1 Story House Plans (2024)

FAQs

Is a 1 story house cheaper to build than a 2 story? ›

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).

General Time Estimates

The journey from the initial plan to a finished home varies considerably. On average, it takes about seven months to construct a house​​. However, the timeline extends when factoring in pre-construction stages like planning and obtaining permits, which often round up to a year-long commitment.

In a 1.5 story home the main level is larger than the upper level. It is common to have dormers or gable ends that feature sloped ceilings with windows. In a 2-story home the upper level is the same size or larger than the main level and will feature full height ceilings throughout.

The big drawback of a one-story home is the same as its advantage in some ways: Everything is on the same floor, including your kitchen and bedrooms. That can mean less privacy and fewer opportunities to separate a cozy sleeping environment from, say, a bustling kitchen or family room.

A one-story home means fewer risks of falls and accidents. It also means that once you get old, you can safely age in place. They're easier to evacuate. In case of a fire, you'll be able to open any ground-floor window and crawl out to safety.

A custom house will take the longest to build. You can expect it to take between 9 to 18 months for home construction. That's because a custom house is truly customized to fit your tastes. You work directly with an architect and builder to create a unique home just for you.

Yes, you can build your own house in California, if you have land in an area of your choice. You have to budget for the time and the cost of building your home though. You will also need permits to build your house. Permit fees depend on the home value or the construction area.

Building a 25,000 square foot house typically takes around 1-2 years, but it can vary based on factors like complexity, materials, and construction speed. How long did it take you to build your own 2500 sq ft house? Depends on the skill level/size of the crews.

A ranch-style house is generally more affordable to build because it has an easy, open floor plan and is traditionally available in a rectangular or U-shaped layout.

What is the cheapest state to build a house in? ›

Hurricanes are a fact of life in Florida, and building practices have evolved to mitigate their impact. Why are Florida houses one story? One-story homes offer a lower profile to high winds, reducing the risk of structural damage during hurricanes.

What is your budget? 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. Crunch the numbers and choose the home design that fits your budget.

The height of each storey in a building is based on ceiling height, floor thickness, and building material — with a general average of about 14 feet.

There's a positive aspect for those investing in single-story homes – their resale value. While the upfront expenses can be higher, the appreciation of single-story properties often outpaces their multi-story counterparts. You will have long-term investment and potential returns by building a single-story home.

Everything else being equal, a second story is less expensive than a new addition for one important reason: There's little to no foundation work when building up. That cuts out an expensive part of the process. However, other structural details can still have an impact, so explore your options.

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.

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.