2 Story House Plans

Two-story house plans are often the first choice as a primary home for many homeowners. A traditional 2-story house plan features the main living spaces — e.g., living room, kitchen, dining area — on the main level, while all bedrooms reside upstairs. A more modern and trending two story house plan layout features a primary bedroom suite on the main level, while the child/guest rooms remain upstairs.

 

Building Advantages of a 2-Story House

House plans with two stories typically cost less to build per square foot. 

• Because of the smaller footprint, two of the most expensive elements of home building, excavation/foundation and rafter/roof installation, are less. 
• A 2-story home typically has less roof area than its 1-story counterpart, which can make it less expensive to maintain. 
• Homes with two stories are often more fuel-efficient per square foot as less outdoor wall and roof area is exposed to the weather.
• Available in a wide selection of architectural styles, including traditional and contemporary two-story house plans.

 

Layout Advantages with a Two-Story House

• Typically allows for more versatility in the initial design and for any future additions to the home. 
• Offers the opportunity for greater privacy and delineated spaces without compromising the overall design. 
• Since a two story home takes up a smaller footprint, it offers up more space for outdoor living areas, which may be an important consideration given the size of the building lot.

 

Possible Disadvantages of a Two-Story Design

There are some disadvantages to a two-story layout that should be considered. 

• Stairways add to the cost of the home build and can take up 100 square feet or more of space.
• Stairs themselves add a risk related to falls and accidents, especially for anyone with mobility issues. 
• The two-story home can also take longer to build initially due to the second floor and perhaps a deeper foundation.

 

How to Choose the Best Two-Story Layout Configuration for You

Families with young children often prefer a 2-story house plan in which all bedrooms are presented on the upper level while the main living areas are found on the main level. 

• Parents avoid trips up and down the stairs with the bedrooms on the same floor. 
• If all the children sleep on the second floor, parents don't have to worry so much about creating noise on the first floor and disturbing the children while they sleep.

For empty nesters or families with teenagers, the current trend is a 2-story house plan that includes the primary bedroom suite on the first floor, while the other bedrooms (or at least most) are on the second floor. It is common for 4 bedroom house plans and 5 bedroom home designs to be 2 story given the amojnt of square footage. However, if the lot space is limited, 2-story, 3 bedroom house plans can be an ideal solution

• This layout configuration allows teenagers to have more privacy and the parents to have more peace and quiet. 
• For empty nesters, this layout allows them to retire to their primary suite without climbing stairs. 
• Additionally, this design can be a huge advantage for those empty nesters who prefer to remain in their “forever” home.

Working with a budget that allows for a bit more flexibility? The on-trend, two-story house plan layout now offers dual primary suites, one on each level. This design gives you true flexibility plus a comfortable suite for guests or in-laws while they visit.

If you're considering two story house plans, check out the many options available here. There's sure to be something that fits your needs and your budget! Please contact us if we can help answer any questions.