Sending a "family ship" to sail the ocean under the name of individual construction, you should study the "pilot" well - the objective factors that affect the cost and comfort of the future cottage.
Dangerous shoals and underwater rocks await beginners along the way. One of the main stumbling blocks is the question of which house is better to build: one-story or two-story.
In favor of each option, not only objective, but also far-fetched arguments are cited. Getting acquainted with them, it is difficult for the developer to orientate correctly. Not understanding who to trust, he begins to act at his own peril and risk.
As a result, the budget allocated for the creation of a family nest suffers, and living conditions turn out to be worse than expected.
The purpose of this article is to analyze the main factors that need to be taken into account: the cost of construction and the convenience of living. Individual tastes and preferences, which are “innumerable”, we have taken out of the discussion. To begin with, let's recall the first myth, which says that a two-story cottage is more profitable and more convenient than a one-story one. Upon closer examination, you will see that this is not entirely true.
For a correct comparison of the cost of one and two-story buildings, it is necessary to bring them to a "common denominator": the same area, common structural elements and construction technologies. Without this, the analysis loses its meaning, since the price of each stage will be different in different options.
In popular videos on this topic, the authors make one serious mistake. In their tables, they compare not the average cost of building a cottage, but the volume of basic work. As a result, it is concluded that it is more profitable to build a one-story or two-story house. We offer a more accurate estimation methodology based on the total estimated costs.
So, let's compare the costs of building two cottages of the same area (160 m2): one-story 10x16m and two-story 10x8m. We take the foundations of tape monolithic reinforced concrete of the same height (from the sole to the upper mark of the basement 1.6 meters, width 0.5 m).
Walls (height 3 m, thickness 0.43 m) - aerated concrete blocks+ facing brick.
The ceilings of the first and second floors are wooden beams. The roof is a hipped gable metal tile (angle of inclination 30 degrees).
For our calculations, average current prices for 2017 are taken. In each case, the numbers will be different. However, the calculations we made will clearly show you an objective calculation algorithm and allow you to compare one and two-story houses with other parameters.
Foundation
- The perimeter of the foundation of a one-story building (10 + 16 m) x 2 \u003d 52 pm;
- For a cottage with a height of 2 floors of the same area, the length of the foundation tape will be less: (10 + 8 m) x 2 = 36 pm.
The volume of concrete for pouring in the first case is 52 x 0.5 x 1.6 = 41.60 m3. In the second option, we need 36 x 0.5 x 1.6 = 28.80 m3. Saving concrete for 2 storey building will be: 41.60 - 28.80 = 12.80 m3. On filling the blind area (width 1 meter thickness 0.1 m) we will save (52-36) x 1.0 x 0.1 = 1.6 m3.
The difference in concrete and reinforcement work, taking into account the price of materials, will be equal to (12.80 + 1.6 \u003d 14.40 m3) x 5,000 rubles. = 72,000 rubles. in favor of a two-story building. If we add to this amount the insulation of the foundation with foam plastic (8,000 rubles), then the result will increase up to 80 000 rub.
Walls
For some, this will be news, but the area of \u200b\u200bthe walls of a one-story building is less than that of a two-story building:
- 52 pm x 3m height = 156 m2;
- 36 pm x 6 m height = 216 m2.
The difference is 60 m2. Savings on masonry (front brick + aerated concrete), taking into account work and materials, will be equal to 60 m2 x 3400 rubles / m2 = 204,000 rubles.
To this amount, you need to add the rise in price due to high-altitude work on the 2nd floor (scaffolding + difficulty factor). It is at least 15% (204,000 x 1.15 = 234,600 rubles)
As we can see, at the stage of masonry, the savings on the foundation are completely “eaten up” by the walls. Therefore, on a two-story building, we go into the minus for 154,600 rubles (234,600 - 80,000 rubles).
Ceilings and roof
In the single-level and two-level versions of the buildings, the floor areas are the same (160 m2 each). Therefore, in a dispute about what is cheaper to build, this point does not cause controversy.
But the roof of the “one-story building” under consideration is 91 m2 larger (taking into account the slope of the slopes of 30 degrees). The rise in the cost of installation, taking into account materials, will be: 91 m2 x 2,300 rubles / m2 = 209 300 rub.
