April 6, 2024 Homeworks Hawaii, Planning, Design
Choosing between a one story or two story house in Hawaii is a decision that involves careful consideration. Each option comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages that can significantly impact your enjoyment. We want to explore the 10 pros and cons of both one story and two story living to help you decide which is right for your Hawaii home.
The Choice Between a One Story or Two Story House in Hawaii
The decision between a one story or two story house in Hawaii is an important one, and we argue that it is highly influenced by current lifestyle, future needs, and the unique challenges and benefits offered by each design. Whether you’d like to embrace the simplicity of a single level or the verticality of a two story structure means you should consider the overall design and the longevity of the home for you.
The Pros of Having a One Story House
1. One Story Allows for Easier Aging-in-Place Accommodations
One significant advantage of opting for a one story versus two story house in Hawaii is the ease of accommodating aging-in-place. With all living spaces on a single level, accessibility and mobility are enhanced, making it a practical choice for those planning for long-term comfort and convenience. That being said, you should still work with an aging-in-place contractor in Hawaii to determine how you can enhance the home’s features with that goal in mind.
2. You Won’t Have to Drag Things Up and Down Stairs
Although it seems like a minor detail– this may be the detail that sways you in the long run. The absence of stairs in a one story home in Hawaii simplifies daily life, eliminating the need to navigate staircases when carrying groceries, furniture, or children. This practicality contributes to a more straightforward living experience.
3. One Story Homes Have More Open Concept Designs
One story houses, unlike two story homes, in Hawaii often lend themselves to more open and spacious layouts. The absence of obstructive staircases and supportive beams allows for seamless transitions between the different spaces of the house, creating an inviting and communal atmosphere.
The Pros of Having a Two Story vs One Story House
1. Separation Between Entertaining and Living Space
A two story house in Hawaii can offer a clear separation between entertainment areas, like your lanai or kitchen, and private living spaces, like bedrooms. This design provides a greater sense of privacy, allowing homeowners the ability to enjoy a tranquil upstairs while still having plenty of space to host and gather below.
2. The Ability to Turn a Level Into an Oahu ADU
Two story homes present the opportunity to designate a level as an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), offering additional living space for either family or even potential rental income. The flexibility that an attached ohana creates will also add to the value and functional versatility of the property, providing an extra layer of utility for homeowners.
3. More Storage For Both Indoor and Outdoor Island Activities
With additional vertical space, two-story homes in Hawaii can provide more storage options, for exercise equipment, SUP boards or other bulky items. A two story may better cater to your storage needs than a one story, with additional space that can be associated with both indoor and outdoor island activities.
The Cons of a One Story vs Two Story Home in Hawaii
1. The Home May Have To Be Smaller
One potential drawback of a one story house in Hawaii is that, to accommodate all living spaces on a single level, the overall blueprint may need to occupy more of the land– something that is a luxury on the island. Choosing a one story house over a two story could lead to a potential limitation on the size of the home or the available yard space.
2. You Could Lose Out on Views
Single story homes might face challenges in capturing the gorgeous panoramic views that set the Hawaiian islands apart from real estate anywhere else in the world. This can be especially true in areas with surrounding structures or even large natural features. Two story houses, on the other hand, with elevated perspectives, have a potential advantage in maximizing scenic views offered by Hawaii’s breathtaking landscapes.
The Cons to Having a Two Story Hawaiian Home
1. Can Be Harder to Cool Off
Two story, more than one story houses, in Hawaii may face challenges in maintaining consistent temperatures throughout both levels. Cooling the upper floor can be more demanding, potentially leading to increased energy consumption and cooling costs. There are ways to optimize an eco-friendly energy output, but that can also be costly.
2. Doesn’t Lend Itself as Easy to the Island Architectural Flow
In Hawaii, where aesthetics often draw inspiration from the natural surroundings, a two story house may pose challenges in seamlessly blending with the island’s architectural landscape. Achieving harmony with the local design and the neighborhood can require thoughtful planning and execution– more than just adding a lanai.
Whether You Decide on a One Story or Two Story House, You’ll Love Living in Hawaii
In the end, whether you opt for a one story or two story house in Hawaii, the unparalleled beauty and lifestyle offered by the islands will remain. Each architectural choice comes with its own set of trade-offs. Whether you are renovating or building new, the decision ultimately boils down to personal preferences, lifestyle considerations, and your personal vision of an ideal home.