If you can, taking a wall or two out is a great way to open up what is largely an enclosed space. The substantial addition at the rear of the home is barely visible here--the only hint being that the main ridge is a little higher from this point of view. Notice the symmetry and 2 level design. There is plenty of new storage in this space (that ties in with the kitchen finishes), but the real gem is the reading nook with two of the most comfortable armchairs youve ever sat in. If this fits the bill, you can construct a detached garage at the back and use the space on the side as your driveway. There are 6 main split-level house designs, including standard-split, split-foyer, stacked-split, split-entry, back-split, and side-split. This style of home is good for entertaining,and there is a nice separation of space, which creates a deeper sense of separation. Back additions are also generally cheaper than top level additions to a tri-level home. Bi-levels were popular in the era of splits, as developers would offer new homes in four configurations: colonials, splits, bi-levels or ranches. They are close to town, and they have a reasonable cost basis, due to their older look. The Cape Cod is truly a no frills style home. If your split-level features garage doors that face the street, they may represent your easiest and best option for modernization. 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. Maximize this by getting larger windows for your home to allow more light inside your home during the day. The more steps you have, the more difficult snow removal is going to be in the winter months. Popularity for the split level style was at its greatest in the 70s after the style was featured as the Brady Bunch home. [Master Suite] And if you want to take it to the next level, does the KonMari method ring a bell? Pruning the trees, trimming and planting the same type of grass on empty spots on the ground, and removing the installed trellis instantly transformed the entire backyard, making it look a lot brighter. To put it simply, the split-level home is a design from the 1950s. ton of options for the open space in the middle. 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. For the first idea, let's take a look at the picture of this traditional split-level house located in Minneapolis. If youre looking for a home with plenty of space for your family and for hosting guests, the stacked split design is an excellent choice. In most cases, the bottom level is a garage, a den, a playroom, a recreation room, or other informal living areas. A cottage is typically a one bedroom dwelling meant for travelers or people on vacation. With millions of inspiring photos from design professionals, you'll find just want you need to turn your house into your dream home. He's an authority on the Florida real estate market, as well as selling a house by owner. 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. 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. 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. Bi-Level or Split-Level Remodeling Tips For Homes Built in the 1970s. Why do you want to do a renovation of your split-level home? A very simple way of updating the look of a traditional split-level is to add some bling to the design. Design-wise, it is also much easier for you to work with new home additions that are placed at the back. It packs a large amount of square footage into a relatively small footprint, something growing families appreciate. As a visual contrast, a simple layout with distinct wooden floors replaced the old plain carpet. None have been built since the late 1970s. You are generally stuck with their traditional layout. 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. 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. The raised ranch homes and split levels became popular in the 1960s and apparently, were still being built in the 1980s. Another great idea is to replace old windows with newer ones and tearing down some of your interior walls to make space and bring in more natural light. Given the limited space that split-level homes are known for, you might wonder if expansion is possible at all. Light colored paint will reflect light better and gives a brighter feel to the interiors of any home. 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. Modern Capes from 1920s and after kept many of the exterior features of the original Cape with a modified interior for a more comfortable living experience. The possibilities are endless. One set of stairs leads to the upper level, while the other leads to the bottom level. One alternative is to re-do the exterior only; by converting the windows to a traditional colonial style (four upstairs, picture window downstairs). Of all split level homes, the raised ranch has the toughest exterior to deal with. You can also place raised garden beds if you want to disguise the slope of the land. The advantage to split entry houses is the spacious design that offers plenty of room for larger families or those who entertain often. This may involve a major structural overhaul, but its worth considering. Moving your furniture around to change the look of your home is usually the first step many homeowners make. There is also hardly any room for experimentation when it comes to remodeling a tri-level home. link to What Kind Of Paint For Garage Walls. The classic faade of a split-level home is very simple. Photography by Tre Dunham, Fine focus Photography. Dark colors tend to work well with shingle roofs, and the potential to switch to a standing seam metal roof should also be considered. For some, this section seems like wasted space when you can use it as a den or mudroom. Meanwhile, the topmost level is where all of the bedrooms and bathrooms are. 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. To even out the temperature all over your home, you can get furnace fans installed and get them to run at a low setting. Split-levels also showcase natural materials, minimal decorations, and double-hung windows with one large picture window. Thoughtful updates, such as a cedar shake roof, an expansive dormer, and a glass-panel front door, transformed the home's previously lackluster exterior. After all, this is what split-level homes are known for. If you prefer a home that still separates the living space from the bedrooms, but doesnt require a full flight of stairs to reach, you may consider a side split style house. We were so excited to help these new homeowners re-envision their split-level diamond in the rough. On the other hand, bi-level houses have two levels that are accessed via a common entrance between the floors. We have an office that is the envy of the neighborhood. In the early 1960s, for instance, no floor plan concept seemed better suited to the demands of modern life than the split level . Common features of split-level houses include large living areas, low-pitched roofs, and multiple attics with ample storage space. Tastes change; so, too, an owner's requirements of their home. Renovated Split Level Home in Salt Lake City. Think of Frank Lloyd Wrights Fallingwater, and take note of the contrast between perfectly smooth wall surfaces and the texture of natural stone used intermittently throughout the design. By even changing out those outdated windows for something modern and new, it can really change the look of the home. Clients were also interested in: low maintenance finishes, usage of low/no VOC materials, good indoor air quality as they lived on site during the remodel, and preserving and refinishing salvageable resources. Clever: