3 Story Townhouse Floor Plans

When it comes to a home, there is no one-size-fits-all. Homes come in different shapes and sizes, specifically townhomes. When you’re ready to purchase a three-story townhouse, use this as a guide to choose the best floor plan for you.

There are several different styles of three-story townhouses. Split-level, side split-level, back-split level, standard split-level, stacked split-level, and hybrid are common styles of three-story townhouses. Townhouses average between 1,500 and 1,700 square feet, but some can be more than 2,000 square feet.

A townhouse is a dwelling owned by an individual that shares at least one wall with another unit. Each townhouse has its own entrance from the street. They typically make use of vertical space with multiple stories, saving horizontal space by sitting next to other townhouses.

Townhouses are most popular in bigger cities where space is limited. They vary in terms of how many units are in one building. They are more affordable than traditional single-family homes but offer less privacy and less freedom to change the exterior.

Stacked townhouses are less common and usually found in populated areas as well as distant suburbs. They are similar to traditional townhouses, but they are stacked vertically instead of next to each other horizontally.

A stacked split-level townhouse is known for having three or more stories. The most common stacked split-level townhouses have four to five floors. There is an entrance at the ground level between the bottom and middle-level floors.

The stacked split-level townhouse is structured to have a basement and living area on the bottom level. The kitchen and dining room are on the second level, or entrance level.

The bedrooms are on the third through fifth levels stacked on top. Garages in these style of townhouses typically open to an alley behind the building.

The first advantage of living in a townhouse is cost. Because you share walls, the footprint is smaller, so townhouses are less expensive than single-family homes. Many townhouses also have access to a small outdoor space, patio, or private garage.

Another benefit is that townhouses require less maintenance. If you have a homeowners association, they typically take care of any maintenance on the property. Furthermore, townhouses often have amenities included, such as a pool or clubhouse.

Homeowners associations can be a benefit, but they can also be a disadvantage due to the restrictions put in place. The association typically has rules about what colors you can paint your house and other exterior features. Homeowners associations also have monthly fees that you’ll need to factor into your budget.

Because you’re so close to your neighbors, you may have to deal with more noise than you would in a single-family home. Townhouses also feature multiple floors, which may not be suitable for everyone. For example, townhouses aren’t always appropriate for seniors or those who struggle with stairs.

Related Questions

What’s the difference between a townhouse and a condo?

Townhouses and condos are similar to each other because they are both shared spaces with an association that governs the shared areas. However, there are significant differences between the two. In a condo, you are responsible for the interior while the condo association maintains the exterior. In a townhouse, you are responsible for the interior and exterior of your home. The homeowner’s association maintains the communal areas of the townhouse. Additionally, townhouses offer more privacy than condos. Usually, you only have neighbors on either side instead of above or below you. Condos have higher association fees than townhouses because of the upkeep, but their costs are similar. 

What’s the difference between a split-level and a bi-level townhome?

Often people mistake split-level homes and bi-level homes, but there are major differences between the two styles of homes. Split-level homes have three levels separated by short flights of stairs. Bi-level homes, or raised ranch houses, have two levels that can be reached at the entrance between the two floors. A bi-level home usually is half underground, but it does have windows. This floor usually has bedrooms, a laundry room, and a bathroom. The upper level has a living area, dining room, and kitchen on one side and more bedrooms and bathrooms on the other side.

What’s the average cost to build a townhome?

Townhouses are an excellent option for those who want a smaller home but with the same style as a single-family home. Furthermore, townhouses cost less to build than single-family homes but offer many of the same benefits. Townhouses also have a unique style and layout that enable people to build them in smaller areas. Townhouses come in several styles and sizes that range in price. The average price to build a single townhouse is $111,000 to $222,000. Most people pay $166,500 for a 1,500 square foot traditional-style townhouse. On the lower side, a 750-square foot townhouse can cost $77,250. On the higher side, a 2,500-square foot townhouse in an urban area can cost $312,500.