This type of split-level home boasts four or five levels and numerous sets of stairs. fiber cement siding painted Cleveland Green (7" siding), Sweet Vibrations (4" siding), and Texas Leather (11" siding)all by Benjamin Moore window trim and clerestory band painted Night Horizon by Benjamin Moore soffit & fascia painted Camouflage by Benjamin Moore. 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. Another reason why these types of houses are desirable to homeowners is that the layout separates the living area from the sleeping area, offering more privacy. A roof is far more than a utilitarian way to keep precipitation out of the house its an important design element that can make or break an exterior remodel. Art Deco has a cool, interesting style that sets it apart from other homes. Then, the middle level is where the majority of the entertaining and living happens. To make it easier, we have put them under categories, depending on the issue you want to address. It is the literal antithesis of the modern floorplan. All rights reserved. Changing the aesthetic of the exterior of your split-level can come down to some very simplistic changes. However, the major disadvantage is the fact that you must climb multiple sets of stairs to reach each individual level of the home. At the same time, these homes are also in the current sweet spot for in-town renovations because of their location on the growth rings of cities. None have been built since the late 1970s. If you are moving from a large house to a cottage or a bungalow, you really need to plan out what you can take and what you need to leave behind. What made this transformation was raising the entrance to the main level, building out the attic space for an added level, and relocating the staircase to access all 3 levels. However, from the outside, they appear like there is only one level. We cleaned up the cabinets and brass hardware, switched out the formica counter for a new quartz top, and painted wall a cheery accent color to liven it up a bit. The dated kitchen plus both small main and master bathrooms were remodeled. Another common complaint about the ranch style of home is that the outside can tend to have a boring, lackluster appeal. Convert Ranch Into Split-level Ranch (Left side of house raised) Convert Ranch Into Split-level Ranch (Middle portion of house raised) Convert Ranch Into Colonial Convert Ranch Into Split-level (Do's & Don'ts) Add Rear Bathroom Dormer to Cape Convert Cape to Colonial (Cantilevered) Add Full Rear Dormer to Cape with Dog House Dormers A split foyer actually has a separate section that is on the ground level between the garage and the house. [Office] You need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and make final decisions before the work starts. The main level is street level so there is no need to be climbing up or down stairs with groceries etc. This is because it offers both ambient lighting and a focused illumination. Colonial Homes A typical colonial style home. You can also place raised garden beds if you want to disguise the slope of the land. With proper drainage, you can keep the yard dry and clean, making it more appealing for potential suitors. Again, the main advantage to this type of split level is the fact that there arent a ton of staircases that separate the floors. There is typically a short section of stairs that then leads to the other sections of the home. Many see this design as being very impractical, considering all the stairs you have to climb in order to access various areas of the home. He loves to blog about construction, plumbing, and other home topics. Before we dive too deeply into the types of split-level homes, its important to know the distinguishing features of split-level houses. One of the best ways to modernize a split-level home is to avoid a roof color that's too light or too close to the house color. We loved the original built-ins in this space, and knew they needed to always be a part of this house, but these 60-year-old beauties definitely needed a little help. There is a large chimney in the center of the house used to keep the home warm during the harsh northeastern winters. Get new garage doors. Clever: Are Those Commission Savings Legit? 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. Or, maybe youre considering one of many types of split-level homes. #OvercomingObstaclesScholarship: Lets Put Mental Health on the Agenda and Change the Narrative on Social Media Together! 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. Its also nice if you just prefer to have everything on one level. However, this staggered design is not ideal for the elderly or individuals with disabilities. People want more bedrooms, more bedrooms, more bedrooms at the expense of the communal space. Bryan Jones, Principal Jones Pierce Inc. An Atlanta based Architectural firm specializing in custom home transformations and custom retirement homes in fun places. 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. Many homeowners concentrate on remodeling the inside of their home and neglect to work on the exteriors as well. 12 /18. And many of them are Colonial style, meaning that they feature grids that divide the window into 12 or more small lites, rather than larger panes of glass. Copyright 2023 Real Estate Witch As a visual contrast, a simple layout with distinct wooden floors replaced the old plain carpet. The remodel welcomes a covered front porch that was absent in the original. Drawbacks of Art DecoIn some parts of the country flat roofs can be a problem and need continual maintenance. 