Ladder
You can't do without it in a two-level house. The price of the stairs varies in a wide range (on average from 50 to 200 thousand rubles). The cost of it is minus the "two-story building". In a comparative calculation, we will take the average value of the cost - 120 thousand rubles.
Second bathroom, heating and electrical wiring
The need to equip a toilet and shower in a two-story building is beyond doubt. Climbing up and down from the bedroom to the first floor, especially at night, is a dubious pleasure. plumbing expenses, Decoration Materials and work in budget option amount to at least 50,000 rubles. In a one-story cottage, a second bathroom is not needed.
The perimeter of the walls at the one-story building we are considering is 52 linear meters. For a two-story building, this figure is 36 x 2 \u003d 72 pm. Along the length of the heating pipes, we will get a difference (20 m x 2 \u003d 40 m) plus 8 meters for the heated water supply pipes and the “return” from the boiler to the upper level. The price of installation and materials for this additional section of communications: 48 pm x 400 rubles / pm = 19,200 rubles.
The increase in the cost of electrical networks in a 2-storey cottage due to the greater length of the outer walls will be at least 15,000 rubles.
In total, in terms of “bathroom, heating and electrics”, the construction of a one-story building is more profitable than a two-story building. The savings will be (50,000 + 19,200 + 15,000 = 84 200 rub.)
Price total
Comparing the cost of structures, equipment and work on the construction of two-story and one-story cottages in our example, we can draw the following conclusions:
- The foundation and blind area at the two-story building turned out to be cheaper by 80,000 rubles;
- Her outer walls are more expensive by 154,600 rubles;
- The savings on the roof is 236,600 rubles;
- The staircase increases the cost of construction by 120 thousand rubles;
- The second bathroom, together with heating and electrical networks, increases costs by 79,200 rubles.
As a result, we get: 80 000 – 154 600 + 209 300 – 120 000 – 84 200 = 69 500 rubles rise in price for the construction of a two-story house.
Concluding the money theme, we note that a two-level cottage saves land area. In those regions of Russia where land is expensive, the construction of a high-rise building allows you to "win" a very tangible amount.
Pros and cons of living
The second part of the questions does not concern your wallet, but their value is no less than the size of financial investments. Having saved on a construction site, you may face serious inconveniences of living. Therefore, let us consider in more detail what advantages and disadvantages the compared buildings have.
The layout of rooms that are not divided by height into two levels is more convenient for residents. With a well-planned one-story building, there is no need for corridors that take up a large part of the area.
In a two-level house, the main planning problem is the stairs. If you make it comfortable (wide and not steep), then it will take at least 15 m2. The desire to save on size makes it uncomfortable and traumatic for the elderly and children. Partially, the loss of usable area can be compensated by placing a dressing room or storage room under the stairs.
The second floor is a welcome corner of silence and relaxation for the family. Therefore, bedrooms are usually placed here. The noise from the utility and living rooms on the first floor practically does not reach here.
If the building will be built in a picturesque area, then the visibility factor must be taken into account. A two-story cottage in this regard is unrivaled. Having made an open terrace or loggia at the top, you can enjoy the surrounding landscapes every day. On the first floor you can only admire beautiful plot and a fence.
From an architectural point of view, a high facade is more expressive and more promising than a low one. It has enough space for external decor (columns, pilasters, cornices, belts). In addition, supporters and opponents of tall buildings agree on one thing: appearance such buildings are more solid and richer than those of low ones.
In terms of service cost, one-story house more pluses. Any work related to the restoration or replacement of finishes, gutter systems can be done here from a conventional staircase. For repair work on tall building needed scaffolding, self assembly or the rent of which "will cost a pretty penny."
When deciding which house to build, do not forget to correlate its area with the size of the plot:
- on 5-6 acres, a residential building with an area of 120 m2 (one- or two-story) is optimally located for a family of 4 people;
- plots of 10-12 acres are best suited for cottages up to 200 m2;
- a house with an area of 350 - 400 m2 requires at least 15 acres of free territory.
