Single-story or two-story house? What are the advantages and disadvantages?

Many people who decide to build their own house, wonder what kind of house to build – a single-storey or a two-storey? Which one will be cheaper and better for the whole family? How to choose a house that fits the needs of the whole family?

Single-storey or two-storey house?

Storey houses are very popular in Poland, more so than single-storey buildings. Popularity of multi-storey houses is mainly due to habit and stereotype belief that they are more economical and functional in use. Greater popularity of multi-storey buildings is caused by the rising price of land.

Smaller plot means smaller costs – the number of people who appreciate the comfort of single-storey houses is growing. Among such people, the trend is to buy a large plot and build on it a single-storey house with a sunny terrace and spacious garden.

Single-storey house – for whom?

Low, single-storey building blending into the green garden space is a great solution for families with children – especially if they are small. This type of house is very safe for kids – they can run freely around the house and parents don’t have to worry that something will happen to them. Single-storey building is a great solution if investors want to live in it in the autumn of life.

Storey house – for whom?

A storied house can be built on almost any plot – a smaller footprint often encourages many investors to build such a house. Most storied houses have a usable attic – due to the harmonious body of the building and a smaller footprint (this is important if there are restrictions on the plot). Another important factor is the independence of residents – the living area is located on the first floor, and upstairs or in the attic are bedrooms.

The decision to have a storied house is often dictated by the larger number of people in the family – this is a great solution for a multi-generational house.

Single-storey house – advantages and disadvantages

The main advantages of a single-storey house include:

• greater convenience in moving around the house – everything is on one level,
• great solution for children and seniors – such a house gives you more freedom when taking care of children,
• trouble-free movement for people with mobility difficulties, e.g. those walking on crutches,
• the house is “connected” to the garden. In order to make full use of its advantages, the house should be connected to the garden with a terrace door,
• no stairs,
• excellent soundproofing

The main disadvantages of single-storey houses include:

• in single-storey houses over 180^m2 very much space is taken up by corridors – they form labyrinths,
• cannot be built on narrow plots or plots with steep slopes,
• higher operating costs – heating,
• in one-storey buildings it is more difficult to have proper ventilation,
• higher construction costs

Storey house – advantages and disadvantages

The main advantages of storied houses include:

• the possibility of building on an undersized plot,
• the possibility of separating the day zone from the night zone,
• lower cost of construction, among others foundations and installations (if they are in one vertical),
• lower cost of heating than in a one-storey house,
• greater access to sunlight.

The main disadvantages of storied houses include:

• higher cost of construction of the ceiling and load-bearing walls,
• stairs,
• maintaining the same temperature on both floors is very difficult – especially in summer.

Which type of house is better – storied or single-storey?

There is no clear answer to this question. It depends on the criteria that are taken into account. When building a house with an area of up to 150^m2, it is worth choosing a single-storey house, if the conditions of the area allow it.