less privacy, by virtue of its design, especially if the property is in a densely populated or residential area, as all rooms are on the same level. The design and advantage of two-storey house offers more privacy, particularly for family members who may need a quiet space, as the sleeping quarters are normally separated from the main living areas.

When it comes to the design of a house a single-storey structure lends itself to a more open and flowing design, where all rooms are accessible on one level. It’s good for those who prefer to be more connected with an open-plan living style.

A two-storey offers more design flexibility. You can have separate spaces for different functions, for example you can have a home office facility upstairs, bedrooms and private spaces with all living room areas located downstairs.

This works well for larger families or those who like distinct areas for different activities. Resale options should also be considered when building you dream home. Another option when constructing is a dormer-type build.

This too has its pros and cons.

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