The Advantages of a 1.5-Story House

We often hear customers ask, what are the advantages of a 1 1/2 story house plan? For some homeowners, this house design is visually appealing and works well in their neighborhood. For others, the one-and-a-half story house plan offers future expansion at a relatively lower cost.

1 1/2 Story Helps with Budget Considerations. A homeowner may pursue this because the current budget does not allow for building the extra space now by focusing the budget expenditures on what is most valuable today - rather than the extra square feet - that allows one to potentially stretch that dollar further on those features you want now.

Unsure if Need Space in the Future. Another homeowner may decide that the family does not need the space now - and perhaps not even in the future - but if the family grows and extra space is needed, then the 1 1/2 story house plan can offer that extra space without requiring expansion of the home's footprint or forcing the family to move. 

What to look for in a 1 1/2 Story House Plan for Future Expansion.

-- Typically dormers (dormer windows) in the attic. This can be converted into future living space easily. Alternatively, the roofline can be pushed out to offer extra space.

-- Dormers in front and back? Often dormers will be in the front, but not always in the back. You may want to consider having both if looking for even more future extra space and the added light those dormers offer.

-- Future bonus rooms. Is there a future bonus room marked on the plans, perhaps over the garage or another section of the house? If so, this does not have to be built at first but can be built out in the future as space is needed.