Low-budget simple two storey house designs that will inspire you

One of the biggest challenges that homeowners face is finding the perfect design for their dream home. With numerous styles and floor plans available, picking one that meets individual tastes and fits within a budget can be extremely daunting. Fortunately, basic two-story house designs on a budget offer a simple solution, striking a balance between functionality and visual appeal.

Two-story houses are a preferred choice for many homeowners, offering generous living space while making the most of available land. Affordable two-storey house designs, often featuring open floor plans, spacious rooms, and potential views from upper levels, are popular among those looking to stay within a budget. Choosing the ideal design can be overwhelming, particularly for those with limited financial resources. This article presents a selection of the best cost-effective two-storey house designs.

Low-cost simple two-story house designs

A well-designed two-storey house balances functionality and aesthetics, maximizing space while ensuring comfort and smooth flow throughout the home. The key elements include:

A layout that promotes effortless transition between rooms.
Abundant natural light is introduced through judiciously positioned windows.
A visually pleasing exterior that blends harmoniously with its surroundings.

Below are several small two-story house designs to inspire you in envisioning your ideal home.

1. Two storey cottage

This tidy and uncomplicated house plan is one of the most affordable two-storey house designs, especially because it effectively caters to the needs of its residents. It has a sufficient number of bedrooms to accommodate both family members and guests. Also, the modern facade design showcases the unique character of the homeowners, with a stylish blend of various materials enhancing its appeal.

This design comprises a large, covered outdoor space and a covered park area for vehicles, thereby incorporating necessary features into the home without enlarging its overall size. The car park can be expanded to accommodate two vehicles or converted into a full garage.

Despite its relatively modest size by today's standards, the first floor has a combined kitchen and living room area that spans almost 30 square meters. This living room can also be converted into a guest bedroom from an adjacent study, thanks to a spacious bathroom featuring a shower stall and space for a washing machine.

The design features a boiler room located beneath the staircase, allowing for efficient use of space. The staircase, which is designed as a single, non-spiral section, includes a landing to enhance accessibility.

On the second floor, there are three full bedrooms that share a spacious bathroom that is equivalent in size to the one found on the first floor. This bathroom is positioned above the first-floor bathroom and furnace, facilitating plumbing distribution while allowing for a shared ventilation system.

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This exquisitely designed two-story hillside house plan has been expertly laid out to showcase breathtaking views from both floors. The floor plan has been carefully arranged to maximize the scenery seen from both levels. The main floor features a serene primary bedroom that serves as a tranquil retreat, providing direct access to a spacious covered balcony, providing the perfect spot to take in the beautiful surroundings.

There is a flexible space on this floor. The space receives generous quantities of natural light, which is made possible due to the sliding glass door that leads directly to the outdoors.

On the top floor, an L-shaped kitchen merges into a vaulted living room and breakfast area. This design intends to encourage interaction among visitors. Guests can move seamlessly between indoor and outdoor spaces by opening the glass door to the balcony, thereby fully appreciating the property's stunning views.

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This modern house design presents an attractive first appearance. Characterized by its large windows and elegant exterior, it offers a warm welcome from the outset. The open-plan interior arrangement optimises space, providing effortless movement between the living, dining, and kitchen areas.

One of the most impressive modern house designs on a low budget features an upper floor and a generous amount of storage space. The lovely residence boasts double drive-up garages at both the front and rear, with the option to park two vehicles in one of them. Upon entering, visitors are warmly welcomed by a spacious, formal entrance hall which nicely transitions to a storage closet boasting built-in shelves at its end of the hallway.

The main living area is located upstairs and features an abundance of natural light from its numerous glass doors and windows. This open-plan layout makes it an ideal space for socializing, especially during warmer seasons when the glass doors can be easily opened to access the spacious balcony.

The kitchen was designed with efficiency in mind. Its layout enables homeowners to cook hassle-free while their guests can mingle in the area. A convenient bar counter is also incorporated into the space.

4. Attic home design

This type of attic-style house is favored for its innovative architectural planning strategies. The exterior features a exterior with a bark finish, although this option is available. The design offers flexibility, meaning you can choose materials for construction and finishes as per your preference. The low walls in the attic enable optimal use of the roof space, resulting in lower construction costs per square meter.

The loft features complete insulation on the roof, providing an effective barrier for the living area. A fireplace in the living room adds a warm and cozy ambiance, especially near the dining space. The downstairs bedroom can be used as a study, game room, or media room.

The open terrace incorporated into the design makes it ideal for relaxed evenings with friends, including barbecues. Its dimensions can be tailored without being limited by the project's original design. It's recommended to install a parasol or pergola to provide shade from direct sunlight.

The compact garage is large enough for most vehicles, providing your car with protection from the elements. Next to the garage, there is a technical room where you can safely keep your car accessories.

Reaching the second floor via the stairs leads to a short hallway with access to the bedrooms and bathroom. Upstairs from the technical area, there's a bathroom and a laundry facility, which works together to efficiently use hot water. The master bedroom is roomy and comes with a balcony overlooking a large bay window found on the first floor.

5. Simple two-storey farmhouse

This farmhouse design boasts a charming exterior with a simple and uncluttered interior design. The entrance hall provides a spacious introduction to a grand great room that doubles as a living area and flows smoothly into the kitchen. A cleverly positioned wood stove in the great room creates an intimate atmosphere, promoting cozy gatherings.

This level has an eating bar in the kitchen, which makes it easier to optimize space. There is also a walk-in pantry and a covered deck with views to enjoy. On this level, you'll also find a studio suite.

The farmhouse's standout feature is the expansive vaulted loft upstairs, which boasts a spacious full bathroom and a considerable walk-in closet. In addition, there are three attic spaces available to increase storage even further.

Is a two-storey house more costly to construct?

Building a two-story house tends to be more costly due to the necessity for a strengthened foundation, heightened material usage during construction, and more intricate design and utility systems. The added expenses arise both from the structural demands and the supplementary decorative elements required for two levels.

There are several advantages to constructing two-storey houses. These benefits may vary dependent on the situation, but the results can be considerable.

A two-story house possesses numerous benefits, including expanded living area without necessitating a larger plot, enhanced views and natural light, and increased differentiation between private and public zones. The design enables the inclusion of outdoor living features such as balconies and decks, and its compact footprint is particularly suited for urban environments.

Final word

Budget-friendly two-storey homes offer an ideal combination of functionality and style for homeowners who want to bring their dream house to life without overspending. From quaint cottages to sleek, modern hillside layouts, each design in this selection presents creative floor plans that fully utilize space and make the most of natural light to create a comfortable, well-organized living space. By choosing a plan that matches your personal taste and budget, you can turn your vision into a reality and enjoy the benefits of a well-designed home.

A Kenyan news website, .co.ke, recently featured an article highlighting plans for constructing a three-bedroom house on a tight budget. The article showcases a variety of simple and affordable three-bedroom house designs tailored to different needs and preferences. Each floor plan is detailed, including dimensions and layout features, to help potential homeowners better visualize their living space.