In terms of energy efficiency, a two-story building could be considered the best option. The heat from the premises of the first level here does not go to the cold attic, but warms the second floor. However, in a two-story house, the area of \u200b\u200bthe outer walls is larger and, accordingly, heat loss through them is greater than in a one-story house.
conclusions
After weighing the pros and cons, we can conclude that, financially, the construction of a one-story cottage is more profitable. Practice shows that this advantage is preserved in most cases, however, such a conclusion is certainly not an axiom. From the point of view of living comfort, the cost of repairs and maintenance, the “one-story building” also outperforms the two-level structure.
In the asset of a two-story house, you can write down the savings in the area of the site. In addition, its advantages include a more expressive appearance of the facade and good visibility.
Video "FOR" one-story building:
Video "FOR" two-story building:
Which house is better - one-story or two-story?
When choosing the number of storeys of a country house, several factors should be taken into account, the most important of which is the size of the site.
If the plot is small, then it is more profitable to build a house with two floors (since a one-story house of the same area leaves practically no free space for a lawn or garden). If there are no problems with the plot area, then a one-story house is out of competition.
The second factor that usually influences the decision is the psychological “two-story is cooler!”. And not everyone thinks that a two-story house is much less comfortable for life (why this is so, we will discuss later).
Some go further and build three-story houses, but in reality they live only on one of them (perhaps they motivate their decision by the fact that the more floors, the cheaper the cost of 1 sq.m. of usable area becomes, however, do not forget that in this case, the total cost of construction increases).
Two-storey house
Advantages of a two-story house: a two-story house is "cooler" than a one-story house; you can view the surroundings from the balcony; in winter, sleeping on the second floor is drier and warmer; cost of 1 sq.m. construction is cheaper; roof savings; savings on insulation between residential floors.
Cons of a two-story house: stairs reduce the usable area of the house and cost money; on the second floor, you will have to build a second bathroom, which will also reduce the useful area of \u200b\u200bthe house; a more expensive foundation is required; stairs are contraindicated for the elderly and young children, which during the day will have to constantly go up and down; real life will still take place only on one floor, but its area will be half as much (compared to a one-story house).
Cottage
Advantages of a one-story house: there are no stairs, which is very good for children and the elderly, and it is also simply very convenient; a cheaper foundation (however larger in area, so it can end up being more expensive as a result); lower costs for walls (since they do not need to carry the load from the second floor); a one-story house is built faster and easier, and is also easier to repair; if a family with children lives in the house, then psychologically, a one-story layout will unite the family better, since the children will not have the feeling that their parents have “fenced themselves off” from them with stairs to the second floor; easier installation of the heating system.
Cons of a one-story house: the complexity of planning (if the house is large, then rooms may appear that can only be accessed from other rooms); higher roofing (and possibly foundation) costs.
Let's summarize:
- On small area it is more profitable to build a two-story house, on a large one - a one-story house (since it is more convenient for life).
- If the area of the planned house is less than 100 sq.m. then a one-story house would be the best solution.
- If the area is expected to be in the region of 100–200 sq.m. then there will not be much difference between a one-story and two-story house, choose the one that suits you best.
- With an area of more than 200 sq.m. more justified would be the construction of a two-story house.
- No matter what, build a house the way you imagine it - it is quite possible that it will be ideal for you. Choosing a house is a matter of taste, so try to choose what you like!
On the topic “what kind of house to build: one-story or two-story” there is a lot of controversy. I express my point of view, but I formed it after reading hundreds of opinions of people already living in their house, and after some time after the completion of the construction of the frame of the house, roof and decoration. I also remind you that the articles are talking about wireframe wooden house, in other types of houses, the specifics are still unknown to me. I want to immediately note that I included the attic in the category of 2-storey houses, because. it is no cheaper than them (according to practitioners-builders of frame houses).
To objectively consider this topic, let's look at the pros and cons of each choice.
Single storey frame house: pros
+ save space and money on stairs
+ not afraid to fall down the stairs
+ much easier to build yourself
+ we save on the lack of a bathroom on the 2nd floor (without it, in a two-story frame, and aerated concrete house is bad)
+ we get a hard floor everywhere (on the 2nd floor this is more difficult)
+ no one walks overhead and there is no “top-top-top” in the house
+ more comfortable to live
+ it is easier to insulate and the roof structure is also simpler (this is compared with the attic, the two-story house also has a cold attic)
One-story frame house: cons
- take up a lot of space
- we spend more money on the roof and foundation (about the foundation - not always)
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Two-story frame house: the pros
+ take up less space on the site
+ such a house is often much more beautiful, because there are more design options and the shape of the 2-story building is more traditional, while the 1-story building often looks like a barn or stable (proof in the first photo)
+ we get a view from the 2nd floor more unusual and more beautiful than from the first (often).
