From exploring finance options to the pure joy of receiving the keys to your dream home, the journey to homeownership is filled with excitement - and a fair share of decisions. Among the most important is choosing between a single-storey home or one with a staircase leading to a second floor.
Each option offers unique advantages, so how do you decide which one suits you best? Here’s our guide to help you weigh the pros and cons of going up or staying down low.
Why build a single-storey home?
There are plenty of compelling reasons to keep everything on the ground floor, with one of the most practical being the ease of navigation a single-storey home offers - everything you need is close at hand.
This layout is ideal for families with young children, as it eliminates the potential hazards of staircases and keeps little ones within easy reach and sight. Single-storey living also suits older family members or anyone with mobility challenges, offering seamless accessibility.
As multi-generational living grows in popularity across Australia, the convenience and inclusivity of single-storey homes make them an appealing choice. Plus, by skipping the staircase, you free up valuable floor space for other uses, maximising your home’s layout.
If you’re working with a larger block - especially in rural or regional areas - it often makes sense to spread your home across a single level. This approach avoids the need for a second storey while maximising your space. A big plus? Every room enjoys a direct connection to the outdoors, a feature many Australians love.
Opting for a more compact single-storey design can also help streamline your budget. It typically costs less to build on one level, and with everything on the same floor, your home might be more energy-efficient, keeping those bills in check.
Additionally, single-storey living fosters a sense of togetherness. With no stairs dividing spaces, the layout can feel more cohesive, encouraging family members to gather for meals and unwind together afterwards.
One potential drawback of single-storey living is the possibility of limited space, which might mean everyone has to share common areas more closely. If you have teenagers with vastly different tastes in music or movies, it could create a touch of friction.
That’s where Metricon’s thoughtfully designed floorplans come to the rescue. Our single-storey homes are crafted to make the most of any block size, often incorporating separate living zones. This clever design feature ensures everyone in the household has their own space to relax, eliminating the concern of overcrowding and promoting harmony at home.
Why build a double-storey home?
If you’re planning to build your forever home on a smaller block, opting for a two-storey design can help you capitalise on space. By going vertical, you double the available floor space without increasing your footprint, allowing for larger rooms and potentially better views. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to design a more versatile layout.
Traditionally, two-storey homes feature living areas on the ground floor and bedrooms upstairs. However, the Scandinavian-inspired trend of reverse living flips the script. Placing living areas on the upper level captures more natural light during the day, while bedrooms tucked downstairs ensure a quieter, more private retreat. Whether you choose traditional or reverse living, two-storey designs open up a world of possibilities.
Worried that doubling your floors might double your budget? Don’t stress. While a two-storey home can come with higher build costs, they’re often manageable, especially when you consider the potential savings on land. Maximising a smaller block by building upwards can offset the difference, making it a savvy choice.
One of the standout perks of a two-storey home is how effortlessly it caters to finding peace and quiet. Imagine Mum and Dad enjoying a serene ground-floor retreat while the kids claim the upstairs as their domain. Alternatively, an older relative could be comfortably settled downstairs, making mobility easier. Of course, if the family prefers to stay closer together, you can design everyone’s bedrooms on the same level. With a two-storey design, the flexibility is all yours.
Two-storey living often means two or three living spaces spread across the home, giving your family the freedom to pick the perfect hang-out spot for any mood. Whether it’s a cosy corner for the kids or a serene space for adults, everyone can settle in without remote-control wars - perfect for simultaneous Netflix marathons!
While it’s true that two-storey homes can be slightly more costly to heat and cool, there’s a silver lining: heat rises. This natural advantage can keep your upper floor warmer during the cooler months, adding a touch of comfort to your seasonal living experience.
On the flip side, two storeys can mean double the cleaning and potentially more maintenance as your home matures alongside you. And let’s face it - when you’re utterly exhausted at the end of a long day, tackling the stairs can feel like a marathon.
With a little planning and creativity, you can choose a floorplan that not only complements your lifestyle today but also adapts to your needs in the future. After all, every home has its unique advantages, and it’s these distinctive features that make your living space truly special.
Still weighing your options? Let our expert sales consultants help you find the perfect layout for your lifestyle. Reach out today, and we’ll guide you every step of the way!
