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Architecture/two story vesus one story

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Expert: - 4/2/2008


Question
In april 06 you responded to a question by saying two stories are more cost effective than one. My wife and I are getting ready to build and can accomplish the objective either way. We would prefer a one story because of the age of our often visiting parent, however economics is always an issue in home building. Is there a ratio we can apply to 2v1? Say both home are a rectangle ones single story 30x70 the other is two story 30x35 both simple gable roofs, both same number of rooms, baths etc... what are we talking about in terms of cost for each as a relationship to each other. We understand that building cost vary from place to place but if you can give us an expectation of the cost ratio.

Answer
Bill - thanks for your question!

There's no formula that I know of, but in the example you cite the two story house has half of the foundation and half of the roof of the first.

And of course you need to add in a stair and additional hallway expense in the two story house.

I would expect that for two otherwise "identical" plans, the two story could be 20% less than a one story plan.  The only way to know for sure is to get them priced out, but I think you can be confident in a significant cost savings for the two story house.

Hope this helps,

Richard Taylor, AIA
www.rtastudio.com
www.rtaplans.com

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Richard Taylor, AIA

Expertise

Ask me about all aspects of house, remodeling. , and room addition design and construction. Ask me about historic homes, renovation, and restoration. Ask me about materials and techniques, and about how you can get the best value for your design and construction dollar. Ask me how you can make your home a very special place. I can't, however, answer specific structural engineering questions in this forum - that's something you'll need on-site observation for.

Experience

I own a full-service residential architectural firm, and have been designing custom homes, remodelings, and room additions across the country since 1983. Check us out at Richard Taylor Architects and RTA Plans. I have written and been published extensively on the subject of residential architecture.

Organizations
American Institute of Architects, City of Dublin Architectural Review Board, Vice Chair of City of Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission, American Planning Association, Board Member Historic Dublin Business Association, Past Editor of SPLASH (a software forum), Past Editor of Open Directory Project, Assistant Scoutmaster, Boy Scouts of America

Publications
Business First of Columbus, Suburban New Publications, About.com, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Columbus Dispatch Residential Architect Custom Home Architect Remodeling Architect

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Environmental Design (Architecture) Miami University 1983
For more about home design, check out my blog at Sense Of Place and join the conversation on our Facebook Page.

Awards and Honors
2010 Dublin Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year

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