Should we build a double or single storey home? Now that’s a question many people not only ask themselves, but also the team at New Home Building Brokers.

The homes have many differences and it’s not just in cost, they have some pros and cons so understanding these can help understand which one is suited to your needs.People want to build these homes for lots of different reasons like views, block size, resale value, restrictive covenants, passive solar and light, practically and many more. The cost difference with Perth Home Builders can vary immensely.

Perth currently has around 135 display homes to visit, made up of both double and single storey display homes. When you visit these display homes around Perth you need to be careful and understand the specification and material differences between.

So let’s look at the comparisons

Single Storey Homes Pros:

• More cost effective
• Faster build times
• No stairs for Multi-generational
• Better roof storage
• No issues with plumbing to the upper floor
• No noise issues from the upper floor
• Reduced holding costs for shorter build times

Single Storey Homes Cons:

• Harder to get views
• Need a bigger block to build on as a rule. Costs more
• Designs can have lots of corridors if not done well
• Extra hot water systems may be need for bigger designs
• Natural Internal light can be a design issue.
• Less street appeal

Double Storey Homes Pros:

• You can purchase a cheaper smaller block
• Bigger street impact
• Resale value
• Maximise any potential views
• Design can reduce hallways to ground floor & living

Double Storey Homes Cons:

• Cost more to build
• Take longer to build
• Design codes restrictions can be an issue
• Overshadowing can be an issue in design
• Height restrictions to maximise views
• Maintenance costs higher
• Stairs for children & pets

Consider the home design and layout to suit your needs. Its critical that the new home design optimises the block and orientation to north, it’s a place you will spend a lot of time in, so put some homework into this.

Whichever home design is best suited you, it’s important to own the copyright and control the building process.

As soon as the design is a scaled plan, you will almost always see the builder put the copyright on it so don’t let the home builder draw up any ideas you give them, without first confirming in writing you will still own and control the copyright.

This is so important, as the best design for the block could be your first design. And should you not want to build with that builder, you may have to pay a big fee to get the copyright back for design ideas. 

One of our client had to choose between a single or double storey design, they decided to build a single storey design over the double storey as they didn’t have any views and it was far more cost effective for them to build this beautiful Hampton style design on this full block in North Beach.

If you would like to know more or how a building broker at NHBB can help you create a custom designed home to save time and money, talk to us before you talk to a builder.

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