You have visions of a low-cost, straightforward two-story home plan. The good news is that a multi-level home may be constructed affordably. Forget the idea that two floors equal a double price. You can build a low-budget simple two-story house design with some forethought.
Simple layouts, the use of affordable yet sturdy materials, and focus on the necessities are the keys. There is no need for opulent furnishings or extra space. Pay attention to what you need, such as a place to live and prepare food. The most economical form is a plain rectangle. So, minimize hallways and wasted space.
If you’re willing to do some of the work yourself to save on labor costs, even better. But don’t cut corners on structural elements. A sturdy foundation and frame are priorities.
With the right design and mindset, you’ll be enjoying your new two-story home before you know it. Keep reading to learn some budget-friendly tricks for your simple two-story house design.
Keeping Costs Low With a Simple Layout
To keep costs down for your simple two-story house, focus on an efficient layout. So, a square or rectangular shape is ideal, as it reduces the perimeter and makes the most of the interior space.
Open-concept main floor
An open-concept main floor eliminates the need for interior walls and additional doors, keeping Construction Estimating Services and things straightforward and budget-friendly. Have the kitchen, dining area, and living room flow into one another. Use the stairway to the second floor as a natural divider between spaces.
Minimal exterior
Keep the exterior simple but stylish. A flat roof, square windows, and a neutral color scheme give a modern look without expensive materials or details. So, consider vinyl or aluminum siding which mimics the appearance of wood or brick at a lower cost.
Standardized second floor
Upstairs, choose a simple layout with 3-4 bedrooms of the same size, a standard bathroom, and a laundry closet. So, this avoids complicated plumbing and HVAC requirements to service oddly shaped rooms.
Multi-purpose spaces
Include flexible, multi-purpose spaces like a mudroom, garage, or basement that can serve various needs over time. These provide extra living areas at a minimal cost during construction.
Keeping your two-story home’s design straightforward and functional is the key to a budget-friendly building. So, focus on open-concept spaces, a simple square layout, a minimal exterior, a standardized second floor, and multi-purpose areas. So, with some creativity, you’ll have an affordable home that suits your needs for years to come.
Optimize Space With Open Floor Plans
Opting for an open floor plan is one of the best ways to make a small two-story house feel more spacious. So, by opening up the first floor, you create a sense of flow and connectivity between rooms.
Combine Spaces
Consider merging the living room, dining area, and kitchen into one larger space. Remove any unnecessary walls and doors to create an open-concept living area. So, this makes the space feel more airy and allows you to save money on flooring and utilities. The open area also makes hosting and entertaining much easier since you can see and access everything at once.
Add Multi-Purpose Furniture
In an open floor plan, it’s important to choose furniture that can serve more than one purpose. A breakfast bar acts as both a place to eat casual meals as well as extra countertop space. An ottoman can provide extra seating that also serves as a coffee table. Nesting tables give you options for flexible table space. The more multi-functional your furnishings, the less cluttered your open space will feel.
Use Columns or Beams for Division
If you want subtle division between spaces without closing them off completely, consider adding columns or support beams. So, they provide architectural detail that helps define areas in an open space. For example, placing columns between the living room and kitchen or beams to separate a dining nook from the main living area. The openness remains but the columns/beams create a sense of transition between the adjacent spaces.
With some strategic design choices, an open floor plan in a small two-story house can make the space feel cohesive yet still provide division between living areas. The end result is a home that feels open and airy but still cozy.
Choose Durable, Low-Maintenance Exteriors
When choosing exteriors for a low-budget home, opt for durable, low-maintenance materials that can stand the test of time without frequent repairs or replacement. Some excellent options include:
Concrete
Concrete, like poured concrete walls or concrete blocks, is an affordable, long-lasting choice. So, concrete won’t rot, warp, or dent and requires little upkeep. For a more attractive look, you can paint concrete blocks or apply a textured coating. Concrete’s thermal mass also helps regulate interior temperatures.
Metal
Galvanized steel and aluminum are ideal for roofing and siding. Metal roofs can last 50 years or more and aluminum or galvanized steel siding is durable and rust-resistant. Metal panels are also lightweight, low-maintenance, and energy efficient. For roofing, consider corrugated galvanized steel or standing seam metal panels. For siding, horizontal or vertical metal panels provide an industrial look.
Composite
Composite materials like vinyl, fiber cement, and engineered wood are composed of wood fibers, plastics, and binders. They offer the attractive look of wood without maintenance. Vinyl and fiber cement siding comes in a variety of styles resembling wood or stone but never needs painting. Composite decking and fencing are also great options.
