Contrast is key for on-trend style. But a few simple modifications can transform them, making them one of the best fixer-upper options. Typically, split level homes are good candidates for an architectural intervention. The biggest challenge for Sun Design Remodeling is the mid-level front door. You actually get 3 levels for living space so you really get a sense of depth being in the house. Lets explore the numerous variations of this ubiquitous architectural style. The big tree doesnt help at all, since it just makes the left side heavier than the other side. 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. A perfectly remodeled home involves not just the inside but also the outside. The bedrooms are usually situated right above the foyer. We added a new garage, laundry, master bedroom and bath and 1/2 guest bath on that same level. Its nothing that cant be remedied with a little green thumb! If your split-level features garage doors that face the street, they may represent your easiest and best option for modernization. Each style has unique features, but all split-level houses consist of multiple floors connected by short flights of stairs. You can also lengthen the front stoop of your main entryway by increasing the size of your entryways canopy or roof. But again, you need to visualize how the exterior will connect to and complement whats inside your home, including the functions of each level. 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. Bi-level houses are also commonly referred to as a raised ranch. In most cases, the lower level is partially underground but still has windows. Tri-level homes already look unbalanced and adding extensions to its sides makes it look even more unbalanced if not done properly. It also helps to ensure that the drainage is properly taken care of. It is a product that can handle any type of sloping lot and is as efficient as a house can get. We converted the original garage into a lovely little living room with a cozy fireplace. The split level can be built on a sloping a sloping lot (cheaper) with more square footage under one roof (cheaper! Lighting is one of the most important features in just about any home layout. The most significant change done to this space is removing the small room in the middle of the floor that housed the kitchen. Rooms on the lower level are usually garages, dens, playrooms, and other informal living spaces. For ranches, this can extend off the main house and connect to a garage that was once completely separate from the rest of the home. Therefore, we thought it would be a good time to revisit strategies to turn the split level monster into a piece of architecture. The trend these days is to minimize , and cottages do just thatkeeping heating and cooling costs down and making maintenance chores a breeze. They wanted an open, spacious, airy feeling to this floor. 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. 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. Get new garage doors. The homeowners are enthusiasts of residential modern architecture and wanted to update their 1960s split-foyer home with a modern design. Placement of the family room, kitchen, dining room, bedrooms, and bathrooms can all vary in this style. We continued the warm wood touches into the master bedroom, but went for a rich accent wall that elevated the sophistication level and sets this space apart. Colonial Home Style The colonial style is associated with the style of building used from the 17th to the 19th century, particularly in colonial America. That's not usually a good thing. Use landscaping to your advantage. With a split-level house, you could have at least three bedrooms and still have plenty of space for backyard recreation. This question is important and your answer will serve as your guide when it comes to updating your home. 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. This floor plan features three to four floors and many sets of stairs. The need to climb stairs tends to lower the value a little bit, which can help first-time homebuyers that are looking to break into home ownership. He loves to blog about construction, plumbing, and other home topics. The things you can do when remodeling a split-level home is not limited to what we have included in our list. If your home doesnt have windows on the sides, which is typical to this type, get them installed as well. They were an off-shoot of the post-war modern movement. In most cases, these homes have a garage with the bedrooms situated directly above it on one side of the house. If you want to go full-on modern, consider hiding the roof completely. As prices in close-in suburbs inch toward the stratosphere, split-levels are often the only house types left that younger buyers can afford. Dont let the limited space of a split-level home hinder you from making all sorts of additions to your home. 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. 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. Split-level homes tend to be small, in terms of square footage . Always consider even the most extreme ideas if youre planning to be in the home for a long time. 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. Have questions about buying, selling or renting during COVID-19? 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. If there are multiple bedrooms present and you dont need some of them, merge two or more to create a bigger room. Consider casement windows, which feature cranks and swing out to open up. Aside from these two requirements, the design work involved aesthetics: enhancing the front faade with a modern architecture and high quality materials. 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. However, this staggered design is not ideal for the elderly or individuals with disabilities. You can still see the garage, main level, and upper/lower split on the right. 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. Magazine pictures of modern homes tend to make them look almost sterile; recessed lighting offers more light without it becoming impractical. 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. Taken fromhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHaeHzf4iBU. Also, your current foundations wont have to support the additional weight, because these additions will have their own foundations. Using bricks or decorative stones attached to the walls as accents, Adding more windows to balance out the elements of your home. Another great garage door style on a modern home is a wood-look door. . 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. Renovated Split Level Home in Salt Lake City. On the other hand, this is not something you can do with split-level homes. If you can, taking a wall or two out is a great way to open up what is largely an enclosed space. The split level or foyer offered a stacking of floors taking a much smaller footprint of land reducing the cost to build a new home. Plants and trees will help balance the overall look of your home and make it look much more even. There is also hardly any room for experimentation when it comes to remodeling a tri-level home. Photos by Richard Pasley. 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. Since the house is all on one level, you will need more square footage to get privacy from other household members. The major disadvantage to this style of split-level home is the middle area that has no real function at all. You can choose from stacked-split, split-foyer, split-entry, back-split, standard-split, or side-split. 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. Installing glass panes or other decorative elements, especially on the foyer and main entryway, to draw the attention to that part of your home instead of the garage. The craftsman style home was born out of a reaction to the industrial revolution. Because of their design, split-level homes can struggle to get an ample amount of natural light. This type of split-level house will have at least three sections but may have more. 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. Painted a crisp shade of white with black trim details, the home now boasts modern farmhouse style. 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. 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. Now we know why Art Deco is popular in Miami! Aside from the differences on the exterior, both back split and side split houses have roughly the same design. The three resulting levels connect with staggering staircases. Changing the aesthetic of the exterior of your split-level can come down to some very simplistic changes. Even if your dream is to have a log cabin-type of home but you live in area that gets a lot of rain and snow all year, using even the sturdiest kind of wood may be the worst decision you can make in your life. We can help you out with that! Here is more info about both split levels and colonial homes, and the pros and cons of each. 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. The exterior of a split-level home is whats giving away its age. 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. Since tri-level homes generally dont look symmetrical, adding additions to it will be challenging. You are almost done - fill out this last step, Main entryway or door located at the middle level (often the part of the house with the single-story), or in-between the upper and lower levels (this style is also known as the split-entry home), The lower level is often the garage or an informal entertainment or recreational space, The middle level is the main living space that typically contains the living room, dining room, and kitchen, The higher floor is where bedrooms are located, How the rooms and functional spaces are divided in each level, Narrow passageways and very limited space near the main entrance (if the home incorporates the split-entry style), Minimal lights and details that are typical to this kind of home, Limited storage spaces, cabinets, and closets, Presence of cold and hot spots in certain areas of your home. Aside from these two requirements, the design work involved aesthetics: enhancing the front faade with a modern architecture and high quality materials. Photo Credit: Mid-Century Split Level Addition/Whole House Remodel, Front Yard