Building a custom home is an exciting process that involves a multitude of choices, such as whether to build a bungalow house or two-story house. This is an important decision because, once construction begins, structural changes become challenging and costly. Each home has unique pros and cons for privacy, accessibility, and expenses. The overall cost to build a custom home is also a key consideration. If you’re looking for guidance on whether to build a bungalow or two-story home, you’ve come to the right place. Ease your decision-making process with our comprehensive comparison below.
Lot Size + Land Tax
Building your custom home on a larger plot of land will increase your land tax expenses.
Bungalows and two-story homes require different property sizes to accommodate their one- and two-story layouts.
Bungalow: Bungalows are often built on larger plots of land in order to accommodate their single-level layout. The increase in land size brings a corresponding increase in land taxes.
Two-story house: A two-story home can maximize your living space on smaller plots of land, which leads to lower land taxes.
Privacy
Privacy is important for both the need of seclusion from neighbours and the desire for personal space within the household.
Larger families may want a multi-level, 2 storey home for added privacy, while smaller families might enjoy the cozy feel of a bungalow house.
Bungalow: Bungalows provide a sense of seclusion, because the single-story design limits visibility from neighbouring houses, particularly those with multiple floors. You can also shield direct views into a bungalow with plants, fences, and trees around the property.
Two-story house: A two-story home gives you more privacy because the upper floor separates bedrooms and additional bathrooms from the common areas of the downstairs level.The windows on the second floor provide additional views into the house, but privacy can be improved by using window coverings or by planting tall trees in the yard.
Home Additions
Home additions can create areas for entertaining guests or add bedrooms for a growing family.
The type of house you decide to build will determine how flexible you can be with future expansions.
Bungalow: Expanding a bungalow house outward is quicker and cheaper than expanding upward on a two-story home, but it can reduce yard space significantly.
Two-story house: Two-story home expansions are more time and cost intensive than bungalow expansions. Expansions on the second floor involve reinforcing the existing foundation and walls, as well as extending the roof.
Repairs and Remodels
Home repairs and remodels can help you improve the functionality, appearance, and value of your home.
Repairs and renovations vary from simple tasks like fixing faucets to larger projects such as remodeling kitchens.
Bungalow: Exterior repairs and remodels, such as upgrading the roof and repairing the foundation, can be expensive because of their size. Interior repairs and remodels are typically more cost-efficient as they involve working with fewer walls and structural elements compared to two-story homes.
Two-story house: Renovating or repairing two-story houses can be complex because of the structural considerations of multiple floors.
Accessibility
A home that has accessible features ensures that all household members can safely and easily use and navigate the space.
One of the numerous benefits of designing a custom home is the option to build a home that prioritizes your accessibility needs.
Bungalow: Bungalows offer better accessibility for individuals with limited mobility because they eliminate stairs and often incorporate open-concept designs that increase floor space.
Two-story house: Stairs can be difficult for seniors or individuals with limited mobility. You can enhance accessibility in a two-story home with upgrades like stair lifts and guard rails.
Utility Costs
Electricity, gas, water, and sewage services are standard utilities that influence monthly home expenses.
The size and layout of a home can affect utility costs. Larger homes or those with multiple levels tend to have higher utility costs since it requires more energy to heat and cool the entire space.
Bungalow: Bungalows have lower utility costs due to their interconnected rooms, which are easier and cheaper to cool and heat compared to separate rooms on multiple levels.
Two-story house: HVAC systems in two-story homes use a significant amount of energy to heat and cool multiple floors, leading to higher utility bills.
Natural Light
The quantity and quality of natural light you get in your home is based on factors such as window size, window placement, and the surrounding landscape.
Your home’s total square footage can also alter the amount of natural light it receives.
Bungalow: Custom building a bungalow gives you the opportunity to add tall windows and vaulted ceilings. These design elements work to optimize vertical space and fill the interiors with natural light.
Two-story house: Strategically placing various sizes and styes of windows throughout the first and second floors of the house can bring an abundance of natural light into each room.
Making Your Decision
If you’re looking to build a custom home and need more advice on whether to build a bungalow or two-story house, call ODIMA Construction. We can give you expert advice to help you choose the perfect style for your dream home.
The following chart summarizes the main comparison points between bungalows and two-story houses:
