Taking the time to carefully plan a two-story home will save you from a number of headaches in the future, both financial and emotional. By considering all of your options before getting too far along in the construction process, it can make the whole process far smoother and result in a much more pleasant experience for everyone involved. Before diving into the planning process, here are 8 tips to consider when it comes to laying out a Basic House Design, Modern House Plan, Two Story House Plan, Single Family House Plans, Contemporary House Plans, Cottage House Designs, and Split Level House Plans. 1. Think Carefully About the Orientation Many people don’t consider the orientation of the house until after they have made all other decisions, but it’s actually one of the most important decisions to make during the planning stages. Not only does the orientation of the house affect how much energy it consumes, it changes the overall atmosphere and aesthetic value of the house, which can have a big impact. Think about how the sun will move around the house throughout the day and through the seasons. Does the house need to face any specific way in order to make use of existing natural features such as a view or a source of shade? Choosing a thoughtful orientation can make a big difference for homeowners. 2. Bring the Outdoors In Designing a two-story home is a great opportunity to really bring the beauty of the outdoors inside. Design features like large windows, wraparound porches, decks and balconies, skylights, and more can add a whole new level of beauty to the home and can be a great way to save on energy costs in the long run. Whether you’re looking to install a new feature or simply take advantage of an existing feature, bringing the outdoors in is a great way to add a unique, luxurious, and sustainable feel to a two-story home. 3. Look Into Passive Cooling Solutions There’s no denying that air conditioning can be a great tool for keeping your home cool and comfortable on hot summer days. However, as energy bills increase and more and more focus is placed on sustainability, it’s worth exploring the benefits of passive cooling solutions. Passive cooling solutions work by making use of certain natural features of your house such as orienting it towards the sun, insulating it properly, and using certain building materials and construction techniques to regulate your house temperature. All of these features either work to prevent heat from entering the house, or to regulate it once it’s inside. Exploring these options can be a great way to reduce your energy bill and make your home a more sustainable environment. 4. Consider the Amount of Privacy You Want Privacy is an important factor to consider when planning a two-story home. The number of floors itself makes the house more private than a one-story structure, but it’s still important to be aware of your privacy requirements. Consider who will be living in the house, and what kind of privacy you will need. If there will be many bedrooms or bathrooms, designing the floor plan to prevent unwanted sound or sight between rooms and floors is essential. If you’re looking for even more privacy, a two-story home allows you to build a fence around the perimeter of the property, or to build soundproof walls between rooms if necessary. These added privacy features can give your two-story home the peace and security it needs. 5. Get an Expert Opinion When it comes to big projects like designing a two-story home, it’s always a good idea to get expert opinions. Architects and engineers can help you think through every detail of your project and can provide valuable insight and perspective during the planning stages. They can also help you identify potential problems and suggest solutions before you get too far into the process. Getting an expert opinion can save you time and money in the long run and can help ensure that your two-story home is designed to the highest standards. 6. Make Sure You’re Compliant With Local Regulations It’s easy to get carried away while designing your dream home, but it’s important to remember that local zoning and building regulations will play a major role in determining the design of your two-story home. Make sure to familiarize yourself with all the relevant zoning and building regulations in your area before getting too far in the planning process. Different municipalities have different rules, so it’s always best to shop around and make sure you’re doing everything according to code. It’s better to make sure that your home is compliant from the start than to have to redesign the entire project at the end, so make sure to do your research before getting too far in the planning stages. 7. Think of Multiple Decades Ahead Designing a two-story home isn’t just about planning for the present—it’s about planning for the future. What is the perfect house layout for today might not be the perfect house layout for 10 years down the road, so it’s important to think about the future when designing your two-story home. Consider factors such as changing trends in home design, increasing energy costs, and the needs of a growing family. Before you make the final decision on a two-story home design, make sure that it is as future-proof as possible. That way, you can rest assured that your two-story home will remain comfortable and efficient for years to come. 8. Consider Teamwork Designing a two-story home is a complex undertaking and it requires a team of knowledgeable experts to ensure that everything goes smoothly. Problem-solving during the construction process is always easier with teamwork, and having a great team of experts on your side will make it much easier to find creative solutions to any issues that arise along the way. Assemble a team of professionals who have experience designing two-story homes and have a deep understanding of all the relevant regulations in your area. That way, you can handle any issues that come up along the way and ensure that your two-story home turns out even better than you had imagined.8 Tips for Planning a Simple Two-Story Home | Basic House Design | Modern House Plan | Two Story House Plan | Single Family House Plans | Contemporary House Plans | Cottage House Designs | Split Level House Plans