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. Taken fromhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HE7jN7ofmeI. The design is a compromise between living on one level as in a ranch, yet having essentially a walk-out basement with additional finished living space below. The master bathroom aesthetic quickly became all about the textures. Living Rm & Foyer Before Building Up Front Door Raised Lower Level Transformed The lower level of this 1970's split foyer consisted of a bedroom, dated laundry/kitchen area, storage, and family room. Commonly, however, the term is also used to denote split-level homes. There are some things designers typically focus on to make significant changes to this type of home, such as: If you are thinking of modifying your home but dont really have a clue where to start and how to do it, we can help you out with that. Because of all these inconveniences, consider scheduling the work at a period when its effects on your household will be most minimal. To add some space inside without spending too much, you can get rid of some existing walls or partitions to create an open-plan layout. Adding additional spaces to your home will require you to sacrifice either your backyard or the remaining space at the sides of your home, if they are available at all. 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. The roof lines create an interesting look and this style never seems to be out-dated. The entry has sets of stairs leading up the main floor and another set that leads to the lower level of the home. By replacing current windows with something that let in a lot more light and are more efficient, you can bring in more natural light to the home, making the space feel bigger, and help to cut down on energy costs over time. Because of their design, split-level homes can struggle to get an ample amount of natural light. Typically, this is done to the main living space and bedrooms. Ranches tend to be easier to maintainparticularly on the outside. You'll usually find the bedrooms stacked above the foyer with stairs coming off the kitchen or dining room. We can help you out with that! Some split-level homes use an open-plan layout, which can feel overwhelming for some. 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. The roof lines create an interesting look and this style never seems to be out-dated. And if you want to take it to the next level, does the KonMari method ring a bell? It can be difficult to downsize and there are challenges with smaller spaces ,storage etc. William Feemster of ImageArts Photography. Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you. In this idea, you must pay more attention to the front door of the house. By even changing out those outdated windows for something modern and new, it can really change the look of the home. You can also turn it into your home office and place all your filing cabinets, bookcase, and other similar items there. The homeowners are enthusiasts of residential modern architecture and wanted to update their 1960s split-foyer home with a modern design. Each style has unique features, but all split-level houses consist of multiple floors connected by short flights of stairs. To modernize a split-level home you can take action and add some recessed lighting to the first floor, as well as some skylights, throughout the home. At twilight the house comes aglow with warmth. Here is more info about both split levels and colonial homes, and the pros and cons of each. Raised ranch homes flip the expected configuration upside-down. Homes with two stories, or two-story homes, are built with one floor right above the other. Bathroom closets are often catch-alls for anything and everything remotely related to self-care. | All rights reserved. Now that we are living in them, what are some split level strategies that we can use to improve the experience. By working with siding styles and stonework, the creative homeowner can transform his bland home into something beautiful. Sadly, youre limited to these three choices. This type of split-level house features multiple levels that are visible from the homes exterior. There are 6 main split-level house designs, including standard-split, split-foyer, stacked-split, split-entry, back-split, and side-split. Even better, that natural light will light up just about every corner of the room. For example, the laundry room will most likely be on a different floor than the bedrooms and bathrooms. Split-level homes can be beneficial for those who are light sleepers easily awakened by noise or night shift workers who sleep during the day. And while the change in floor level creates a partial separation of spaces, they are visually connected from one level to the next. [Hall Bathroom] Foyers in split-level homes typically contain the linen closets, coat racks, and other storage. It also helps to ensure that the drainage is properly taken care of. Since the house is all on one level, you will need more square footage to get privacy from other household members. Most people use the terms bi-level and split-level interchangeably. [Living Room] The old backyard used to have some trellis installed and the entire garden looked unkempt. If done properly, this can tie in wonderfully with the natural stone sections of wall mentioned above. Do you now have at least a vague idea of what kind of remodeling you should do to your home? One of the major concepts of the modern home is that it has an open floor plan. As prices in close-in suburbs inch toward the stratosphere, split-levels are often the only house types left that younger buyers can afford. It is a product that can handle any type of sloping lot and is as efficient as a house can get. Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, Tudor, Cape Cod . This information makes it easier to coordinate with pros. And if those are no longer in production, good luck with how youre going to make it blend in with the rest of your home. For listings in Canada, the trademarks REALTOR, REALTORS, and the REALTOR logo are controlled by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA. The familys living quarters are located on the main floor, on the other side of the house. Ryan Womeldorf has more than a decade of experience writing. If possible, have your skylights customized to fit the theme of your home to complement the entire space. Lets explore the numerous variations of this ubiquitous architectural style. There are various shapes for the ranch style, but the main theme is that the entire house is on one levelwhich has its perks. That allows for expansive decks to be put on or to simply enjoy the extra yard space for kids and pets. This makes the entryway quite narrow and the easiest solution is to move the storage somewhere else. In most cases, the garage will sit on the ground level and the bedroom area will be stacked above it. This is due to the fact that the sides of this type of home tend to be boringly blank youre actually lucky if you even have windows on the sides. The split level came into prominence in the 1950s and 60s when returning GIs and others wanted a more grand looking home with a small budget. This way, you can maximize the space by adjusting the alignment of furniture and fixtures. One reason for its popularity was the competitive cost in comparison to the rancher design being built at that time. 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. Split-level homes tend to be quite dim due to the lack of windows that allow natural light to enter. Have questions about buying, selling or renting during COVID-19? The south roof slope of the home hosts a large solar array, barely visible here. To modernize a split-level home, replace the outdated windows. To even out the temperature all over your home, you can get furnace fans installed and get them to run at a low setting. Since split-level houses are stacked, they dont take up as much yard space and still provide plenty of square footage vertically on the interior. The idea with the Split level is that you can accommodate a large family on a modest budget. The roof is an oft-overlooked aspect of a homes exterior, which is surprising given the size of both the visible surface area of the roof and the investment required to have a new one installed. Again, split-level homes tend to struggle with natural lighting. It may be a bit more difficult but it is definitely doable. This means youll have to climb multiple stairs in order to do your laundry in your own home. What makes split-level homes a pain to transform is because of the limits involved. You can choose from stacked-split, split-foyer, split-entry, back-split, standard-split, or side-split. If you are still stumped but updating your home is something that excites you, visuals might help you picture out what you can do. Functionally, the client sought to replace a single-car carport with a new oversized two-car garage and to create a protected entry porch for their home. The colonial style is associated with the style of building used from the 17th to the 19th century, particularly in colonial America. Modern home styles are generally made up of two surface types. Horizontal sliders can also provide a more modern look. Keep in mind that the costs could be elevated from a standard renovation project because of the potential removal of walls and their load-bearing implications. Residential inquiries: 404.446.3881 Commercial: 404.446.3882 Contact Us, Split level homes are efficient machines of 60s and 70 living, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window). Our primary goal was to re-imagine the main level of the home and create an open flow between the space. Create low cabinets that can also double as window seats, which allow you to save space and makes for a unique piece. Dark colors tend to work well with shingle roofs, and the potential to switch to a standing seam metal roof should also be considered. Most of the time, they are downright ugly. They were an off-shoot of the post-war modern movement. A new paver pathway, planters, and landscaping add curb appeal. But a few simple modifications can transform them, making them one of the best fixer-upper options. The style is not quite old enough to be considered a classic, but is no longer modern. Looking at listings and come across descriptions saying cozy ranch or colonial and wonder what differentiates thesehomestyles and what it means for livability and cost? You can also lengthen the front stoop of