When you choose to build a modular home, there are endless possibilities available to help you create your dream. The location, land, and design can all be handpicked to suit your needs exactly - and a key consideration here is deciding between a one-storey or two-storey house.
The best option will depend on the size of your block, the outlook, your budget, and your family’s unique requirements. Here, we’ll discuss the key factors to consider when deciding if one or two-storey is the right fit for you.
Land Size
If your block is small, a two-storey home allows you to really maximise the floor space. You can build a large three- or four-bedroom house such as the Anglesea or Barwon, with multiple living zones and still have room for a garage.
Your home will take up less of your yard, which means more outdoor space to enjoy. However, if you don’t need the extra room, or your budget is tight, there are plenty of one-storey modular designs that are perfect for a narrow block.
Available Budget
Like every other decision you make during the building process, your budget will have an impact. One-storey homes are generally less expensive to build, as two-storey designs require additional engineering and materials.
If you have a block that can accommodate a large single-storey design, you can save tens of thousands of dollars compared to building a similar home with two storeys.
However, if you are yet to buy your land, keep in mind that money saved on construction can often be spent on purchasing a larger block.
Surrounding Views
If your home overlooks spectacular views or scenery, a two-storey home helps you make the most of it. The extra height enables you to capture views that you would otherwise have missed.
This is especially helpful in mountain and coastal locations where trees or sand dunes can obstruct the ground floor views.
If you don’t need the elevation to enjoy the outlook, there are some stunning single-storey homes that are designed to help you maximise the views from all angles.
Alternatively, you may opt to elevate your one-storey home on stilts to maximise the views.
Extra Floorspace
With two-storey designs you get twice the floorspace, which means you can add that extra bedroom or bathroom without taking up your entire backyard. You also have the added flexibility of two completely separate living spaces.
You can locate all bedrooms upstairs, which allows you to zone off sleeping areas for privacy and to save on power bills. Or you can separate the main bedroom on its own floor with a living area to create a parent’s retreat.
You can still achieve this with a single-storey home, you’ll just need the extra space available on your block to do it.
Other Considerations
There are a few other considerations to keep in mind. You have more choices available for single-storey modular designs than two-storey, but both can be customised to suit your needs.
The internal stairs of two-storey homes can be inconvenient when you have small children, and they can be difficult to use as you get older so keep that in mind.
If your block is on a slope, two-storey homes can be a good way to negate the steepness as both levels can be ground floor. On a purely aesthetic level, two-story homes look impressive and have a bit of extra presence and grandeur due to their size.
What’s the Verdict - One-storey or two-storey?
Like so many things, there are pros and cons to both options and it really comes down to your personal tastes and needs. If you’ve already purchased your block, knowing your land size in advance can help steer you towards one or the other.
Your budget will also play a significant part, but keep in mind the money you save building a one-storey home can quickly be spent purchasing a larger block.
And capturing the views will also weigh in, as this can maximise the enjoyment of your home for many years to come. If in doubt, you can always discuss your options with your builder who can help you weigh up the costs and benefits to find the right fit.
Over to You
Have a question or some advice to share on one-storey vs. two-storey homes? We’d love to hear from you!
