What is the difference between a 1 1 2 story and 2 story home?

Category: real estate houses
4.9/5 (393 Views . 19 Votes)
To define a 1-1/2 story, you really need to pay attention to the roofline and upstairs windows. If the home has dormers, or gable ends that include windows, than by defenition it is a 1-1/2 story. In a traditional 2 story home, you will have full 8 foot or taller walls throughout the entire floor.



Also to know is, what is the difference between a 2 story house and a 1.5 story house?

Our definition of a 1.5 story home is a home that has the master bedroom suite on the main floor and all other bedrooms on the second floor. Two story homes have the master bedroom suite and additional bedrooms located on the second level of the home.

Additionally, is a one story or two story house better? Per square foot, a one-story house is more costly to build than a two-story home. There is a larger footprint, meaning more foundation building and more roofing materials. Two-story homes, on average, command higher prices, because the demand among families is higher.

Hereof, what is the difference between split level and 2 story?

In a typical split-level design, a conventional two-story section of the home is connected to a single-story section, with the single-story section meeting the two-story section at a level halfway between the two floors.

What is a 2 and a half story house?

two-and-one-half-story house. A two-story house in which the loft space between the ceiling of the second floor and the roof above is provided with natural light and ventilation either by dormers and/or by windows in the gable-end walls.

36 Related Question Answers Found

What defines a 2 story house?

My definition of a 2 story house is where the second story has the same or very nearly the same sq footage as the main level as opposed to a 1.5 story such as a Chalet, Saltbox, or Cape COD where the upper level is significantly smaller than the first floor.

What is a one level home called?

Ranch style homes are one-story houses with an open and casual layout. The shape of the house is either rectangular or an "L" or "U" shape. The houses have low-pitched roofs and extended eaves. They also usually have an attached garage and a large picture window facing the street.

What does a 1 1 2 story house look like?

For one thing, a 1 ½ story house makes creative use of loft areas and multi-purpose rooms. 1.5 story homes are as tall as 2-story homes, but the master bedroom and primary living spaces are usually located on the main floor while other bedrooms, storage rooms and/or guest rooms can be located upstairs.

What is a reverse 1.5 story house?

Our definition of 1.5 story home is one with the master suite on the main level and all other bedrooms on the second level. A reverse 1.5 story has the master suite on the main level and all other bedrooms in the basement. Two-story homes have the master suite and most of the other bedrooms located on the second level.

How much is a 2 story house?


1 story house cost $32.50 per square foot. 2 story house cost $26.25 per square foot.

Does a loft count as a second story?

No. If an apartment has a loft or mezzanine where part of the apartment has high ceilings and the other part has 2 levels, you do not count the loft or mezzanine as a separate story. However, you should include the square foot of the mezzanines/lofts in your property's Gross Floor Area (GFA).

What makes a house a story and a half?

If the home has dormers, or gable ends that include windows, than by defenition it is a 1-1/2 story. In other words, there is a loft area, or living space between the ceiling of the first story and the roofline. In a traditional 2 story home, you will have full 8 foot or taller walls throughout the entire floor.

How many stories are in a house?

Take a building that has four levels, including the ground/earth level. It has four stories but three floors. This is because the ground floor does not count as a floor. The floor above is 1st floor, second floor, third floor + the ground floor = three floors, yet four stories.

What is the advantage of a split level house?

Advantages of Split Level Houses
The multi-floored design of the split level home offered good separation of family activities. Younger children could sleep undisturbed in the bedrooms on the higher level while parents could attend to meal preparation and entertaining on the middle level.

Are split level homes popular?


The popularity of split level homes peaked in the 1970s. Now, many of those split level properties need updates. “Unless they've been gutted and updated, most buyers steer clear of them,” says Vereen. The style isn't for everyone, so you might find it challenging to sell the home when the time comes.

How much do split level homes cost?

Many of these homes have survived and are affordable,” West says in his blog, noting that split-levels in College Park, Md., can be found for between $375,000 and $450,000, versus Colonial-style houses of the same size and condition for between $450,000 and $550,000.

How many stories is a tri level house?

The split level has two or three short sets of stairs, and three or four levels. The entry is on a middle floor between two floors. The front door opens directly into what is usually the formal living area, which is typically partially below ground level. Below that may be a small crawl space.

Do split levels have basements?

A split-level home typically has only half of a basement. However, it's possible to have basement space under the lower level as well. Raising the second level invariably creates room below the bedrooms for a basement or other rooms.

Can you convert a split level home?

Things You'll Need
Split-level homes can be a remodeling nightmare. The unique floor plan and exterior of a split-level home often makes it difficult to make large changes when renovating, but with good planning and flexibility, you can transform your vintage 50s place into a modern-feeling, friendly gathering place.

How can I improve my split level house?


Increase the size of the kitchen and make it more open. Improve the exterior appearance of the house, especially the front entry and the flat front. Add windows and more natural light to the kitchen, dining room, entry, bathrooms, and basement. Create a master suite and a master bath.

Is a raised ranch a split level?

While some use the term split-level to describe a raised ranch style, the true raised ranch style has only two levels, while a split-level home has three stories or more.

How do you keep a two story house cool?

With some planning and work, your second story will keep you feeling fresh and comfortable.
  1. Block off the second story from the ground floor.
  2. Buy a window air conditioner.
  3. Install heavy, insulating curtains on all upstairs windows, and keep them closed.
  4. Keep windows closed unless a cool breeze develops.