Double Storey Living: Why the Only Way is Up

For many Perth families, the only way is up when it comes to building their dream home. With block sizes shrinking and prices soaring, building double storey homes on narrow lots is becoming a popular option. In fact, building a two storey home is one of the best ways for those looking to build to capitalise on the changing home building landscape in WA.

So when choosing between a single or double storey home design there are several factors to consider, including the size and shape of the block and your lifestyle requirements and preferences. It’s important to also examine what you and your family require both now and in the future – so here are some of the benefits of two storey homes that make them too good to overlook.

1. Space

Thanks to the double storey trend taking over Perth, builders are now capitalising on narrow lots that create efficient use of space. So by building up, you can maximise the space and choose a floor plan that suits your needs perfectly. Stacking your space instead of spreading it out means you can maintain a good sized living area and bedrooms, plus gives you extra room for the all-important double garage and any other additional rooms you may require.

Another advantage of double storey living is increased room for a sizeable backyard. If you have kids or pets, a backyard may be a determining factor when choosing a home, or if you enjoy entertaining, an alfresco area may be a top priority. A double storey home will maximise surrounding spaces, leaving enough room for a spacious garden, swimming pool, alfresco area and more, which probably wouldn’t be possible with a single storey home on the same size block.

2. Segregation

Continuing on from this potential for a more efficient use of space and functional layout, double storey homes also provide greater separation. Splitting the house across two storeys gives you multiple living options to create areas for both relaxing and socialising, and by carefully considering your lifestyle and requirements it’s possible to make double storey design perfect for you.

For example, you may opt to have the bedrooms and bathrooms upstairs, which provides more privacy and space and then have the open plan living area downstairs, which provides room for entertaining and togetherness. With the living areas and bedrooms over two floors it’s easy to create distinct areas and separation between zones. Alternatively, you may opt to have the master bedroom and ensuite downstairs and the other bedrooms upstairs, so you have your own retreat apart from the rest of the house. That way, you can enjoy time together in the spacious open plan living area and then wind down in your own private area.

This clever use of zones is particularly ideal for families and upgraders with older children. It’s also a great reflection of the changing lifestyles for first home builders who are thinking towards the future. Nowadays, home buyers are staying in their homes much longer than past generations and are therefore building double storey homes to allow for the opportunity of family growth in the future. So with their separated living quarters and additional bedrooms, double storey homes are able to grow with this new breed of home buyers.

3. Outlook

When you build higher, it gives you greater opportunity to maximise on any views that the property may have. It can also improve the natural light available, making it one of the main reasons people are increasingly choosing to have their living areas on the upper storey. Double storey homes also have a far more impressive appearance, giving you better street appeal.

4. Affordability

A common misconception is that double storey houses are much more expensive than single storey houses. However, double storey does not necessarily mean double the price. With Perth’s skyrocketing land prices, smaller blocks are driving the demand for double storey homes.

At Residential Building WA, our team of dedicated home building professionals are experts at delivering affordable and quality two storey homes to the families of Perth. Offering a range of double storey designs in unique styles and at affordable prices, our team will work closely with you to build you the home that you’ve always wanted.

Furthermore, builders are now looking for alternative ways to build double storey homes to save you time and money. Using lightweight upper floor construction methodology, a building technique that uses a double brick floor and a lightweight upper floor using Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), your Residential Building WA home is built faster to reduce costs.

Choose Residential Building WA

At Residential Building WA, we are the best in value, materials, speed and design. We have raised the bar for two storey builders in Perth and have the understanding, commitment and innovation to design and build first homes that Perth families are proud to call their own. Don’t take our word for it? See for yourself:

The Treehouse

Built on a beautiful 203 square metre block, The Treehouse is the perfect family home with enough space for everyone. Cleverly zoned, it features a theatre room, office, master suite and open plan living/dining/kitchen downstairs with minor bedrooms upstairs along with a sitting area. The modern elevation blends feature brick with standard render giving it a sleek finish that screams street appeal.

In focus:

• Address: Gay Street, Dianella (Seven Hills Estate)
• Bedrooms: 4
• Bathrooms: 2
• Block width: 15m
• Price: From $295,868
• On display: Sat & Sun 1pm-5pm, Mon & Wed 2pm-5pm

The Sullivan

Inviting you in through its striking front elevation, The Sullivan offers generous living areas perfect for a large family. A chef’s kitchen with breakfast bar and double sliding doors spill out into the outdoor living area making it the ideal home for those who love to entertain. Then for some downtime, the master suite is privately located upstairs and includes a retreat, an oversized ensuite and walk-in robe with a private balcony to enjoy the some peace and quiet.

In Focus:

• Address: 26 Vetter Road, Clarkson (Catalina Estate)
• Bedrooms: 4
• Bathrooms: 2
• Block width: 14m
• Price: $296,999
• Display times: Sat & Sun 1pm-5pm, Mon & Wed 2pm-5pm

Want to take your living space to the next level?  Start a conversation with the experts in double storey home building today about your next project.