Considerations to help you decide on a single or double storey home
What’s the difference between a single storey and second storey home?
Single storey home design and layout
Single storey houses have one level, with average floor plans ranging from 130 to 260 square metres. This suits people who need a customised single storey design that prioritises convenience and safety, such as families with young children, those with limited mobility and elderly people who wish to remain in their homes.
Second storey home design
What should I consider when choosing between a single and double storey home?
Location and zoning laws
Residential developments are subject to strict structural and environmental zoning regulations. Some restrictions may limit building height to preserve neighbourhood character or prevent overshadowing other houses. Many existing inner Melbourne heritage homes have rules governing how they should be protected and renovated. While most of Victoria, including the Melbourne metro area, isn’t prone to flooding, it’s important to understand local restrictions before finalising your development plan.
Age of family and accessibility
Balancing indoor and outdoor space
Do you enjoy hosting barbecues or want your kids to have room to play outdoors? Building a single storey home can leave less room for outdoor features—like a pool, play area or garden—and limit your ability to add home extensions in the future. If you need more room later on, building up with one of our custom second storey home extensions can help conserve valuable outdoor space while providing extra room indoors.
Construction costs
Appealing to a broader buyer base
Single storey homes generally have broader market appeal, attracting purchasers such as elderly people, those with mobility concerns, single households and families who enjoy indoor-outdoor living. In contrast, homes with two levels appeal to those who prioritise more room and attractive views over outdoor spaces. A single storey home might sell more quickly, while a double storey home could yield a higher return.
Maximising property views
Designing for privacy
Space considerations are important for households with teenagers, adults who need privacy and individuals working from home. Double storey homes offer more flexibility for separating bedrooms from other living areas by placing them on different floors. In single storey homes, privacy can be achieved by separating bedrooms from shared spaces using an L-shaped layout or building an enclosed courtyard. Discover how to enhance your living space to meet your family’s privacy needs with the best custom home extensions and renovations.
Heating costs and energy efficiency
Heat naturally rises, so maintaining a consistent temperature throughout a two storey home can be more difficult. The additional space, extra insulation required and greater use of temperature control appliances can increase costs. To reduce overall energy consumption, speak with your builder about integrating smart appliances and applying passive design principles. These maximise natural light and warmth using room orientation and placement in the floor plan. A good builder can also help you to understand and apply the new seven-star home energy efficiency standards in Melbourne.
Open plan design preference
A one storey house is ideal for homeowners looking for open plan living that seamlessly connects spaces inside and outside the home. There are fewer structural constraints, such as additional support for upper levels, and the open design optimises natural lighting and airflow. An open plan layout can make a smaller home feel more spacious because you can move freely between living areas.
Complex versus simple layout
A single storey home usually has a more straightforward and functional layout with no stairs, whereas double level homes require more complex planning to balance design with structural integrity. If you decide to develop your property in the future, single storey home extensions can add space for growing families and extra room for storage and entertainment.
Style and street appeal
Consider second storey vs single storey design options and build your dream home
Whether building a double or single storey house, factors like land regulations, scenic view potential and lifestyle needs can impact your decisions. Spacemaker Home Extensions specialises in customising new home designs to your vision and practical needs. With over 50 years of experience, our multi-award-winning team of expert home designers, builders and project managers is well known for creating bespoke, quality homes that our clients love. Call 03 8873 7800 or send us an online enquiry to discuss your next project.
