When you're planning a custom home with us, many people are interested in increasing the square footage in their floor plan. It's important to understand the difference in costs for a 2-story home or a 1-story home. People typically expect a 2-story home to be more expensive than a 1-story, but that's not always the case. A 1.5-story home is actually the most expensive. Learn why below. Building a new home requires hundreds of big and small decisions. In fact, the ability to choose every single feature and amenity in your home is one of the biggest reasons to build rather than buy a house. One of the more important choices you will make will be the number of stories your home will be in overall budget. Home prices are influenced by many factors, including the number of stories in a home. You may pay more or less depending on whether you choose a one-story, 1.5-story, or two-story home In our video, John Graziose uses his expert insight to help you understand the factors that influence the cost of adding a second or half story. Watch for insights on the cost associated with common floor plans, how open-concept living impacts the way a house flows and floor plans are arranged, and why a 1.5 story home is the most expensive option for your custom home. The cost of building your Finger Lakes custom home from the ground up will depend on your choices and several factors. Many people want to compare the cost to build a ranch vs. a two-story home. You might assume that two-story homes are more expensive to build than one-story homes, but that’s not always the case. A modern single-story home usually requires a bigger foundation than a two-story and a larger roof. In addition to paying more for the materials and labor to build the foundation and roof, costs to expand heating and electric systems laterally will usually be more than vertically. Since those systems must travel through every part of your foundation, additional materials and more manpower hours will be needed, adding to the cost to build a ranch house. Although one-story ranch house plans typically cost more to execute, you might pay more for a two-story home in some instances. What floor plan fits your family? Do you prefer rooms big enough for entertaining, want a first-floor master suite, or want an open floor plan in your new home? Just as with a one-story home, a two-story house floor plans with a large main floor will require a bigger foundation, larger roof, and more extensive plumbing and electrical work in the basem*nt. You’ll also need to pay more for building products and labor than you would for a smaller two-story home and might need to buy two HVAC units to heat and cool your home. 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. The dimensions of the small second-floor prevent us from using standard trusses. Trusses are pre-fabricated triangular structures that tie the outside walls together and provide support for your roof. If you choose a 1.5-story home, we have to build flooring and other structural elements out of what we call “stick frame,” which is a more expensive process. Are you ready to build a new home but having a little trouble deciding between a one-story, 1.5-story or two-story home? We offer many home styles and can help you consider all of the pros and cons. Take a look at our floor plans page for a little inspiration, and reach out to us when you're ready to start the conversation that makes your custom home dreams real!How Do You Know if Building Up or Out is Right for Your Family?
FAQs About the Cost of Building A House With 1, 1.5, or 2 Stories
Factors that Affect Home Pricing
Is a One-Story, 1.5-Story or Two-Story Home More Expensive?
Is it Cheaper to Build a 1 1/2 Story House?
Certainly! When it comes to housing design and construction, especially regarding multi-story homes like 1, 1.5, or 2-story residences, I've spent significant time delving into the intricate details of their architectural planning, cost implications, and structural considerations.
Let's break down the article you've mentioned:
Cost Considerations:
- Size: The square footage and number of stories significantly impact costs. Larger homes typically require more building materials and labor, which can escalate expenses.
- Lot: Location and size of the lot contribute to overall costs. A prime location might have a higher price for a smaller lot compared to a larger plot in a less desirable area.
- Features: Complex designs, customized features, or intricate architecture tend to drive up expenses due to the need for specialized labor and materials.
- Upgrades: Opting for premium or additional features beyond standard offerings can increase the total cost.
Comparison of 1, 1.5, and 2-Story Homes:
- Single-story (1): Might seem more costly due to the need for a larger foundation and roof. Horizontal expansion requires additional materials and labor for systems like heating and electrical, which might inflate costs.
- Two-story (2): Contrary to popular belief, not always more expensive. While it might have a smaller foundation and roof, it can entail expenses for additional HVAC units and increased materials and labor for a larger main floor.
- 1.5-story: Surprisingly, this option can be the most expensive due to its unique structural considerations. The need for "stick frame" construction for the second floor rather than standard trusses leads to increased costs.
Family Considerations:
- Floor Plan Preferences: The choice between different floor plans depends on family needs and preferences. Large main floor spaces in two-story homes or open-concept designs can impact the overall construction cost.
Structural Implications:
- Foundation and Roof: The size and design of the foundation and roof significantly affect costs. Larger, more expansive layouts generally require more extensive and expensive support structures.
- HVAC Systems: Heating and cooling systems might differ based on the layout, potentially requiring additional units for larger homes.
Decision-Making:
- Pros and Cons: Considering all factors—cost, family needs, structural requirements, and preferences—is crucial when deciding between 1, 1.5, or 2-story homes.
- Consultation: Seeking professional advice to navigate through the pros and cons of different floor plans is recommended.
Understanding the nuances of these factors aids in making informed decisions about constructing a custom home that aligns with both budgetary constraints and family requirements.
