1. Bungalows: Single‑Level Living
Definition & Design
A bungalow is a one‑storey home with all living spaces—bedrooms, kitchen, living areas—on the main floor. Basements (if included) are typically fully below grade.
Pros
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Accessibility & Aging‑in‑Place
No stairs to navigate makes bungalows ideal for families with young children, seniors, or anyone with mobility concerns. -
Open, Flexible Layouts
With no upstairs footprint, you can design wide, sprawling plans—great for open‑concept living, large master suites, or dedicated hobby spaces. -
Ease of Maintenance
Exterior repairs (roof, gutters, siding) happen at ground level, reducing lift rentals and contractor costs. -
Resale Appeal
Growing demand among retirees and downsizers keeps bungalow values strong in many markets.
Cons
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Bigger Footprint
To achieve the same square footage as a two‑storey, your foundation and roof area must be larger—adding to excavation, concrete, roofing, and siding costs. -
Land Requirements
You’ll need a wider lot to accommodate single‑level plans without squeezing side yards. -
Energy Efficiency
Higher roof‑to‑floor ratio can mean more heat loss; careful insulation and HVAC design are required.
Builder’s Takeaways
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Foundation & Roof Costs tend to run 10–20% higher per square foot compared to two‑storeys.
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Customization Opportunity:
Use tapered rooflines, clerestory windows, or integrated outdoor living to add architectural interest and increase natural light.
2. Two‑Storey Homes: Vertical Efficiency
Definition & Design
A two‑storey home stacks living and sleeping areas across two full floors. Commonly, living/dining/kitchen occupy the main level and bedrooms the upper level.
Pros
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Footprint Efficiency
Smaller foundation and roof area per square foot of living space reduces site‑preparation and roofing costs. -
Clear Zone Separation
Daytime and nighttime activities stay neatly divided—parent retreat upstairs, social areas below. -
Greater Lot Flexibility
Ideal for narrow or irregular lots where you need to build “up” instead of “out.” -
Energy Savings
Compact design can be easier to heat and cool, especially when coupled with modern insulation and high‑efficiency HVAC.
Cons
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Staircase Required
Stairs consume 80–120 sq ft of floor space and add construction complexity. -
Accessibility Challenges
Not ideal for those who may have difficulty navigating steps; retrofitting an elevator is costly. -
Second‑Floor Maintenance
Roof‑drainage upgrades or gutters on the upper rooflines require lifts or scaffolding.
Builder’s Takeaways
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Cost Advantage:
For equivalent square footage, two‑storeys can save 10–15% on foundation and roofing compared to bungalows. -
Design Customization:
Play with ceiling heights (vaulted, tray ceilings) upstairs or add a loft balcony overlooking the main floor to enhance openness.
3. Bi‑Levels (Split‑Entry): Budget‑Friendly Split‑Levels
Definition & Design
A bi‑level (split‑entry) home has a front entry that opens onto a landing between upper and lower floors. The upper level houses main living spaces; the lower level contains additional bedrooms, family rooms, or rental suites.
Pros
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Lower Construction Costs
Smaller footprint and reduced finish area (exposed basement ceiling) often drive overall build cost down. -
Natural Light in Lower Level
Raised foundation walls permit larger windows below grade, making walk‑out basements feel more like living space. -
Income Suite Potential
Easily convert the lower level to a self‑contained suite—ideal for in‑law living or rental income. -
Minimal Lot Width
Suits narrow infill lots where a traditional two‑storey might crowd side setbacks.
Cons
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Interior Stair Navigation
Two short stair flights mean no “one‑level” living; mobility limitations may arise. -
Zoning & Code Complexity
Adding a rental suite can trigger fire‑rating, egress, and parking requirements. -
Perceived Lower Ceiling Heights
Clients sometimes feel basements—even walk‑outs—are “basement” rather than full living space.
Builder’s Takeaways
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Cost‑Effective Add‑Ons:
Offering a turnkey suite package—complete with separate HVAC zone, sound‑proofing, and kitchen/bath—can add significant value for homeowners. -
Site Grading Considerations:
Sloped lots are perfect for bi‑levels; minimal earthwork often reduces excavation and retaining costs.
4. Quick Comparison
| Feature | Bungalow | Two‑Storey | Bi‑Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accessibility | Excellent | Moderate | Fair |
| Foundation Cost | Highest per ft² | Lowest per ft² | Low to Moderate |
| Roofing Cost | Highest per ft² | Lowest per ft² | Low to Moderate |
| Lot Width Required | Wide | Narrow to Moderate | Narrow |
| Basement/Suite | Optional standard | Optional standard | Ideal for income suite |
| Natural Light (Lower) | N/A | N/A | Good (walk‑out potential) |
| Energy Efficiency | Moderate | Highest | Moderate |
5. Which Style Is Right for You?
As a custom home builder and general contractor, our role is to guide you through:
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Budget Alignment
We’ll provide transparent cost estimates—foundation, framing, roofing, finishes—so you can see where dollars allocate in each style. -
Site Evaluation
Lot dimensions, slope, and municipal regulations heavily influence which design makes sense. We conduct thorough site assessments to recommend optimal layouts. -
Lifestyle Needs
Whether you prioritize single‑level living, energy efficiency, or rental income, we tailor floorplans and finishes to your family’s goals. -
Future Proofing
From universal design for aging‑in‑place to integrated suite wiring for easy rental conversion, we build with tomorrow in mind.
Ready to explore floorplans and get a precise build estimate?
Contact us today for a free consultation. Together, we’ll design the perfect home—bungalow, two‑storey, or bi‑level—that fits your budget, lot, and lifestyle goals.