To build a 1 story or2 story house

[thaistyle29]

When we get ready to build our house we just cant seem to agree on 1 story or 2...I know most of you will say build a 2 story because of the flooding possibility...I have lived in south florida my whole life abd only in a single story...no walking up and down stairs...both me and the wife are in our mid 60s....ive seen to many older people over there unable to use the second floor...they had to build a bedroom down stairs...seems to me if you raise tne foundation enough you should have no problem with flooding.does anyone live in a one story house???

[nigelandjan]

For what its worth mate I would go for a single story ,, mabe raised 60cm off the ground with about 3 steps up.

I live in a bungalow now and will do in Thailand for sure a bit later.

Infact I have been lucky enough to live in bungalows for the last 20+ years absolutely love em ,, easy to decorate ,, easy to clean windows + gutters etc,, only my opinion sure others will point out theyre preferences

[rickschoppers]

I have to agree with Nigel. Build a one story which will eliminate walking up and down the stairs several times a day. I originally was going to build a two story, but had a change of heart after researching building styles here in Thailand. It is not the same as in the US and structurally there are a lot of ways they cut corners which can lead to problems down the road.

The only real reason to build up is if you do not have enough land to build a large enough one story. There is always the argument that it also costs less to build a two story which is true, but the costs are so low in Thailand that a one story makes more sense.

The worry of flooding is decreased by bringing in fill dirt and raising the foundation. Also, know the area where you will be building and make sure it is not in a floodplain.

Good Luck

[peterpan]

That man NIgel talks sense. I live in a a 2 story house, in our bedroom,the top floor is 10 deg hotter than the bottom floor.

[Stumpy]

Consider a lifted floor plan? I am quite interested in them for a multitude of reasons.

1) You have a shaded outside eating area.
2) One part can be a garage/workshop.
3) Covered parking without adding carport
4) Stays cool.
5) Keeps main house cool.
6) Flooding potential eliminated (Only really applies if you live in an area that might)
7) Keeps your local animal life out
8) Plumbing accessible should an issue arise
9) Its not really a 2 story home as it is single level living so you do not get that super hot second story issue.

Of course you do have to go up a small flight of stairs to enter it. If stairs are hard to navigate then I completely understand, single level is probably best approach. I have several lifted floor plans I have looked at over the last 6 months. I like them as they are aesthetically appealing keeping the home some what Thai traditional appearing.

Just some thoughts

Best of luck on your choices and build.

[Necron99]

Look at the houses around where you want to build.
The big dirty brown stripe on houses, fences, power poles etc will tell you if you need an elevated house.

Yes, getting on, and stairs can be a consideration. I think this can be amorelated somewhat with non standard stairs giving an easier journey and also building a sala half way.