Single Storey vs Two Storey - Which is Right for You?

Choosing between a single storey and a two storey house is one of the biggest decisions you will make when building your dream home in Sri Lanka. Both options have clear advantages and disadvantages. The right choice depends on your land size, budget, family needs, and future plans. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know so you can make a smart decision.

Advantages of a Single Storey House

A single storey house is the traditional choice for many Sri Lankan families. Here is why it remains popular.

• Safe for elderly and children - There are no stairs to climb, which makes it much safer for grandparents, young children, and anyone with mobility issues.
• Cheaper foundation - A single storey house puts less weight on the foundation. This means you spend less on the base structure, especially if your soil is soft or on a slope.
• Faster to build - With only one floor, construction is simpler and quicker. You can move in sooner and save on labour costs.
• No staircase needed - A staircase takes up about 80 to 100 square feet of space. In a single storey house, you use that space for rooms instead.
• Easier maintenance - Cleaning gutters, painting walls, and fixing the roof are all much easier when you do not need ladders or scaffolding.

Disadvantages of a Single Storey House

• Needs more land - To get the same floor area as a two storey house, you need a bigger plot of land. In areas like Kandy and Matale where land prices are high, this can be expensive.
• Less privacy - All rooms are on the ground level, so neighbours and people passing by can see into your home more easily.
• Limited views - In hilly areas like Gampola and Kandy, an upper floor gives you beautiful views of the surrounding hills. A single storey house misses out on this.
• Larger roof area - A wider roof costs more to build and maintain than a smaller roof on a two storey house.

Advantages of a Two Storey House

A two storey house is becoming more and more popular in Sri Lanka, especially in urban and semi-urban areas. Here are the benefits.

• More space on a small plot - You can build 2,000 square feet of living space on a plot that only has 1,000 square feet of ground area. This is a huge advantage when land is limited.
• Better views - The upper floor gives you a view of the surrounding area. This is especially valuable in scenic places like Kandy, Gampola, and the hill country.
• Separate living and sleeping areas - Keep the kitchen, living room, and guest areas downstairs. Bedrooms stay private and quiet upstairs. This separation is great for families.
• Modern and attractive look - Two storey houses look impressive and modern. They add value to your property and stand out in the neighbourhood.
• More garden space - Since the house footprint is smaller, you have more land left for a garden, drying area, or parking.

Disadvantages of a Two Storey House

• Higher construction cost - A two storey house needs a stronger foundation, reinforced columns, and a staircase. These add to the overall cost.
• Staircase takes space - The staircase uses about 80 to 100 square feet on each floor. You also need to plan the layout carefully around it.
• Harder to maintain - Painting the outside walls, cleaning upper windows, and roof repairs all require extra effort and equipment.
• Not ideal for elderly - If elderly parents live with you, climbing stairs daily can be difficult. You may need to plan a bedroom on the ground floor for them.

Cost Comparison: Single Storey vs Two Storey

Many people think a two storey house costs exactly double. That is not true. A two storey house typically costs about 15% to 25% more than a single storey house with the same total floor area. Here is a general cost comparison for the Matale, Kandy, and Gampola areas.

Note: These are approximate figures. Actual costs depend on your location, soil condition, design details, and choice of materials. Contact Unicon for a free and accurate estimate for your project.

Which is Better for Your Family?

There is no single answer that works for everyone. The best choice depends on your family situation.

Young Family with Children

A two storey house works well. Children enjoy having their own rooms upstairs, and the ground floor stays tidy for guests. Just make sure to add safety gates at the top and bottom of the staircase when the children are small.

Family with Elderly Parents

A single storey house is the safest option. If you still want a two storey house, plan a bedroom with an attached bathroom on the ground floor for your parents. This way, they never need to use the stairs.

Small Plot (Under 8 Perch)

A two storey house is almost always the better choice for small plots. Building upwards gives you the space you need without covering every inch of your land. You still have room for a small garden and parking.

Large Plot (Over 15 Perch)

If you have plenty of land, a single storey house gives you a spacious and comfortable home on one level. You can spread the rooms out, add wide corridors, and still have a large garden and outdoor space.

Land Size Guide: When to Go Single vs Two Storey

Here is a simple guide based on land size in perch. This applies to typical residential plots in Matale, Kandy, Akurana, and Gampola.

• 5 to 7 perch - Two storey is the best option. A single storey house will cover too much of the land and leave no space for parking or a garden.
• 8 to 12 perch - Both options work. Choose based on your family needs and budget. A two storey house will give you more open space around the house.
• 13 to 20 perch - A single storey house fits comfortably. You can build a large home and still have plenty of outdoor space.
• Over 20 perch - Single storey is ideal. You have more than enough land, so there is no need to build upwards unless you prefer the look of a two storey home.

The Smart Hybrid Option: Build Now, Expand Later

Not sure if you need two floors right now? There is a smart solution. Build a single storey house today, but design the foundation and columns strong enough to support a second floor in the future.

This hybrid approach is very popular in Sri Lanka. You save money now and add the upper floor when your family grows or your budget allows. The key is to plan for this from the start. If the foundation is not strong enough, you cannot safely add a second floor later.

At Unicon Construction, we design many homes with this future expansion in mind. We make sure the structural work on the ground floor can handle the extra weight of a second floor. This small extra investment during the first build saves you a lot of money compared to rebuilding the foundation later.

How Unicon Helps You Decide

Choosing between a single storey and a two storey house is a big decision. You do not have to make it alone. At Unicon Construction, we offer a free consultation where we visit your land, understand your family needs, and give you honest advice on which option is best for you.

We serve families across Matale, Kandy, Gampola, and Akurana. Our team will help you with everything from choosing the right house type, to creating a 3D design, to completing the full construction. Whether you decide on a single storey home, a two storey home, or a future-ready hybrid design, we make sure your home is built right, on time, and within your budget.

Get in touch today for your free consultation. Send us a message on WhatsApp or visit our project gallery to see our completed projects.