your main entryway by increasing the size of your entryways canopy or roof. You can add a number of design elements, such as siding, tiles, wood, stone, and other decorative pieces to give it a new look. And thats probably because so many of them were built during the 1970s. The walnut vanity cabinet (complete with hairpin legs) adds a lovely level of warmth to this bathroom, and the black and brass accents add the sophisticated touch we were looking for. Split-levels also showcase natural materials, minimal decorations, and double-hung windows with one large picture window. The bedrooms would be upstairs, and the basement or garage would go down. Weve been getting a lot of questions on this so we figured we would dive and and provide the definitive guide on home styles and how each style affects the livability, aesthetics, and the cost to make changes / additions to each style. Split-level remodel: exterior lighting. Instead of a centralized heating and cooling system, consider having separate thermostats for the spots known to be cooler or hotter than the rest of your home. Zillow (Canada), Inc. holds real estate brokerage licenses in multiple provinces. 442-H New York Standard Operating Procedures New York Fair Housing NoticeTREC: Information about brokerage services, Consumer protection noticeCalifornia DRE #1522444Contact Zillow, Inc. The lower level, on the other hand, has lower ceilings and is partly below ground level. So, we started by converting the existing single car garage into their living room (complete with a new fireplace) and opening up the kitchen to the rest of the level. Espresso Cabinets, white dekton waterfall island and countertops, rustic lvt flooring, black appliances, globe pendant lighting, retro refrigerator, wire handrail, split level master piece. This is in place of having to excavate bedrock to build a basement on a single-level home. Your old garage can be converted into any living space you want. As a result, their homes look even more unbalanced and the new additions are blatantly obvious not a look you should strive for. The original 1950s split level was expanded and completely reworked. We will not contact you with anything else. Additionally, if you plan on constructing a home on an uneven or hilly property, a split-level home is often the ideal choice. The split level house design has evolved in the world of production builders following the ranch home. If your land slopes and the main entrance to your home is higher than the pavement, which is often the case, add steps or a small flight of stairs leading to the door. You dont have to concern yourself that much with how it will blend in with the rest of your home, compared to having the additions done at the sides. If you have a bigger budget, you can actually expand your home through the back. One of the biggest issues plaguing split-level homes is that water can pool up at the lower points of the house. Another great garage door style on a modern home is a wood-look door. Raising the entry half a level and introducing a wrap-around elevation porch ultimately . 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. No matter which you choose, youll get multiple levels connected by short flights of stairs, but each style has unique features. On the other hand, bi-level houses have two levels that are accessed via a common entrance between the floors. Please switch to a supported browser or download one of our Mobile Apps. After all, this is what split-level homes are known for. The first is that they create a much better separation between the upstairs and the downstairs. The exterior of a split-level home is whats giving away its age. Replacing old windows with a more modern style can greatly modernize your homes look. Kids can play upstairs in their rooms while causing minimal disturbance to parents and guests below. On the other hand, this is not something you can do with split-level homes. Many saw what was happening as a devaluation of human labor and an emphasis on mass production rather than individualism and hand-crafted items. By adding skylights into the master bedroom, it can give an entirely new dimension to the space. If you were a fan of The Brady Bunch, then you know exactly what a split-level house is. 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. The L shaped ranch is a great way to incorporate a garage into the house plans. You can also have skylights placed on the section of your roof directly above your living space or bedrooms. As a result, everything should be carefully thought out; you have to keep in mind that all the floors are interconnected. This question is important and your answer will serve as your guide when it comes to updating your home. If you are working with a limited budget, even a fresh coat of paint can dramatically change the look of your home. The difference is remarkable and it not only looks better, but this growing family can stay in the neighborhood of their choice and still have room for their expanding lifestyle. New columns replicate the original style, so the addition looks like it's always been there. The content on this site is not intended to provide legal, financial or real estate advice. Consider these options for altering the exterior: This isnt as simple as yes or no. Exterior update of a split entry, two level home with board and batten, brick