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

FAQs

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

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).

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.

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.

Drawbacks of a one-story house:

That can mean less privacy and fewer opportunities to separate a cozy sleeping environment from, say, a bustling kitchen or family room. It also means fewer opportunities for aesthetic touches such as high ceilings.

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.

Some factors that influence the cost of building a new house include: Size/square footage: The smaller the house, the more it costs per square foot (to a certain extent). Conversely, the larger the home, the less it costs per square foot. Design and layout: Design and layout also influence the cost of building a house.

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.

Is it cheaper to build or buy right now? ›

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.

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.

This is not a bad thing. Single story homes of the same square footage as two-story require more land. Land is really expensive in California and can be worth more than the building.

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.

A single-story home is often prized and might sell more quickly than a two-story home in a suburban area, while people generally prefer multi-level properties in older city neighborhoods. Do not buy or build a one-story home that's surrounded by two-story homes. You could run into resale issues.

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.

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.

A single-story home is often prized and might sell more quickly than a two-story home in a suburban area, while people generally prefer multi-level properties in older city neighborhoods. Do not buy or build a one-story home that's surrounded by two-story homes. You could run into resale issues.

Home efficiency

If your home's energy efficiency is a concern, you may want to consider a two-story house. For the most part, a typical two-story home uses less energy than a one-story home of equal square footage. This is thanks in part to smaller foundation and roof space.