When it comes to buying a plot to build your first home, one of the most frequent doubts in the world of construction arises: should I build a one or two-storey house? In addition to our tastes and lifestyle, several factors must be taken into account. What will most influence the decision is the use to which the house is going to be put and the size of the plot.
However, both types of house have their advantages and disadvantages in terms of utility, savings… In this article we will show you the factors you need to bear in mind when planning the construction of your new home.
ONE-STOREY HOUSES: ACCESSIBILITY
If you are planning to build a one-storey house, you are not giving up large spaces. In fact, many people opt for this option thanks to the advantages it offers.
ADVANTAGES
One of the main reasons why a ground floor is the best option for many clients is accessibility. They think about the future. In the long run, climbing stairs can be hard work for the elderly or people with reduced mobility, and installing a lift is a significant outlay of money. In addition, you can take advantage of this space to gain more space in the house and more living space.
Another factor that makes people opt for this model of house is maintenance. Taking care of the exterior as well as the interior of a single-storey house is simpler and cheaper. Easy access to the facade, windows and doors makes the cleaning work less costly. When it comes to touching up the paintwork or changing any aspect of the house it will reduce costs, and you can even do it yourself.
Many of these constructions share a common feature: the open floor plan. The absence of walls in a single-storey house makes it possible to optimise the surface area and improve spatial perception.
DISADVANTAGES
When we talk about the disadvantages of this type of construction, we refer to the design and the use of space on the plot.
On the one hand, a single-storey house will take up more space on the plot, so before construction it is necessary to know how much outside land for the garden, play areas, etc., is required.
On the other hand, the ventilation of some rooms may be affected, especially the central areas of the home. It is very common for heat to be concentrated in these areas
TWO-STOREY HOUSE: SPACE
A two-storey house is the perfect solution for large families. In addition, thanks to the height, and if the geographical situation allows it, you will have better views.
ADVANTAGES
A house with two or more floors is a more profitable option if the land available is small, as a house with these characteristics needs fewer foundations and less roofing, reducing costs.
A house divided into floors allows a better combination of spaces. It is most common to distribute the bedrooms on the upper floor, next to a bathroom, and to leave the common areas such as the kitchen, living room and leisure areas on the lower floor.
A two-storey house is generally cheaper per square metre. It also requires less floor space than a one-storey house.
DISADVANTAGES
In contrast to single-storey houses, exterior and interior maintenance is more expensive. The height of the house means higher repair and cleaning costs.
This type of housing, in the long run, tends to cause mobility problems for the elderly or people with reduced mobility. People end up incorporating a lift for greater access to the rest of the house.
With the addition of stairs or a lift, useful space is lost.
