A three-story wooden house is one option for securing a spacious home on a narrow lot, or for combining a residence with a shop or rental units. By organizing the advantages, disadvantages, and key precautions before building, you can create a home without regrets later.
What are the advantages of a three-story wooden house?
You can secure a spacious home even on a narrow lot
A three-story design that expands space vertically can achieve your ideal floor plan and number of rooms even when the land is limited. However, the design must stay within the legal limits for building coverage and floor-area ratio, so consulting a professional is essential.
You can create the space you want
Because it provides more flexibility than a two-story home, it becomes easier to secure dedicated spaces that match your lifestyle, such as a study, theater room, or built-in garage, as well as practical areas like a laundry room.
It can be used for a shop or rental purposes
It can be used as a "shop-and-home" layout, with the first floor as a store and the second and third floors as living space, or as a "rental-integrated home," with the first and second floors rented out and the third floor used as your residence. A model in which rental income helps repay the housing loan is also possible. It is also worth understanding the impact of rent setting for the rental portion on asset value.
You can enjoy the view from a higher position
The view from the third floor offers the same sense of openness as the upper floors of an apartment building. Placing the living room on the third floor can improve daylight, views, and how naturally the family gathers together.
What are the disadvantages of a three-story wooden house?
Construction takes longer and costs more
Because construction takes longer than for a two-story home, the temporary housing period becomes longer, and the burden of rental costs increases. Confirm the expected completion timing with the builder before construction begins.
Temperature differences are more likely between floors
In a three-story house, the first floor tends to be colder and the third floor tends to be hotter. It is important to address this by adopting a whole-house air-conditioning system or by working with a house builder or contractor that offers high insulation and airtight performance.
Going up and down stairs can become a burden in some cases
Stair movement can become a burden with aging or during pregnancy. It is reassuring either to group the main living spaces, such as the living room, kitchen, and bath, on the second floor or to secure space for a future elevator installation.
Key points to consider when building a three-story wooden house
Secure daylight on the first floor
If the home is surrounded by neighboring buildings, the first floor can easily become dark. This makes design measures such as an inner courtyard, windows that bring in light, and floor-plan adjustments necessary.
Check legal regulations (building coverage, floor-area ratio, and emergency access opening)
Three-story houses are required under the Fire Service Act to install an emergency access opening on the third floor. Since there are also cases where a three-story house cannot be built because of building coverage and floor-area ratio restrictions, it is essential to confirm this with an architect or builder before purchasing the land.
Ensure sufficient earthquake resistance
Three-story buildings are affected by shaking more than two-story buildings. Aim for seismic grade 2 or higher, and consult with your architect on a structure that is strong against earthquakes.
Recommended related reading
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- How to find a home made with natural materials | How to find a builder for sick house countermeasures, solid wood, and plaster homes
- What is urethane waterproofing? A thorough guide to apartment waterproofing types, costs, and choosing a contractor
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. I am concerned about the earthquake resistance of a three-story wooden house. Is it okay?
If it meets the current Building Standards Act, seismic grade 1 or higher is secured. In addition, taking higher-level measures such as obtaining seismic grade 2 or 3 and installing vibration-control dampers can provide greater peace of mind.
Q2. What is the difference between a three-story wooden house and a three-story steel-frame house?
Steel has high strength, which makes it easier to create an open floor plan with fewer columns and walls in the same space. Wood construction, on the other hand, offers lower construction costs and excellent insulation and humidity-regulating performance. It is best to choose based on the balance of cost, design, and performance.
Q3. Does a three-story house have higher property tax?
Because the total floor area becomes larger, property tax tends to be higher than for a two-story house. However, newly built homes are eligible for a property tax reduction on residential land for three years after construction, or five years for long-term quality housing.
Q4. What are the key points when building a three-story house as a rental-integrated home?
It is important to design the rental portion to match the needs of the target tenants, whether single occupants or families. It is also possible to secure privacy by separating the circulation routes and entrances of the private residence and the rental portion.
Q5. How long does it take to build a three-story wooden house?
In general, it takes about four to six months. In the case of a custom-built home, it can take more than a year when the design and application period are included. To shorten the temporary housing period, we recommend starting discussions early.
