Unleashed by production builders in the 60's and 70's, split level homes are the most difficult type of house to transform into the way our customers want to live today. Single-hung windows, which feature bottom panes that slide up to open the windows, are common in split-level homes from the 60s, 70s and 80s. Aside from the limited space you can work on, from the total space to the narrow hallways and short stairs, you also need to consider the function of every floor and how they would connect to the other floors in terms of their function. Or, maybe youre considering one of many types of split-level homes. Bi-levels were popular in the era of splits, as developers would offer new homes in four configurations: colonials, splits, bi-levels or ranches. With proper drainage, you can keep the yard dry and clean, making it more appealing for potential suitors. The floor tile in this bathroom still makes our hearts skip a beat. Split-level exteriors tend to be a bit bland. The outside is often another story. The cape cod style originates in 17th century New England and was built with total practicality in mind. Not a lot of homeowners who own this type of home realize that there are actually workarounds or hacks when it comes to updating the look and feel of a split-level home. You can use this hallway as a small mudroom and storage space for stuff you usually take with you when you go out. A split-level home already has the structural breaks that make this kind of mix look perfect. As a visual contrast, a simple layout with distinct wooden floors replaced the old plain carpet. Just because updating or remodeling this type of home is challenging doesnt mean it is impossible. While adding a new floor is a possibility, the most ideal way to extend your home is by expanding your main living space at the back. Most split-level homes that have never been updated retain the retro vibe from more than half a century ago it makes the entire house look like it should have stayed on that era. But you might be struggling to figure out what kind of paint to use on garage walls. A split-level home, which is also known as a tri-level home, traditionally consists of the following: While the standard split-level home only consists of three levels, others sometimes add another floor to it. The main advantage to standard split-level homes is the clear separation between the bedrooms and the kitchen and living room. This results in a stark contrast, especially when the differences are very obvious. This style of home is good for entertaining,and there is a nice separation of space, which creates a deeper sense of separation. Photo and copyright by Renovation Design Group. A common configuration is having the first stairs from the entryway leading to the dining room or kitchen. Transfer your coat rack or closet from the landing to the top of the stairs instead, creating room for you to welcome your guests as soon as they step inside. It is for information purposes only, and any links provided are for the user's convenience. While split level homes can be gorgeous, with their high ceilings and efficient use of space, they can also seem outdated and not reflect your unique taste in design. Plants and trees will help balance the overall look of your home and make it look much more even. Now that youve learned a bit more about the pros and cons of each type of home style, you can make a more informed decision when you go out and look at listings. Ryan Shaw is the founder of Real Estate Witch, which he created to help consumers avoid unnecessary expenses when they buy or sell a house. Oftentimes, this floor will have a bedroom, bathroom, and possibly a laundry room. Fixed glass is another very modern type of window, but it wont work for bedrooms that require an emergency escape and ventilation. These types of homes became less popular with time, and, at one point, were virtually unwanted on the real estate market. Houzz Pro: One simple solution for contractors and design pros, Split-Level Main Floor Remodel in West Seattle. We store towels, medicine, toiletry supplies, first-aid gear, massage devices, facial steamers, spare Painting your garage is a great way to improve the look of the space and make the walls easier to clean. 12 /18. Again, the main advantage to this type of split level is the fact that there arent a ton of staircases that separate the floors. The trademarks MLS, Multiple Listing Service and the associated logos are owned by CREA and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. The big tree doesnt help at all, since it just makes the left side heavier than the other side. If you come across an early cape it might seem a bit utilitarian on the inside but thats an easy fix with a little charm! Many saw what was happening as a devaluation of human labor and an emphasis on mass production rather than individualism and hand-crafted items. A new paver pathway, planters, and landscaping add curb appeal. This not only makes it appear to be larger, but makes it more inviting as well. The problem is that it may not be the easiest of plans to execute. Je peux rejeter les cookies non essentiels en cliquant sur Grer mes prfrences . Aside from these two requirements, the design work involved aesthetics: enhancing the front faade with a modern architecture and high quality materials. Contrast is key for on-trend style. As prices in close-in suburbs inch toward the stratosphere, split-levels are often the only house types left that younger buyers can afford. Photography by Tre Dunham, Fine focus Photography. Whereas, with split-level homes, theres usually a one-story section that connects to a two-story section instead of being right on top of each other. Split entry homes have, as the name suggests, an entry that is between floors. Foyers in split-level homes typically contain the linen closets, coat racks, and other storage. There is also hardly any room for experimentation when it comes to remodeling a tri-level home. Below you can get a better understanding of the different types of split-level homes to help you determine which design is perfect for you. A cottage is typically a one bedroom dwelling meant for travelers or people on vacation. It is fairly easy to spot most split-level homes from the outside, as they seem to be half a two-story home and half a bungalow or ranch-style home that are combined to form a single house. Jessica considers herself a home improvement and design enthusiast. People want more bedrooms, more bedrooms, more bedrooms at the expense of the communal space. You actually get 3 levels for living