More people are choosing single-story homes with later-life living in mind. This article explains typical cost per tsubo for a single-story house, how it compares with a two-story house, and six practical ways to reduce costs.
How much is the cost per tsubo for a single-story house?
The average cost per tsubo for a wooden single-story house is about JPY 400,000 to JPY 600,000. Cost per tsubo is calculated as "construction cost ÷ total floor area." If a 35-tsubo home costs JPY 20 million, the figure is about JPY 570,000.
Why do single-story houses tend to cost more than two-story houses?
The foundation area is larger
Even at the same 30 tsubo, a single-story house needs a 30-tsubo foundation, while a two-story house can be built on about 15 to 17 tsubo. Foundation work accounts for a large share of the total cost, so it has a direct impact on the overall price.
The roof and wall areas are also larger
The more complex the building shape, the larger the wall and roof areas become, which increases costs.
Total floor area is smaller
In a two-story house, stairways and hall areas are included in the total floor area, so under the same conditions a single-story house ends up with a higher cost per tsubo.
What are six ways to keep the construction cost of a single-story house down?
Choose a simple exterior shape
Use a simple square or rectangular shape to keep wall area to a minimum. A square is slightly more cost-efficient because it requires less wall surface.
Use a floor plan with fewer hallways
Create a layout where each room can be accessed directly from the LDK so you can reduce hallway space while improving both cost efficiency and circulation.
Avoid unnecessary rooms
Set clear priorities and choose a flexible design that also anticipates future layout changes. Dividing space later with partitions can also be an effective option.
Review material and equipment grades
Be clear about where to spend and where to save, and set priorities accordingly.
Keep the roof height lower
The higher the roof peak, the more exterior wall area is required, so a lower roof design is effective for reducing costs. A single-slope roof is advantageous from a cost standpoint.
Compare estimates from multiple builders
Request estimates from multiple builders under the same conditions and compare cost performance.
Summary
Single-story houses tend to have a higher cost per tsubo than two-story houses, but costs can still be reduced through choices such as a simple design and fewer hallways. Balance the plan with your budget and move forward with a single-story home that delivers strong long-term satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q. Which is easier to live in, a single-story house or a two-story house?
- A. A single-story house is better for barrier-free living and keeping an eye on family members. A two-story house, on the other hand, is stronger when it comes to privacy and efficient use of land area.
- Q. How many tsubo is typical for a single-story house?
- A. Around 25 to 30 tsubo is common for a two- to three-person household, and 30 to 35 tsubo is common for a four-person household.
- Q. How much land is needed for a single-story house?
- A. It depends in part on the building coverage ratio, but for a 30-tsubo single-story house, about 50 to 60 tsubo of land or more is a useful guideline.
