In reality, there is not much difference, and certainly, not enough to matter. What is important is how you expect to use your home. If you have heavy furniture or expect to travel from room to room often, a single story home is better (ignoring the basement). If privacy is an issue, then the two story gives more at the expense of accessibility. Another consideration is that stairways are very expensive hallways. They often are not simple to locate so that they give you the most value or convenience.

Seriously evaluate how you live and note that the views from the two story will likely be the nicer of the two designs. If that is important, consider that also.

Have fun,

Woody

materials is one of the biggest unknowns but there is a good site called matplex.com that has an average price of materials.

then estimate how many hours you think or man-days and multiple by $20/hr. it will get you close.

I would price things out with some detail and then also look at what is available in the existing home market. With the market the way it is, you could find what you're looking for at a fraction of the cost of building new. Also, talk with a few lenders, as they are more restrictive today with new construction lending.

they would probably cost about the same. depending on how much detail and stuff your really going to put each one.

I'm curious because I would think a single story would be cheaper anyways?