Double Storey Homes: Everything You Need To Know

AdviceDouble Storey

01.12.23

Double-storey homes are a popular option for small-block living, whether you have a growing family or big needs. If you’re thinking about a custom-built home, choosing the right size, layout, and plan is important in ensuring you get the home you want to grow old in. Double-storey homes are great, but is it the right move for you? 

What is a Double-Storey Home & Why Should You Build One? 

Whether you prefer the term double-storey home or two-storey, it describes a residential dwelling that is spread across two floors. Typically, the ground floor includes the kitchen and living area, while the upper floor is where the bedrooms are found. Bathrooms can often be found on both floors, though the upper floor may be home to the shower or bath. 

They’re popular for many reasons, including maximising floor space while delivering plenty of space on a smaller footprint. Just because your plot of land is smaller, doesn’t mean you can’t ensure outdoor space by building up rather than out. Even small double-storey homes can deliver plenty of space. 

How Much Does it Cost to Build a Double-Storey Home? 

There are various determining factors when it comes to the cost of building a double-storey floor plan. In addition to the location, the builders you use will be a factor, as will the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, materials used, labour costs, and customisations. 

The four-bedroom, two-bathroom Achilles offers a spacious floor plan and unique layout; it will come with different costs associated with the build compared to the five-bedroom, four-bathroom Cordeux. You can tour two-storey display homes to get a better idea of what’s possible when it comes to designing modern two-storey house plans. It will also give you a good idea about the type of materials you prefer and where you might be able to save money to splurge on other areas. 

The best way to get an accurate estimate is to consult a local double-storey home builders company that can provide a quote based on the local market conditions and your requirements. There are additional costs to consider as well, including the acquisition of land, any necessary permits, design fees, and custom features. 

Pros of Building a Double-Storey Home 

There are plenty of advantages to opting for a double-storey home:

• Space
  If you visit one of Worthington Homes’s double-storey display homes, you will see a clear pro of going double-storey is space efficiency. You can maximise your living space on a smaller piece of land without sacrificing yard space.
• Flexibility
  The beauty of double-storey home designs is flexibility in design. You can experiment with your layout and arrange the rooms to meet your needs and suit your preferences; you can choose from various architectural designs to find something that suits your preferences. 
• Resale Value
  Regarding resale value, you’re looking at a decent return on double-storey homes. There are several reasons – in addition to natural curb appeal, two-storey homes have more opportunities to showcase special features, like staircases, mezzanine floors, and balconies that are attractive to buyers. 
• Energy Efficiency
  Warm air rises, meaning you can reduce your heating costs by building up rather than out. This natural heat distribution can make upstairs rooms warmer than those on the ground floor, reducing the need for additional heating. 
• Views
  Building up can deliver some tremendous scenic views. This becomes especially valuable in urban or coastal areas where the surrounding scenery can be quite breathtaking. Being higher can provide an unobstructed panorama, adding to your home’s overall enjoyment and aesthetics.

Cons of Building a Double-Storey Home 

Just because double-storey homes are a great solution for some people, doesn’t mean they’re right for everyone. There are cons to consider before you commit: 

• Cost
  A lot goes into building a double-storey home like the Hamilton, so it’s likely more expensive than custom building a single-storey home like the Tyndall. The additional costs can stem from more complex construction requirements, such as stronger foundations and structural supports.
• Accessibility
  If you have mobility issues or plan to retire in this home, then a double-storey might be the wrong choice due to the need to navigate stairs. This can also be a concern for families with young children or elderly relatives, as stairs can pose safety risks and make it more challenging to move between floors.
• Maintenance
  There are maintenance challenges to consider before you purchase a double-storey home, from tackling the painting, washing upstairs exterior windows, and cleaning the gutters. You have to consider whether these are jobs you are able to do yourself or if you will need to hire a professional to do them for you and what that looks like for your budget.
• Time Constraints
  It will take longer to build a double-storey home than a single-storey home, so if you have time constraints, it might not feel worth it to you. There’s more complexity in the designs, though, and the site preparation and construction.
• Building Regulations
  Local building regulations will levy restrictions on the layout and design of homes including height. That can make it a more challenging process, but if you use a reputable builder they can navigate that side of things for you to deliver the style of home you want while adhering to building codes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is considered a double-storey home?

A residential living space that covers two floors. This typically includes a ground floor for common areas like the kitchen and living room. It also includes a second, upper floor for bedrooms and private spaces. The layout can vary depending on the architectural design and the homeowner’s preferences.

Q. Is a double-storey more expensive?

It can be, due to the foundational and structural costs, engineering required and site preparation. Additionally, building a double-storey home often requires more materials and labour, increasing the overall cost.

Q. What is the cheapest style of house to build?

A tiny or modular home is generally the cheapest style of home to build. These houses are typically smaller and simpler in design, reducing the materials and labour needed. Modular homes are also often constructed in factories and then transported to the site, which can reduce construction time and costs.

Final Thoughts 

There are plenty of benefits to a double-storey home design. If you’re thinking about building double-storey homes, reach out to a reputable builder who can deliver the home designs of your dreams. Worthington Homes can deliver on double-storey home plans that cover all your wants and needs to accommodate your family comfortably. 

Worthington Homes doesn’t just build double-storey house plans; you can also choose a single-storey home, duplex, narrow block, or granny flat. Whether it’s a knockdown and rebuild or a straightforward custom home build, reach out to Worthington Homes to get the ball rolling on your dream home. Worthington can always custom-design a home to suit your needs or requirements.