Stone
Natural stone veneer applied to concrete walls or the lower half of the home’s exterior provides an upscale, rustic look for little cost. A stone veneer only requires occasional sealing and repointing of mortar joints. So, used for accents like chimneys, columns, and porches, stone adds visual interest and durability.
By focusing on these hardy, low-maintenance materials for your home’s exterior, you’ll keep costs down in the long run while achieving a simple yet attractive two-story house design. Your home will stay looking its best for years to come with hardly any effort on your part.
Get Creative With Interior Finishes on a Budget
When designing a house on a budget, the interior finishes are an easy area to save money without sacrificing style. Get creative with affordable and DIY-friendly options.
Paint
A fresh coat of paint is an inexpensive way to transform a space. So, consider lighter, brighter shades to make rooms appear more open and airy. For accents, paint just one wall or the ceiling in a contrasting color.
- Use leftover paint from other projects or buy mis-mixed paint at a discounted price.
- Buy paint during sales and look for coupons to save even more.
- Consider chalkboard or magnetic paint for a fun, functional accent wall.
Flooring
There are many budget-friendly flooring options beyond carpet and tile.
- Vinyl or linoleum sheet flooring or peel-and-stick tiles look like wood or stone at a fraction of the cost.
- Concrete floors stained in vibrant colors are an industrial chic choice. Seal and polish for durability.
- Check salvage yards for reclaimed wood planks, bricks, or pavers to create a rustic wood look or stone floor for cheap.
Lighting
Light fixtures can be pricey, so look for ways to save on lighting.
- Install dimmer switches to control the brightness and mood of overhead lights.
- Use table and floor lamps instead of recessed lighting where possible. They produce a cozy glow for less.
- Choose energy-efficient LED bulbs to save on energy costs long-term.
- Look for fixtures and lamps at thrift stores, yard sales, and clearance outlets. With some spray paint, you can transform them into custom pieces.
By getting creative with budget-friendly interior finishes, you’ll end up with a stylish home that reflects your unique personality. Focus on the basics, keep an eye out for deals, and don’t be afraid to DIY when possible. Your wallet will thank you!
Smart Ways to Add Curb Appeal Without Breaking the Bank
When selling a house, curb appeal is key. The exterior of your home makes the first impression on potential buyers, so you want it to look attractive and inviting without spending a fortune. So, here are some budget-friendly ways to boost your home’s curb appeal.
Landscaping
Affordable landscaping like mulch, shrubs, and flower beds can transform your home’s exterior. Refresh mulch around trees and in planting beds to make the yard look neat. Plant some bushes or small shrubs along the front of the house or fence to add greenery. Add splashes of color with petunias, marigolds, or other annual flowers. These small touches create an appealing landscape without costly trees, perennials, or hardscaping.
Fresh Paint
A new coat of paint on the front door, shutters, trim, or exterior walls is an easy, low-cost way to improve curb appeal. Choose a color that complements your home’s style and existing color scheme. For the front door, consider a bold, eye-catching shade like red or teal. If your entire home needs a face-lift, paint just the trim and shutters in a contrasting color for an updated look.
Lighting
Strategically placed lighting highlights your home’s best features and makes it look more inviting after dark. Add wall sconces next to the front door, path lighting along walkways, or spotlights aimed at architectural details. For energy efficiency, choose LED fixtures. They last longer and use less energy than incandescent bulbs.
Hardware
Replacing old, worn-out hardware is a simple project with a big impact. Install a new mailbox, doorknocker, house numbers, or kickplate. For a coordinated look, choose hardware with a matching style and finish like brushed nickel or oil-rubbed bronze. New hardware polishes up your home’s exterior and shows buyers you pay attention to details.
With some DIY elbow grease and a small budget, you can make a great first impression and boost your curb appeal without breaking the bank. Focus on high-impact areas like the front entrance, yard, and exterior paint or siding. The small details will make your simple two-story house design stand out.
Conclusion
So there you have it, a simple two-story house design and Our CAD Drafter that won’t break the bank. By focusing on an open layout, maximizing natural light, and keeping the exterior minimal yet stylish, you’ve created a home that punches well above its weight class. Now comes the fun part – making this house your own with decor and furnishings that reflect your unique style. Whether you opt for sleek and modern, cozy and eclectic, or somewhere in between, this budget-friendly blueprint provides the perfect blank canvas to craft your dream home. Who knew an affordable home could be so inspiring? You did, that’s who. Well done, you! Now start packing, your new home awaits.