What is a Duplex? The option of building a duplex or other structures can be very confusing. The truth is that for you to really get the best out of any structure, it is important you understand every fact about it. This post will be aiming to reveal some untold facts about the duplex. There is no doubt that after reading the details below, you will be in a better position to decide whether building a duplex is actually worthwhile or not.
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What is a Duplex?
Most people usually make use of duplex and twin homes interchangeably. However, both aren’t the same in any way. A duplex is simply two family units (separable) that have been combined into one. They are both occupying one lot. The entrances of such units are separate even though they are both connected with a unit. Simply put, a duplex is any 2 units that are characterized by a common wall. The building has been partitioned into 2 units.
Duplexes usually come in various forms or styles. For instance, the two units can be up/down or side by side. Regardless of the structure style, each unit is distinct from the other. There are rooms like in every other home or apartment including amenities. There are various reasons why people can make the decision of purchasing duplexes. For instance, a family can make the decision of buying one and later decide to have one of the units rented out.
Pros and cons of a duplex
Just like every other structure that you must have decided to buy, a duplex also has its advantages and disadvantages. Some of them will be highlighted below:
Pros
Comfort
This is one of the reasons why most people prefer buying duplexes to other types of buildings. Duplex is a complete definition of comfort. It is spacious and usually has great amenities which will make your life much easier.
Mortgage benefits
This is very important most especially when you’ve decided to rent one unit of such a duplex. With such rental income, you may even get the mortgage paid off completely. There are instances where people have achieved financial freedom through such payments.
Value appreciation
This is another benefit of a duplex. Real estate property will only appreciate in value with the passage of time. This means you can even decide to sell it at a higher price later on.
Cons
Lack of privacy
Although a duplex may generate income for you on a steady basis when one unit is rented out, there will be the problem of lack of privacy. This can make you compromise on some of your beliefs and values. The best way to go about this is a set of rules that will regulate how tenants behave.
Lack of guaranteed rental income
As compared to traditional apartments, duplexes are always expensive to rent. This can hinder your chances of finding a tenant as soon as possible. The worst part is that the more you delay, the more you are losing money.
Increased maintenance cost
Having a duplex means you will be spending more on repairs. Such cost will even increase when you decide to rent one unit out to tenants that aren’t careful.
Also, Read: Penthouse Floor Plans
Is it cheaper to build a duplex than two houses?
There are lots of factors to consider before reaching a final conclusion on this question. However, the most vital factor is the land space the building will be built on. For instance, it will cost you more building two separate houses than what you’ll spend getting a duplex built.
The above is because the duplex is a residential apartment that has 2 units combined into one building. This ensures the land space to be used in the building won’t be as expensive as that used in erecting two houses.
Is a duplex a good investment?
The answer to this question is a resounding yes. Below are some of the reasons why this is a good investment:
- It enables you to get some tax benefits. For instance, when you decide to be living in one side of a duplex, it is possible for tax to be written off on such side.
- You can earn passive income from it by renting out one unit.
- It has some mortgage benefits.
- It provides you with more options. For instance; you can use a room as an office and another side as guesthouse.
What is a townhouse vs duplex?
When people think of townhouses, they often confuse them with duplexes. Townhouses have a different layout and have private entrances outside the complex. They usually include a garage and a full kitchen with a dishwasher and a washing machine. Duplexes have a similar layout to a townhouse, but the units are all separate from each other. They have a shared entrance from the outside, inviting the units to have a more communal, homey feel.
What’s the difference between a patio home and a duplex?
A patio home consists of one floor of living space with a front and back yard. A duplex usually consists of two apartments attached to each other with their own entrances. The most obvious difference is the amount of living space. A patio home usually has one floor of living space, while a duplex has two floors. If you’re considering living with someone else, you want to think about the layout. Duplexes are usually planned better than patio homes because they have fewer entrances. You want to know that you can live without worrying about the other person.
What’s the difference between condos and duplexes?
A condo is a property where the property is built in a high rise or a building up to four stories that you own. A duplex, conversely, is a physical building, usually at least two stories, which you live in. A condo is usually just one property you own, whereas a duplex is two properties. A condo also usually has one common property space that’s managed by an association that you are part of. Condos are typically single-family dwellings, while duplexes or double homes are for sale in pairs or more. Condominiums are typically in urban areas. Duplexes are in urban or suburban areas. Condominiums are often seen in urban areas where space is at a premium and people might be living in close proximity to each other. Duplexes are usually in urban or suburban areas.
Is a duplex better than an apartment?
A duplex is a great alternative to being a renter in a typical apartment. When you get a duplex, you get to control the look-and-feel of your own living space and you get to share walls with other people in the duplex, which will create a sense of community. There’s a lot to think about before going for a duplex, so do your research and figure out what the right decision is for you. The answer can be found by thinking about your needs. Some people prefer a duplex because it has a backyard/garden, while others prefer an apartment because it’s easy to clean and cheaper to maintain. You can decide which one is best for you – but be sure to remember that while a duplex might offer more space, it’ll be more expensive to own a duplex.
Also, Read: Investing in Tiny Homes
Duplex Floor Plans
What is a duplex floor plan?
Duplex floor plans have two houses together separated either by wall or floor. These are considered as a smart choice where it saves money and time in comparison to building two separate houses. A duplex floor plan is a new and exciting way to live and offers new and exciting functionality. They’re perfect for young families or two households who all want their own space. Duplexes typically divide the building floor space in half, with living and sleeping quarters on opposite sides of the building on opposite ends of the duplex. It’s a great way to offer privacy to different families. Duplexes also offer the opportunity to use the space above the duplex for an extra bedroom, or to use the space on the ground floor for a living space.
Duplex 3D First Floor Plan
Duplex 3D Second Floor Plan
Single solution for different layout choices:
Duplexes are a great option for those who have a lot of space and want to live in a home with a living area on one side and a den with a bedroom and bathroom on the other. Duplexes are great for those with families and those who like to be close to their neighbors. Duplex plans with a full basement are great for those with large families looking for a lot of storage and for those who like to renovate and make their spaces their own. A duplex also offers the best of both worlds: you get plenty of space and freedom and you don’t have to share it with others. You can check our 3D floor plans and 2D floor plans for your duplex requirements. If you need 3D floor plans for Duplex apartments, we can also provide you.