Any builders here?

[phylny]

We are in the process of buying a piece of land, and are choosing a house plan now. The lot slopes, and therefore will have a walkout basement, with windows and a door at the back of the house. My question, if I can state it without sounding like an idiot :), is:

What is generally cheaper to build? A one-story, 1800 sf home with a basement (hence, a foundation of 1800 sf as well) or a two-story home with a 1500 sf foundation and, say, 400 sf on the second level?

Does this make sense? Is it cheaper to dig a larger foundation on a single story, or a smaller foundation on a two-story? We really don't need to have a house with three levels, but I don't know what the most cost effective route is.

Thanks.

[jschurchin]

1. Single Story.

Less labor intensive. Material is a wash, but the labor involved in a second story will bite you in the ass.

[phylny]

2. Thanks js! n/t

[Lars39]

3. How long do you plan to live in the house?

If it's your last house, a single level will be easier as you age, and cheaper in the long run, too. Doorways wide enough for a wheelchair, a walk-in shower, and zero steps to actually enter the house are a tremendous help, and easier to build in than to renovate years later.
We're in the process of renovating my father's house. :hi:

[phylny]

4. Yes, it's going to be our last house, that we plan to live in as long as

possible.

It's on a lake, so we need some extra beds here and there, but we could build some bedrooms downstairs, since it'll be walk out.

The zero steps to enter are a great idea! Thanks for your input.

[Lars39]

5. Oooh, a lake house!

That will be so neat! Another handy thing is to have the laundry room on the main floor...those basement stairs can look like a cliff after a while. :D

[phylny]

6. Yes, especially as we age! n/t