wainscot, and white trim. The story and a is my favorite, especially if the children in the house are a bit older and dont need to be close to the adults,or if you have out of town company. You can also make use of that list as an inspiration for your project. The dining room had once been the homes living room, but we had other plans in mind. You should know the various types of split-level homes before you can consider buying or building one of your own. This can be confusing to those who dont know the difference. Perhaps youve got your heart set on a modern, contemporary, or even a Colonial-style home. The predominant surface is generally smooth and clean. Although this will lead to inconvenience when moving around your home, you can also get doors placed on each level to maintain the set temperature. Again, as with the cape cod , the siding may need regular maintenance. If you were to view the home from the side or the back, youd be able to see the individual levels of the house. Maximize this by getting larger windows for your home to allow more light inside your home during the day. Try painting the front door to something fresh with a pop of color involved. The short answer is that, yes, you can convert a split-level to open up the home and make it feel more modern. This is partially because they are seen as being out of date. If you want to change the look of your home on the outside, even without doing much work on the interiors, dont worry you have some safe options available. Taken fromhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKS8AnI6Ahk. Design-wise, it is also much easier for you to work with new home additions that are placed at the back. This not only makes it appear to be larger, but makes it more inviting as well. To put it simply, the split-level home is a design from the 1950s. The outside is often another story. 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. Both. Due to the complexity of this type of home, acquiring the services of a professional or two is often the wisest choice you can make in this aspect. Two bedrooms are combined to form one big bedroom, the living room is adjusted to get a bigger kitchen and dining room, or vice versa. The Straight Ranch, also known as the Rambler is generally the cheapest house to build,also in the ranch family are the L shaped ranch and a U shaped ranch. Consider this if you are more concerned about maintaining an even temperature in your home than the expenses that it can lead to. Split foyer to French colonial. In the early 1960s, for instance, no floor plan concept seemed better suited to the demands of modern life than the split level . Then, the stairs off of this room lead to the bedrooms that are stacked atop the foyer. But dont worry, there are ways that you can transform the space without having to tear the walls down (but you can do that if you want). Benefits The story and a is my favorite, especially if the children in the house are a bit older and dont need to be close to the adults,or if you have out of town company. If you dont plan on staying in your home for the long term, you might want to consider a ranch to lower your moving costsitll take an extra person or two for you or the moving company to get things up and down the stairs when you get ready to move. Houzz utilise des cookies et d'autres technologies de suivi similaires pour personnaliser mon exprience utilisateur, me proposer du contenu pertinent et amliorer ses produits et services. Thanks to its inexpensive style, the Cape Cod was a popular choice for many of the first major housing developments after soldiers came back from World War II. The short answer is that, yes, you can convert a split-level to open up the home and make it feel more modern. Renovated Split Level Home in Salt Lake City. The good news is that you can transform the floorplan to look like something out of this century. Fixed glass is another very modern type of window, but it wont work for bedrooms that require an emergency escape and ventilation. Exterior accessories such as light fixtures and house numbers can make a huge difference. Since tri-level homes generally dont look symmetrical, adding additions to it will be challenging. Updating the look and feel of your home, including the appliances like those in the kitchen above, will dramatically change the interiors. Open front porches and stone features are common on the craftsman. The classic faade of a split-level home is very simple. link to How To Organize A Bathroom Closet. Contractors are updated with the cost of most construction materials, which makes setting a budget for your project much easier. This open-plan layout made the space look a lot bigger. A common configuration is having the first stairs from the entryway leading to the dining room or kitchen. From the outside, this type of split-level house looks like a tri-level home but its technically bi-level, with a distinct wing for the entry. ), Plus it looks like a really sophisticated structure, so neighbors will be impressed (good!). 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". Unlike conventional floor plans, when you walk into the front door of a split foyer home, youll be greeted by the two sets of stairs. Your Do You Need an Addition or Remodel Contractor? Similar to a side split home, back split houses are divided into multiple levels.