Do You Need A 1, 1.5 or 2 Story Home? Costa Custom Homebuilders (2024)

FAQs

Is it cheaper to build a 1.5 or 2 story house? ›

Is it Cheaper to Build a 1 1/2 Story House? Surprisingly, a 1.5-story home can cost more than either a one- or two-story house. Just like a one-story home, a 1.5 story house needs a generously sized foundation. Although the first floor is large, the second floor isn't quite as spacious.

What is the difference between a 1.5 and a two-story home? A two-story home has all bedrooms, including the master suite on the second floor. A 1.5-story home has the master bedroom on the first floor, with bonus space and high ceilings in the main living area.

Our customers often ask us this question, so we decided to do an quick analysis on floor plan cost to build based on the number of floors. We analyzed our library of one-story and two-story plans to compare costs and found that two story plans are 14% more affordable to build per square foot on average).

Since a one and a half story home does not have a full second floor, it opens up options for vaulted ceilings, large windows, and overhanging lofts. If you've ever dreamed of floor to ceiling windows or having a large library, the added height one and a half story homes allows could be just the ticket.

Cape Cod-style house or Cape: a style of a double-pile one-story cottage; low, broad with a steep side-gable roof to which dormers are often added to create a second story (in some locations, referred to as 1.5-story) Dacha: cottage-type house in Russia and former union republics of the Soviet Union.

More recently, the difficulty of getting permits for new developments and the cost of land has encouraged two-stories, and frequntly townhomes. This is not a bad thing. If the square footage of both is equal, then yes the single story costs more.

The consensus has always been that a single-story home is more energy-efficient because heat rises, resulting in a larger temperature variance and additional burden on climate control systems. And this is correct, since warm air will always make a beeline for cooler air in an effort to balance things out.

1.5 Story House Plans

One and a half story home plans place all main living areas and usually also the master suite on the first floor. Additional rooms and/or loft space for children, visitors, and flex use are placed upstairs to help provide more square footage without expanding the size of the home's footprint.

Drawbacks of a two-story house:

The stairwell takes up square footage that can't be used for much else, and you may have to drag things like laundry or the vacuum cleaner up and down the stairs.

Is a basem*nt or 2nd story cheaper? ›

Generally speaking, building up tends to be less expensive than a basem*nt. That said, not too long ago, lumber was at an all-time high and basem*nts were the better option. Check with your builder and they can advise you on the pros, cons, and cost of each.

In a 1.5 story home the main level is larger than the upper level. It is common to have dormers or gable ends that feature sloped ceilings with windows. In a 2-story home the upper level is the same size or larger than the main level and will feature full height ceilings throughout.

If you are thinking ahead toward a time when you might consider selling, it's important to note that single story homes tend to resell easier and quicker due to their popularity with home buyers. You can't judge a book by its cover, but you certainly can judge a house by its look and feel.

Since two-story homes have a smaller footprint, they're usually more cost-effective to build, and there are many more design options to choose from. With more space on different floors, you'll have more privacy in a two-story home, and this makes it easier to host guests from out of town.

Is it cheaper to add a second story or build out? Second stories typically cost less than building out, but this depends on the scope of the design. However, you may still have to fortify your foundation when building a second story, so be sure to speak with a structural engineer before clarifying your budget.

Building up is always the least expensive option for increasing your home's square-footage because it requires less material and labor.

Double-story homes are generally more expensive to build, but they maximize space and can provide better views and increased resale value. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on your specific needs and budget. It's important to consider all the factors and make an informed decision that works best for you.

In a study of a dozen cities including SF, the Upjohn Institute's Evan Mast also concluded that more high-end housing decreases competition for previously existing homes, and thus “new market-rate housing construction can improve housing affordability for middle- and low-income households, even in the short run.”