Introduction
Independent Homes are increasingly becoming a thing of dreams in metros. Flats are the norm and even they cost anywhere between 20 lakhs to 1 crore or more for a 1000 sq.ft 2 bedroom flat in densely populated cities like Chennai.
Two Bedroom Flats:
A two bedroom flat essentially has a minuscule kitchen, a decently spacious hall/drawing room, two bedrooms (of which one is supposed to be a master bedroom and the other is much smaller), a common toilet/bath and an attached bathroom. So if you wanted to build a dream house where you dreamed of having a separate library or perhaps a movie theatre or even a home gym for that matter, very little can be done about it. Or, is that really the case?
Three Bed Room Flats:
Buying a three bedroom flat is the instant solution we think of. The third bedroom can be converted into any of the above specified rooms. Or you can use it as a store room. (Sometimes the third bathroom is converted into a store room.) However, even this is not the best of solutions. What if I wanted a library and a movie theatre? Well, yes it is a luxury in homes, but if you can afford it, then there is nothing wrong with it.
Two Bedroom Houses x2:
In my opinion, if you always had a dream house I mind and want a house where you can plan and put things the way you want, you should go for 2 two bedroom flats put together. Don’t mistake Two Bedroom Flats x2 idea with a four bedroom house. (If ever builders build it in the first place.) Because, in this case, not only will you have 4 bedrooms, but also two halls, two kitchens , four toilets and maybe up to 4 balconies.
So if you are, say a family of four, then you can utilize the space as outlined below:
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Two bedrooms retained as such. Choose the two largest bedrooms with attached bathrooms for bedrooms.
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One of the smaller bedrooms changed into a Library with space enough for book racks to hold all your books and maybe a table or two. One, say for writing and maybe one for your computer too. You can also have a chest of drawers to keep your important documents.
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The other small bedroom can be changed into a Guest bedroom if you expect guests once in a while. (You can always use it as and when you please.)
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One of the halls can be converted into that theatre I was talking about. So, naturally you put all your sound equipment, TV…etc here. If it’s bigger than you want it to be, maybe you can accommodate the home gym in too.
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Use the other hall as a Drawing room where you can entertain guests. This will also have the attached dining room.
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One of the kitchens is used as a kitchen itself. (Close to the dining hall)
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The other kitchen can be either converted into a Store Room or a Pooja room for the religious.
Some Figures I thought up:
01- Doors face to face
This is not very desirable as you will have to cross the corridor every time you want to move form one room to another. If the Homes are L shaped as shown in Fig, then it’s probably alright.
02- Adjacent houses
This is a nice idea as long as they share a common wall which can be broken (or not built in the first place) to make way for the common door.
03- Down and Above
Well, this might seem like fiction, but I have seen houses like this. (I mean within apartments. Otherwise, it’s pretty commonplace)Â What you do is you buy houses on one floor and one above or below it. Then have a staircase running from one house to another.
*-You will have to excuse the amateurish figures. I am not an architect. I hope the figures are good enough to get the ideas across.
Some Photographs of staircases are shown below
 (source: here )
 (source: here)
 (source: here )
A Sprial Staircase saves a lot of space, but is more difficult to take. A normal staircase on the other hand takes a lot more floor space (on both floors), but at least it’s safer. With a bit of planning, you could store things under the staircase.
A Few More Tips:
- With a bit more planning, you can make the kitchen bigger or customize things the way you want.
- I you can purchase 2 Two Bedroom Houses for less than 40 lakhs and can afford the same, in a decent residential area, it’s a steal.
- Also, in case you are going to rent the house, too many structural changes won’t do. (At least if you are expecting to put two tenants in.)
- If you are planning to have 2 flats, then it’s probably a good idea to talk to the builders well in advance. You don’t want to be modifying stuff after it has been built.
- There is no harm in having two doors and door numbers. (If it’s legally allowed) But whether it is necessary, only you can decide.
I did see a house of this sort in Coimbatore some 6 years back and I was amazed at how wonderful it was. It cost some 20 lakhs back then.
If any of our readers do have 2 x two bedroom  houses as mentioned above, please do let us know of your experience.
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Image Courtesy : jupiterimages.com and shreejiindia.com
 
  
 
 
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