A duplex allows two families to share the same property while still maintaining privacy. These houses feature an identical and symmetrical layout which is split in the middle by a separation wall. Some of the benefits include lower costs, enhanced privacy and flexibility for customization. Take a look at the following 6 best duplex house plans and choose the one that fits your needs.
6 Best Duplex House Plans
The best duplex house plan is #430-315 because it offers both sides a nice garage. However, here are the category winners.
1. 126-203
SPECS
| Total Living Space | 1,422 sq ft |
| Basement | 588 sq ft |
| Main Floor | 588 sq ft |
| Upper Floor | 834 sq ft |
| Bedrooms | 3 |
| Baths | 2.5 |
| Garage | 1 bay |
Featuring a symmetrical layout, this duplex house plan has a total living space of 1,422 square feet. The 9’x11′ kitchen is combined with the living room in an open floor layout. It comes equipped with several cabinets and a designated space for the dishwasher.
Upstairs, each side of the house has a 14’3″x15’8″ master bedroom with an en suite bathroom and walk-in closet. Two additional bedrooms make this option ideal for a small family. Overall, we like the simple design of this duplex and the fact that for this price you also get a 20’6″x15’6″ basement included in the layout.
Pros:
- The two garages are similar in size
- Spacious living rooms
- Walk-in closet for the master suite
Cons:
- Basement is unfinished
- Laundry on the second floor
2. 430-315
SPECS
| Total Living Space | 2,496 sq ft |
| Garage | 644 sq ft |
| Main Floor | 2,496 sq ft |
| Bedrooms | 6 |
| Baths | 4 |
| Garage | 2 bays |
If you are looking for a spacious duplex, this option is for you. It is an architectural house plan built on one level with a total living space of 2,496 square feet. Each side has a master suite and two additional bedrooms connected by a hallway with 8′ ceiling. The laundry is conveniently placed in this area, which is separated from the living room.
Amateur cooks and expert chefs will spend a lot of time in the 14’10″x11’0″ kitchen, which is equipped with a dishwasher, a walk-in pantry and a space for a microwave above the stove. The garage has an additional storage space and it opens up to the attic, which is shared in this property.
Pros:
- We love the covered front and rear porches
- Additional storage space in the garage
- Has everything you need on one level
Cons:
- No individual attic, it is shared by both sides
- Electrical layout for this house is sold separately
3. 1064-92
SPECS
| Total Living Space | 2,762 sq ft |
| Garage | 826 sq ft |
| Main Floor | 2,762 sq ft |
| Bedrooms | 4 |
| Baths | 4 |
| Garage | 4 bays |
Built with the craftsman style, this house plan has 2,762 square feet of living space. You will find everything you need on one single floor, including a laundry and mechanical room. They are strategically placed near the 19’5″x20’4″ garage which is large enough to hold two vehicles.
The master bedroom, great room and dining hall are all adjacent to each other and separated by walls. Because the central area of each side has a cathedral ceiling, you might find the interior bigger and more spacious than it is. While the front porch measures only 6’x8′, there is a rear patio included which is shared by the entire property.
Pros:
- Spacious two-car garage with 8′ wall height
- Cathedral ceiling in the great room
- Laundry and mechanical room are near the garage
Cons:
- The front porch is small even for decorations
- Bedrooms are smaller than average
4. 17-2270
SPECS
| Total Living Space | 1,005 sq ft |
| Main Floor | 516 sq ft |
| Porch | 132 sq ft |
| Upper Floor | 489 sq ft |
| Bedrooms | 2 |
| Baths | 1.5 |
The most affordable option on our list has 1,005 square feet of total living space. It is a southern traditional duplex which is built on two different levels. A foyer leads the way to the 12’2″x13’6″ great room which is directly connected to the dining and kitchen area. On this same floor, you will find a half bath and easy access to the patio.
Upstairs, the master suite is similar in size to the great room below. The other bedroom measures 8’6″x11’10” and they both share the only full bathroom per house side. Although it does not have a garage, we love how many features this duplex offers for such a low price.
Pros:
- Most affordable option on our list
- Spacious main level thanks to the open floor design
- Separate storage space on the second floor
Cons:
- There are only two bedrooms on each side
- The patio is rather small
5. 430-314
SPECS
| Total Living Space | 1,994 sq ft |
| Main Floor | 1,994 sq ft |
| Porch | 216 sq ft |
| Bedrooms | 4 |
| Baths | 4 |
Some of the most popular duplexes are built in the traditional style. This house plan is designed in a classic format, featuring four bedrooms and four baths. Each side has a spacious open floor area that holds the kitchen and the living room. Comfort is guaranteed in the 11’6″x12′ master bedroom which comes with a private bathroom and a sizable closet.
The laundry holds a washer and dryer but it also facilitates direct access to the patio. We love how every corner of this duplex was designed with comfort in mind while, at the same time, you get to benefit from functional space as well.
Pros:
- The kitchen has a 2’8″x3’8″ island
- A covered front porch is included
- Both sides have access to the attic
Cons:
- The rear patio is too small
- The laundry takes a lot of space
6. 20-2534
SPECS
| Total Living Space | 4,864 sq ft |
| Garage | 962 sq ft |
| Main Floor | 2,010 sq ft |
| Upper Floor | 2,854 sq ft |
| Bedrooms | 4 |
| Baths | 3.5 |
| Garage | 1 bay |
Here is an option for families with seemingly limitless budgets. Built in the modern style, this duplex uses steel columns that contribute to both aesthetics and durability. On the main level, each side features a suite, a kitchen, a family room and a dining area. The 13’6″x31’4″ garage isn’t as wide as we’d like but it is long enough for you to park one car and store your tools.
Upstairs there are two more bedrooms including a 15’x14’4″ loft which can be turned into an additional sleeping space when you have guests over. The master suite has direct access to a bathroom that’s equipped with a walk-in shower. For the price of this house plan you also get a balcony which is placed above the garage.
Pros:
- Balconies on the second level
- Two baths on the main floor
- Laundry is upstairs
Cons:
- Most expensive option on our list
- The fourth bedroom is only 11’x11′
Factors To Consider
In a way, we could say that every house is the same – a shelter designed to keep you safe and warm from the external elements. But when you get specific with your home and you’re interested in duplexes, there are several factors to consider. Take a look at the three most important ones and keep them in mind before you make a final decision.
Shared Utilities
Decide which utilities you want to share between the units. Because they live on the same property, both families can agree to share some costs to reduce them. This choice will save you a lot of money if you live in an area with harsh winters.
Privacy
Consider the privacy of each unit. Duplexes built by modern standards include features such as separate entrances and soundproofing, but you will always be conscious of the fact that you share your home with another family.
Cost To Build
After you figure out the house layout, the next step is to get materials and the workforce that will help you with this project. If you plan to share it with another family, suggest sharing the costs and be open with them about the expenses.
Why You Should Trust Us
Choosing the right house plan by yourself can be a difficult task especially when you are dealing with information overload. There are countless different options to choose from, each having its specifications, features and characteristics. Our team consists of architects and real estate experts who manually searched and analyzed several duplex house layouts before choosing the 6 best plans for you.
How Much Do These Designs Cost?
The average price for a duplex house plan is $1,200. Those with a limited budget can find affordable options that are smaller in size. If you have more money to spend, there are also luxurious and spacious house plans. Because this is the most important step when you are building a house, it is crucial to choose the right layout before you proceed with the purchase.
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