Is it Cheaper to Build a 1 or 2-Story House? (2024)

FAQs

Is it Cheaper to Build a 1 or 2-Story House? ›

A single-story home is more cost-effective to design, but it will cost more to build than a two-story home. To make things more complicated, they'll likely cost less to heat and cool over the years.

On average, one-story homes cost $260.21 / SF to build while two-story plans cost $223.94/SF, a savings of about 14% per SF of usable floor area. Another way of looking at this is: for the same price, you could build a 2,000SF one-story house or a 2,325 two-story house.

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.

PRO: Larger yard size creating opportunities for indoor and outdoor living spaces. PRO: Potential views: a second-story can mean beautiful views in picturesque areas. CON: Stairs: constantly climbing stairs can be exhausting and cause injuries for children or seniors.

The Foundation

Building a foundation is often among the most costly items on this list. Home foundations are built underground and support the structure's weight. A strong foundation must: Assist in support of the above structure.

Single-story homes typically have a larger footprint and need more land. This spatial extravagance translates into a higher upfront investment. It becomes clear that the appeal of a large, single-story home comes at a higher cost and needs more acreage. In any popular area, it might drive up the total cost of a home.

Simplify Your Home's Design

The cheapest way to build a home is to design a simple floor plan. Sticking to a square or rectangular floor plan makes the building and design more straightforward. Plus, building up is generally cheaper than building a sprawling one-story home.

Ranch-style homes are not only popular but also one of the most cost-efficient home styles to build. These homes typically come in a rectangular shape, though many resemble “T” or “S” shapes. The ranch style's simple layout reduces complications in construction.

Generally, if the existing footings and foundation are deep and bulky enough and don't show signs of frost heave, such as cracking or shifting, it's likely a good candidate for a second-story addition without concern.

Is it still cheaper to build than buy? ›

Overall, it's cheaper to build a home than to buy one in California, with 13 out of the 20 counties saving you money if you decide to build your house from scratch. Budget-wise, building is more favorable in Southern California whereas Central California caters best to those interested in buying.

Yes, a house with a basem*nt costs more money to build than a house built on a slab. However, a house with a basem*nt, or a multistory house, costs less “per square foot” than a single-story house. That is because expensive things, like roofs, cover more than one floor. It also costs less to run plumbing and ductwork.

Drawbacks of a two-story house:

Pretty much every drawback associated with a two-story home comes down to stairs. 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.

One-story homes typically have fewer issues with roof and gutter maintenance due to their simpler design, while two-story homes may require more frequent maintenance due to increased wear and tear. Resale value and market demand can also play a role in determining which home type is a better financial investment.

In a single-story home, all of the bedrooms and living spaces will be on the same floor. This doesn't offer the same level of privacy as two-story plans that can place bedrooms upstairs and even separate the master bedroom and kids' rooms.

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.

The roof is responsible for a lot of heat transfer and when your roof is smaller, as it usually is in a two-story home you have less of this transfer. This allows you to save more energy than you would in a one-story home.

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.

Overall, it's cheaper to build a home than to buy one in California, with 13 out of the 20 counties saving you money if you decide to build your house from scratch. Budget-wise, building is more favorable in Southern California whereas Central California caters best to those interested in buying.