+ see Cons of a one-story house 
Two-story frame house: cons
- it's scary to build a roof yourself (and it's also hard to raise materials to such a height)
- you need scaffolding or towers, you can’t get off with one ladder and internal scaffolding
- the foundation may need to be more powerful (additional costs)
- b O Larger area of enclosing structures, which means more cold places in the house
- stairs take up a lot of space + you need to climb to the 2nd floor along it
- see Advantages of a one-story house
At the same time, those who already live in a 2-storey house often say: “I will never build a 2-storey house again: I don’t use the second floor, it’s hard to walk up the stairs, it’s scary for small children running up the stairs (or even: I fell / my wife fell down the stairs, it hurt), it was gloomy how hard it was to build, etc. To be fair, not everyone says that.
The difference in price per sq.m. between a one-story building and a two-story building.
As we have already said in both cases, we spend more somewhere, somewhere less. With a large area (more than 200 sq.m), a two-story building really turns out to be much cheaper. With a small area (up to 100-120 sq.m.), the price per sq.m. is no different and it makes no sense to build a two-story building (unless you have a small plot). And if you build a two-story house 6 × 6 meters, then in terms of usable area it is equal to a one-story house 6 × 9 meters (that is, everything is one and a half times as large a house in terms of area), this made me think and choose a one-story one.
Two-story buildings are built most often due to the lack of free space on the site. If there is no place, then there is nothing to think about, but if there is, then think about it. Comfort in your home is very important. And it’s better not to rely on my general estimates of the cost of multi-storey houses as a whole, but calculate each specific option that interests you. The main thing is that you now have something to build on in solving the dilemma "one-story or two-story frame house."
Now, in 2016, after having already built the main part of the frame practically with my own hands and alone, I can say with confidence that it is much easier for one person to build a one-story frame house. The reasons are banal - it is much easier to get to hard-to-reach corners, there is no need to build huge scaffolding around the house, one level is enough, it is easier to finish. If you have proven builders, then the task is greatly facilitated, except for those cases when you have to urgently climb onto the roof or attic to check or repair something.
Everyone chooses which house to build, one-story or two-story, the main thing is to weigh everything in advance and choose best option for myself.
P.S. This article is about a house for permanent residence, for country house everything needs to be sorted out separately.
What could be better than your own home? Many of us dream of owning such a home. When building or buying a country house, the question often arises: a one-story or two-story house: which is better? The answer may not be so simple, so there are a number of factors to consider in order to make the right decision. The number of floors in the house affects not only how it looks from the outside, but also the comfortable movement of its residents inside the building, as well as year-round maintenance (communications, heating, lighting, payments, etc.).
In fact, there is no clear answer to the question of which of the two options is better, since they both are characterized by a set of pros and cons.
two-storey houses
Popular two-story house "Legion" - click to view the price and configuration
Two-story houses are very popular for a variety of reasons, including:
- Separation of living and sleeping areas. Many consumers love the idea of having a two-story home to provide some sort of separation between the living room and the bedroom. This is definitely a huge benefit, especially since it offers more privacy.
- Square base. Two-story houses often occupy an area less than one-story buildings. They are cheaper to build on a square base, where they take up less space on the site. This allows for a more comfortable outdoor space.
- energy efficiency. Two-story houses are more efficient in terms of heating compared to one-story housing. In addition, the length water pipes can be significantly shorter, which reduces heat loss in pipes and, consequently, energy costs.
One-story houses
The project of a one-story house "Milord" - click to view the price and configuration
There is a benefit of one-story houses:
- The arrangement of the stairs is not required here. Residents of the house do not need to climb stairs to move from room to room. This is not only convenient, but also a safe alternative for families with small children and the elderly.
- Providing uninterrupted living space. In houses of this kind without flights of stairs, there is more free space.
- No traffic noise top level. There is no second floor, which means that there are no noise effects from the movement of residents on it.
- Ease of evacuation. In case of unforeseen situations (fire, emergency) exit from a one-story house will be easier, simpler, safer. If a fire blocks any upper level exits in a two-story home, evacuation can be much more difficult.
