Choosing the perfect home for your family can be a tall order as the features that may appeal to one member of the household may not stand out for the other and vice versa. While design elements such as colour palette and interior décor can be easily updated, modifying the floor plan of your property can be rather time-consuming and expensive. Perhaps this is why many homebuyers have a hard time deciding between single storey vs double storey houses while searching for their new abode.
There are a lot of things one must take into account when deciding between a single storey or double storey house for investment. For instance, you must consider your taste preferences, lifestyle requirements, and most importantly, the budget. That being said, it is worth mentioning that the price difference between these two property types is usually not as steep as many believe. However, it can still be rather substantial if you are operating within a small budget.
Nevertheless, to help you reach a well-informed decision, we have listed down the pros and cons of single-storey vs double-storey houses in Pakistan.
Pros and Cons of Buying a Single-Storey House
Here are some of the most noteworthy advantages and disadvantages of a single storey house.
Pro: Safe and Accessible for Children and the Elderly
Single-storey homes are generally considered a safer option for households with young children and elderly or disabled family members. Unlike a double-storey structure where two sections of a house are connected with a flight of stairs, a single-storey home will have an open floor plan that makes each room easily accessible.
In addition, single-storey homes are more accommodating towards those struggling with restricted mobility. Stairs can also pose a significant safety concern for individuals at risk of losing balance and falling. If there is a member of your family who is wheelchair-bound, they will have an easier time manoeuvring through a single-storey home compared to a double-storey one.
Pro: A Lot More Affordable
There is no denying that buying a single-storey house in Pakistan is relatively less expensive than buying a double-storey house. Although the property prices may vary with the location, plot size, orientation, and architecture of a residential unit, single-storey buildings tend to be more affordable. Similarly, if you are planning to construct a house, building a single-storey structure is going to be less costly and more time-efficient than one with two storeys.
Pro: Easier to Maintain and Upgrade
Maintaining a single-storey house requires a lot less effort and time. Whether you want to paint the exterior of your home to enhance its curb appeal or spruce up the interior design to complement the latest décor trends, it is easier to look after and upgrade a single floor instead of creating a cohesive theme that transcends flawlessly between two storeys.
As far as aesthetics are concerned, if you are constructing a single-storey home, you can opt for higher ceilings to make the design look more elegant and luxurious.
Con: Lack of Privacy
Privacy is an essential element that everyone requires in their residential space. It helps cultivate a sense of security and allows people to enjoy a space that is completely theirs.
Unfortunately, one of the biggest cons of living in single-storey houses is their lack of privacy. With all the rooms and common areas situated on the same floor, the residents may have difficulty building a space that is meant just for them. Moreover, if someone is watching TV in the living room or entertaining guests in the drawing-room, the entire household is likely to be affected by the sound and voices.
Con: Less Space
This one is a no-brainer. Single-storey houses have lesser space than double-storey houses – even when they are built on the same area size. So, if you are planning to add a storage room or a home office to your single-storey home, you likely have no other option than to build upwards, which may require you to obtain a few permits from relevant authorities.
In most cases, homeowners decide to utilize outdoor spaces such as gardens and backyards to add a few extra square feet to different rooms. In other words, a large family living in a single-storey house may have to compromise on having open spaces around their house.
If you are a first-time homebuyer, please check out our guides on the pros and cons of buying a newly constructed house vs buying an old house.
Pros and Cons of Buying a Double-Storey House
These are some of the main advantages and disadvantages of a double-storey house that you should know about.
Pro: More Room for Everyone
A double-storey home allows you to build upwards. So, even if you are constructing your home on a smaller plot, you will be able to enjoy more living space without compromising any outdoor areas. These units are also optimal for bigger families, as they provide you with much more freedom to pick and choose how each part of the house can be utilized.
From guest bedrooms and home offices to indoor gyms and spacious storage rooms, double-storey houses let you maximise your floor space with ease. Additionally, those living in such homes also have access to balconies and terraces where they can relax after a long day or even start a small herb garden.
Pro: Better Views of the Neighbourhood
One of the perks of living in a double-storey house is that you will be able to enjoy beautiful views of the neighbourhood below from your bedroom window. If your home has a large balcony, you can decorate it with rattan chairs to turn it into an open-air seating area.
Pro: Greater Privacy
A double-storey house ensures greater privacy than a single-storey residence. One of the best ways to go about this would be to dedicate the first floor of your home to the kitchen, living area and drawing room while reserving the second floor for bedrooms. This way, each member of the household will be able to enjoy maximum privacy and have peace of mind.
Pro: Increased Design Features
Double-storey homes tend to stand out from the rest and draw attention. From adding a modern glass railing to your balcony to installing smart outdoor lighting, there are countless ways you can enhance the visual appeal of a two-storey structure.
Moreover, if you are planning to sell your property a few years down the road, you can consider accentuating different features of your home to increase its value. For example, you can make your staircase the central attraction of your double-storey home by adorning it with a modern railing and creating a beautiful landing area.
Con: Requires More Maintenance
One of the most prominent drawbacks of double-storey houses is that they require extra effort when it comes to cleaning and maintenance work. Whether you plan to spruce up the exterior of your home with a fresh coat of paint or want to install new window frames to enhance the overall aesthetics, upgrading a double-storey structure will require almost twice the amount of time and effort compared to a single-storey house.
Con: May Put a Dent in Your Savings
A double-storey house is generally more expensive to construct than a single-storey structure. In addition to requiring more material, these projects also need a longer completion period, which drives up the labour cost. Meanwhile, if you are planning to buy a double-storey house for your family, it is important to know that it may be around 30% to 50% more expensive than a single-storey house with the same square footage.
Now that we have discussed the advantages and disadvantages of a single-storey house vs a double-storey house, let’s find out which of these two might be the best for you.
Single vs Double-Storey Houses: What’s the Verdict?
Well, there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing single-storey vs double-storey houses. However, if you are having a hard time deciding between the two, please consider asking yourself the following questions:
- How many people will live in your home?
- Will there be children, elderly, or disabled individuals living in your home?
- How long does your family plan on living in the house?
- What is the size of your property?
- What is your budget?
Here are a few more things you may want to consider before making your final choice.
Lifestyle Requirements
You must determine which of these property types will be more suitable for your current lifestyle and also accommodate your plans for growth? If you have young kids who will eventually require their separate rooms, it may be best to opt for a double-storey house. However, if you have grown-up children who live in separate homes with their families, choosing a single-storey home may be a better option.
Square Footage
If you are building on a smaller plot, a double-storey house will provide you with additional space to build more rooms. You may also be able to include outdoor spaces in your home design – such as a terrace or a balcony.
Personal Preferences
Do you value privacy over open-space living? If the answer is yes, you already know which option fits you the best. On the other hand, if you don’t prioritize privacy and are fond of large communal spaces, a single-storey may address your requirements perfectly.
Your Budget
Last but not least, your budget plays an important role in your ultimate choice. If you want to keep your finances in order while living in your dream home, opting for a single-storey home may be a good idea. You can even add another storey to the structure in the future if required. Alternatively, if you have a smaller plot and more money to spend, building a double-storey house can be a great investment.
To put it simply, the choice between single-storey vs double-storey houses depends on several factors – including your lifestyle requirements, family size, budget and more.
We hope our blog has addressed some of your most pressing concerns on the topic. You can also check out our beginner’s guide to buying a house and learn how to avoid common mistakes most first-time homebuyers make.
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