space so you really get a sense of depth being in the house. Maximize this by getting larger windows for your home to allow more light inside your home during the day. The addition of Colonial-style features, from the cupola on the garage roof to the dramatic front porch supported by traditional columns, lends antique intrigue . A little leeway may be unavoidable, such as changing the color scheme and tiles halfway, but changing your mind about big things, such as building a new wall in the same spot where an old one was removed, would mean wasted resources, especially money. If you live in a suburban area and your home has been around since the 1950s, 1960s, or 1970s, chances are you are living in a split-level home. The colonial style is associated with the style of building used from the 17th to the 19th century, particularly in colonial America. bryan@jonespierce.com. The bedrooms are usually situated right above the foyer. Use landscaping to your advantage. The use of mirrored sliding cabinets not only saved space but it also added to the illusion that the room is bigger than it actually is. A split level home is often a great investment, and there are lots of pros to buying one. A circa 1960's split-level enhanced by a 300 square foot addition, a re-configured main level floor plan and a seamlessly remade front elevation will be featured in a "Remodeled Home Tour". This works well if your house has other trappings of colonial style. None have been built since the late 1970s. Whole House Remodeling This home was transformed from a split-foyer into a french colonial. A perfectly remodeled home involves not just the inside but also the outside. To make sure that your split-level home is remodeled successfully, you need to keep these in mind: Again, drawing up plans to renovate or update the appearance of this type of home is a challenge even for professionals. Replacing old windows with a more modern style can greatly modernize your homes look. Copyright 2023 Real Estate Witch But if extending your home is not a viable option for you, the next best thing is to gut existing rooms or sections to make certain areas bigger. An exterior remodel of your tri-level home may sound easy because you might believe you can just go for whatever design you want. When a home is cared for, it doesnt have that old, uncared for look that we think of with outdated homes. Opting for a split-level house on a property like this allows the contractor to adjust the foundation according to the lot. With some proper planning and a little bit of flexibility, it is possible to transform that 1950s look into something that has a much more modern, updated feel to it. You can give them a figure and they can suggest materials that can be used for your home to make sure that the cost of materials and labor is well within your preferred budget. Given the limited space that split-level homes are known for, you might wonder if expansion is possible at all. The style is not quite old enough to be considered a classic, but is no longer modern. Renovated Split Level Home in Salt Lake City. Split level homes have a bit of an outdated look to them that has fallen out of favor in the ultra-modern or ultra-rustic home landscape. You can certainly look on the bright side and see it as an opportunity to get more exercise in your home. Although each type of split-level home is different from one another, they all share the same characteristic of having multiple floors that are connected by short flights of stairs. Now, lets take a more comprehensive look at the pros and cons of the split-level architectural style as a whole. If you can, taking a wall or two out is a great way to open up what is largely an enclosed space. Even better, that natural light will light up just about every corner of the room. Photo Credit: Inspiration for a transitional kitchen remodel in New York, Mid Century Modern Split Level Renovation, Inspiration for a 1960s gray floor kitchen/dining room combo remodel in Other with white walls, This house began as a typical, low-lying split-level. With a regular split-level, when you enter, you can either go up or down. We removed the walls between the kitchen, living, and dining rooms to create a large open concept space that still allows a clear definition of space, while offering sight lines between spaces and functions. This allows you to adjust the temperatures separately to even them out. Most people use the terms bi-level and split-level interchangeably. The garage is usually the first to attract the attention of anyone who looks at this type of home, since its door takes a lot of space. There is a wonderful separation of space going on in the split level thanks to the small staircaseswhich are half of what it would be for a true 2 story. Lets take a look at a few of the primary changes you might make to create a modern masterpiece from the average split-level home. Even better, adding a skylight has a ton of benefits from every aspect: economical, functional, and aesthetic. Surprisingly, this style of home was developed not due to aesthetic reasons but out of necessity. In most cases, the bottom level is a garage, a den, a playroom, a recreation room, or other informal living areas. She grew up surrounded by constant home improvement projects and owes most of what she knows to helping her dad renovate her childhood home. Conversely, you can consider adding in a window or two to really allow more natural light to permeate the space. But you might be struggling to figure out what kind of paint to use on garage walls. This way, you can maximize the space by adjusting the alignment of furniture and fixtures. Common features of split-level houses include large living areas, low-pitched roofs, and multiple attics with ample storage space. Open front porches and stone features are common on the craftsman. It is not Zillow's intention to solicit or interfere with any established agency relationship you may have with a real estate professional. Check out another split-level project by Jones Pierce Studios: https://jonespierce.com/marietta-split-level-facelift/, 400 Plasters Ave. NE, #225 Atlanta, GA 30324 Modern home designs tend to focus on lighting details. Browse through the largest collection of home design ideas for every room in your home. Split-level remodel: exterior lighting. Split-level homes are certainly making a comeback, but its important to choose the type of split-level that works best for you and your lifestyle. The scope also included the living and dining rooms, plus the front entry and stairwell. Taken fromhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HE7jN7ofmeI. Split-levels also showcase natural materials, minimal decorations, and double-hung windows with one large picture window. Split foyer houses have two levels, with two sets of stairs. While some styles create space with doors, the colonial does it with staircase. While we know that the design of a split-level house can vary, many of them will have a set of stairs outside that lead to the front door instead of a flat sidewalk. Any split-level modernization project should look very closely at ways to make those exterior walls smooth. With a sultry black hex on the floor and a dimensional geometric tile on the walls we set the stage for a calm space. Skylights are a great modern addition that can bring a split-level home into the 21st century. You can place bedrooms on the top floor or at the ground level, put your laundry area in the basement, have your living room at a floor somewhere above the ground level, and the entertainment room on the floor below it, and more. link to What Kind Of Paint For Garage Walls. The original spec was probably a steel door with very little curb appeal. There are many sub types of the Colonial style, with each world power at the time putting its own unique stamp on this traditional style. Garage doors are often taken for granted. The first is that they create a much better separation between the upstairs and the downstairs. What Companies Offer the Lowest Real Estate Fees? This type of split-level house features multiple levels that are visible from the homes exterior. We have an office that is the envy of the neighborhood. Light colored paint will reflect light better and gives a brighter feel to the interiors of any home. In todays world many people find the formal areas of a colonial to be a waste of space. Since tri-level homes generally dont look symmetrical, adding additions to it will be challenging. A very simple way of updating the look of a traditional split-level is to add some bling to the design. Anything you do on any floor of a split-level home will affect the other floors. Here is more info about both split levels and colonial homes, and the pros and cons of each. My standard corner with 28"-deep diagonal pullouts. Split foyer to French colonial. Brokerage. We will not contact you with anything else. The types of siding that are typical on this style are generally wood and high maintenance,it can be replaced with hardy board which is less maintenance. This means youll have to climb multiple stairs in order to do your laundry in your own home. Modern home designs tend to focus on lighting details. [Living Room] You can still see the garage, main level, and upper/lower split on the right. Taken fromhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHaeHzf4iBU. Before we dive too deeply into the types of split-level homes, its important to know the distinguishing features of split-level houses. Renovations are also one of the best times for you to declutter. You can use our list to help you make sure that your remodeling project will be a resounding success. Making the lights more uniform and using a warmer paint color also made it look more inviting. They are close to town, and they have a reasonable cost basis, due to their older look. That is, the middle and largest level is for the dining and living areas, the upper floor is for bedrooms, and the lowest floor is for the garage or cellar. But again, you need to visualize how the exterior will connect to and complement whats inside your home, including the functions of each level. One set of stairs leads to the upper level, while the other leads to the bottom level. You are generally stuck with their traditional layout. T1-11 siding (plywood sheets with vertical grooves spaced 8 inches apart) is common on the upper levels, and the upper floors tend to be cantilevered out over the structural walls below. Additionally, if you plan on constructing a home on an uneven or hilly property, a split-level home is often the ideal choice. However, from the outside, they appear like there is only one level. With some fresh mulch and flowers, it can provide that freshness that can elevate any home. Weve already explored some of the advantages and disadvantages of each individual type of split-level house. Typically, this is done to the main living space and bedrooms. For people that have trouble making it up and down the stairs, the ranch style is ideal. Once you see the possibilities and start looking at the changes that can be made, youll realize that a split-level may have more potential to look great in decades to come than almost any other old-school design out there. But a few simple modifications can transform them, making them one of the best fixer-upper options. Sadly, youre limited to these three choices. You need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and make final decisions before the work starts. As a result, their homes look even more unbalanced and the new additions are blatantly obvious not a look you should strive for. By working with siding styles and stonework, the creative homeowner can transform his bland home into something beautiful. He loves to blog about construction, plumbing, and other home topics. Personnaliser mon exprience l'aide de cookies, Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers, Outdoor Lighting & Audio/Visual Specialists, Gregory Thomas, Architect, AKBD, CG&S Design-Build, Politique d'Utilisation des Cookies de Houzz. Ryan also loves hockey and a lifelong Buffalo sports fan. The entire house was remodeled, plus we designed a screened porch and patio / fire pit for the rear yard. The split level can be built on a sloping a sloping lot (cheaper) with more square footage under one roof (cheaper! The most significant change done to this space is removing the small room in the middle of the floor that housed the kitchen. One of the major concepts of the modern home is that it has an open floor plan. There is a large chimney in the center of the house used to keep the home warm during the harsh northeastern winters. To add a real element of fun, we jazzed it up with the colorful escher tile at the backsplash and brought in accents of brass in the hardware and light fixtures to tie it all together. We wont keep you guessing for so long you can make additions to a split-level home, despite the space constraints. Noticing a theme yet? Ryan Shaw is the founder of Real Estate Witch, which he created to help consumers avoid unnecessary expenses when they buy or sell a house.
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