How to Build a Double Storey House?

A double storey home is a house built across two levels connected by an internal staircase. Living, kitchen and dining areas usually sit downstairs, while bedrooms, bathrooms and retreats go upstairs. This vertical layout lets you fit four or more bedrooms onto a block that couldn’t comfortably hold them on a single level — a big advantage as land prices climb across the ACT.

Before you commit, it helps to understand what a two-storey build delivers:

• A smart investment with strong resale potential –  More bedrooms and living areas make your home worth more. That means stronger resale value if you ever sell.
• More living space. A second storey gives you extra rooms without needing a bigger block. You get the space your family needs, even on a small site.
• Room to grow. Two levels give you more bedrooms and living areas for a growing family. The home suits you now and in the years ahead.
• Separate living and sleeping zones. Bedrooms go upstairs, away from the noise of the kitchen and living areas downstairs. Everyone gets peace and privacy.
• No sacrificing the extras. Building up leaves room for the spaces you really want, like a study, theatre or retreat. And you keep your backyard.
• Better views and ventilation : Upstairs rooms and a balcony sit above the fence line for nicer views. They also let in more natural light and fresh air.

Budgeting is where most first-time builders come unstuck. Two-storey builds cost more per square metre than single-storey homes because of the staircase, additional structural framing, and the extra safety equipment needed to work at height.

Beyond the headline construction figure, set money aside for soil and site reports, engineering and design fees, planning and building permits, and independent inspections at key stages. Finishing items such as driveways, landscaping, window furnishings and appliances are often left out of base quotes, so confirm exactly what your inclusions cover. A builder with transparent, upfront pricing saves you from nasty surprises later.

Not every block suits a double storey design. Sloping sites can work beautifully with split-level plans that step with the land, while narrow blocks often need clever stair placement and light wells to draw natural light into the ground floor.

Good double storey design is about more than stacking rooms. The staircase dictates how the whole home flows and poor placement can cut your ground floor in half. Think carefully about:

• Stair position and width so furniture moves easily and the landing doesn’t feel cramped.
• Sound separation between floors, since footsteps and doors carry more than people expect.
• Climate control, with north-facing living areas, eaves to block harsh summer sun, and cross-flow ventilation.
• Future-proofing, such as leaving space for a home lift or extra bathroom.

Working with an experienced custom home builder means your plan is tailored to your lifestyle, block and budget rather than forced into a generic template. Browsing a builder’s existing designs is a great way to gather ideas.

In the ACT, two-storey builds attract closer scrutiny than single-storey homes because of their impact on neighbours and the streetscape. Approvals typically consider building height, boundary setbacks, overshadowing and overlooking into neighbouring yards. Getting these requirements right before detailed design work begins is the difference between a smooth approval and months of delays. A local builder who understands Canberra’s planning rules will guide you through development and building approvals with far less stress.

Once approvals are in place, construction moves through clear phases: site preparation and foundations, ground-floor framing, upper-floor structure and framing, roofing, lock-up, fit-out, then finishing and handover. Because a two-storey build carries load across both levels, engineering and quality checks at the frame and foundation stages are critical. If you’d like a fuller picture of what happens between signing your contract and collecting the keys, read our guide to the 5 stages of building a house.

Most double storey homes take roughly 7 to 12 months to build once construction begins, depending on size, design complexity, weather and finishes. Custom builds with detailed features naturally sit at the longer end. Your builder should give you a realistic timeline upfront and keep you informed as each stage is completed.

Your choice of 2 storey home builder matters more than any single design decision. Look for a builder who:

• Provides clear, honest pricing with premium inclusions as standard.
• Has genuine experience with two-storey and split-level builds in your area.
• Communicates promptly and keeps you updated throughout construction.
• Can show you a portfolio of completed homes and happy past clients.

At Abode Constructions, we are a family-owned, award-winning team with over 30 years’ experience building custom homes across Canberra and the South Coast. We’re personally involved in every build, ensuring your double storey home is delivered with the craftsmanship, transparency and care your investment deserves.

Is a double storey house more expensive to build than a single storey?
Generally, yes. Two-storey homes cost more per square metre due to the staircase, additional structural work and safety requirements for building at height — though they often deliver more usable space on a smaller, more affordable block.

Can I build a double storey home on a small block?
Absolutely. Building upwards is one of the best ways to gain four or more bedrooms on a narrow or compact block while keeping backyard space.

Do I need council approval for a two-storey house in Canberra?
Yes. Two-storey builds in the ACT require both planning and building approvals, with assessment of height, setbacks and impact on neighbours.