- Ease of access to gutters. In a home with only one floor built, the gutters are much easier to clean. In addition, it is easier to reach the windows when they need to be cleaned.
One-story properties may involve higher foundation and roofing costs per square meter of living space, while two-story buildings may involve more complex construction at height.
Two-story projects are more versatile in some respects, as they have more attachment points for the porch, connectors and outlets, elements that transform the style of the house.
Which option is better?
Choice between single storey and double storey country house is subjective, which ultimately comes down to the personal preference of each homeowner. The current life situation should be considered taking into account all the pros and cons. When choosing one or another option, it is necessary to remember the long-term operational period, the possibilities of servicing a residential building, take into account the number of family members, a number of other main and secondary factors. However, being aware of the potential advantages and disadvantages of both types of homes can help make correct solution based on your needs and expectations.
We are accustomed to the fact that houses in our country often grow not in breadth, but in height. This tradition has been going on since the time when there was always a shortage of land in educated gardening associations and people were given catastrophically small plots. The houses were built almost one on one, and in order to increase the modest size of the living space, it was necessary to build upwards. But even now, when you can buy a plot of any size, people still continue to build houses with two or more floors.
At first glance, a two-story house wins in many ways, but in construction you always need to dig deeper.
Advantages of a two-story house
First- This is, of course, the mass character. We are used to seeing how others build and what kind of houses they build, so we strive to build our own house on the same principle. Modern cinema also supports the fashion for two-story houses: in films or TV shows, we constantly see how the characters go down and up the stairs of their country house - and therefore, in our hearts, we also dream of a house with a second floor. This desire, like dreams of a two-story apartment, is constantly fueled by fashion magazines and TV shows.
Second. Popular belief: It has always been believed that two floors are much "cooler" than one. And it is better to build a small two-story house than a huge one-story house. All the same, they will be met by clothes, more precisely, by floor. And only then by the meter.
Third. Cost Savings square meter, savings on roofing materials and a heater. Sometimes when building a house it is important not to lose a dime. And the savings that are visible at first glance are in any case more profitable.
Cons of a two-story house
They mainly arise from design features houses with a second floor.
First- in any case, this is a decrease in the useful area of \u200b\u200bthe first floor due to the stairs. It will not only take up some space, but it will also cost money.
Second. In order for the second floor to be fully functional, a second bathroom will need to be built there. Having a second floor just for playrooms is wrong. When building a country house, it is important to take care of all the amenities. Agree that if you want to go to the toilet at night, then walking through the whole house and going down the stairs in the dark is not very convenient.
Yes, we have options for two-story houses (usually small in size), with one bathroom on the ground floor. An example is a project house. However, how convenient it is is up to you.
Third. If it is warmer on the second floor in winter, then in summer you will not be able to survive there without air conditioning. These are additional costs.
Fourth. This is probably the most important thing. Your life in 90% of cases will take place on the first floor. The second floor will be used only at night or if you have a child, for whom the whole floor can become a full-fledged home.
The opinion of one of our customers:
It was decided to build a one-story house. Most of the time my wife and I live here together, why do we need a second floor? And in general, I think that in most cases this is an excess, money thrown away: my mother has a two-story house, so she has not entered the second floor for a year and a half. For the elderly, it’s 100% unnecessary spending, no one uses the second floor.
Advantages of a one-story house
First. Due to the fact that one-story houses do not have additional stairs, they are much better suited for the elderly and families with children. The lack of stairs and the second floor, where you can close yourself from everyone, will allow you to unite the family. It has been proven that when children are given the second floor, they begin to feel more alone and believe that their parents have fenced them off.
Second. In a one-story house, the heating installation system and all types of communications are much simpler. And most often it comes out cheaper than in a two-story house.
Third. Less foundation and wall costs. And if you can still argue about the foundation, since it will be larger and, therefore, more expensive, then the walls will in any case be cheaper, since they do not need to be further strengthened.
Cons of a one-story house
First is the layout. Indeed, if you have many rooms, then, most likely, you will definitely get into one of them by passing through some second one. The presence of walk-through rooms is not very good for life. And most importantly, useful square meters are lost.
Second. In any case, you will have more expenses for the roof and, most likely, for the foundation.