Are Those Commission Savings Legit? This is because it offers both ambient lighting and a focused illumination. It is the literal antithesis of the modern floorplan. New columns replicate the original style, so the addition looks like it's always been there. This 1960s split-level home desperately needed a change - not bigger space, just better. bi-level exterior remodeling | Bi-level converted to a colonial style home traditional-exterior Raised Ranch Entryway Raised Ranch Exterior Exterior House Remodel Home Exterior Makeover House Siding Choices Split Level House Exterior Split Entry Remodel Split Foyer Colonial Style Homes More information . This type of split-level home boasts four or five levels and numerous sets of stairs. Aside from these two requirements, the design work involved aesthetics: enhancing the front faade with a modern architecture and high quality materials. Facing a set of steps every time you enter your house can get old, especially when you are doing stuff like bringing groceries in the house. We can help you out with that! Snow can pile up, causing damage and its harder for rain to drain off. So, that means sprucing up the curb appeal becomes important. Both. This home didnt originally have a master suite, so we decided to convert one of the bedrooms and create a charming suite that youd never want to leave. 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. This information makes it easier to coordinate with pros. Here are some concepts and ideas you can use for your own home. The content on this site is not intended to provide legal, financial or real estate advice. The scope also included the living and dining rooms, plus the front entry and stairwell. 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. 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. The Colonial-style renovation upgraded the plain portico into a spacious covered porch, which allows room for plenty of outdoor furniture. The dated kitchen plus both small main and master bathrooms were remodeled. Because of all these inconveniences, consider scheduling the work at a period when its effects on your household will be most minimal. You can find the majority of colonial style houses in the northeastern and southern U.S. Typically, this is done to the main living space and bedrooms. Many have garages and basements, and some have both. Whole House Remodeling This home was transformed from a split-foyer into a french colonial. It is a product that can handle any type of sloping lot and is as efficient as a house can get. And while the change in floor level creates a partial separation of spaces, they are visually connected from one level to the next. We removed two walls to open up this kitchen to the adjacent dining and family room area in this classic Split Level style home. Step inside the house and youll see polished flooring, shiny appliances, freshly-painted walls, and so much more. On the outside, you have paint chipping off, loose steps, landscaping that is in bad shape, the list goes on. Ryan Shaw. Here youll typically find the living room, dining room, kitchen, and possibly a bathroom. Nowadays, its very common to see split-level construction when it comes to building a home on the side of a hill. 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. Add a deck or patio, or even extend your house if space permits. Split foyer houses have two levels, with two sets of stairs. The lights will stay relatively hidden and wont become a distraction, either. The U shaped ranch gives you a ton of options for the open space in the middleyou can put a pool, front porch or a courtyard area there. They feature a prominent front door, medium roofing lines for drainage and. This arrangement is built around 14" x 14" faces to increase the width of the pullouts and provides over twice the usable storage of lazy susans. link to What Kind Of Paint For Garage Walls. You actually get 3 levels for living space so you really get a sense of depth being in the house. What Companies Offer the Lowest Real Estate Fees? While some styles create space with doors, the colonial does it with staircase. Lighting is one of the most important features in just about any home layout. A common configuration is having the first stairs from the entryway leading to the dining room or kitchen. We will not contact you with anything else. Doors with glass-like, translucent flat panels are beautiful in daylight and at night, when interior light can turn them into giant night lights all while obscuring the contents of your garage from neighbors. 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. [Office] The original use of the cottage was to house agricultural workers on a farm. This Plain Jane split foyer was given more than a facelift, it was given a whole new second-floor by constructing an addition changing its style to a Colonial. There is typically a short section of stairs that then leads to the other sections of the home. Split foyer to French colonial. Keep in mind that easiest homes to maintain and make additions to tend to be rancheswhich is why they have become one of the most popular style of home! Moreover, the proper windows can play an integral role in the energy-efficiency of your home. In Miamis South Beach, the Art Deco style saw a resurgence in the 1980s with pastel colors. Surprisingly, this style of home was developed not due to aesthetic reasons but out of necessity. You can also turn it into your home office and place all your filing cabinets, bookcase, and other similar items there. The Empire State Building is a glowing example of the Art Deco style and its reach for the sky ethos. All rights reserved. Cape Cods are a story and a half high with a steep, pitched roof designed to keep the snow from piling up on the roof. Whats most important is that your home works the best for you. A very simple way of updating the look of a traditional split-level is to add some bling to the design. No matter which you choose, youll get multiple levels connected by short flights of stairs, but each style has unique features. 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. Our plan was to create an open and light filled kitchen with a design that translated well to the other spaces in this home, and a layout that offered plenty of space for multiple cooks. The landing is presented upon entering and the choice to go up or down stairs must be made immediately. AFTER: Our design includes a new entryway gabled roof along with a combination a shake and lap siding, cultured stone, Pella craftsman style garage/entry doors and Pella 450 Series Casement windows with decorative flower boxes below. With its dramatic vaulted ceiling and new custom steel railing, this room was just screaming for a dramatic light fixture and a large table to welcome one-and-all. 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. Location: Marietta's Indian Hills neighborhood Size: 4,500 square feet, five bedrooms and six bathrooms Year built/bought: 1972/2017 Architectural style: Split-level ranch converted into. A split-level house is essentially a variation of the conventional ranch-style house, but split-levels make much better use of the space. This works well if your house has other trappings of colonial style. Brick steps lined with lush landscaping beckon guests toward the entrance. Split Foyer Conversion to Two Story Exterior 16,244 views Oct 26, 2018 60 Dislike Share Save owingsbrothers 222 subscribers This Plain Jane split foyer was given more than a facelift, it was. 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. Split entry homes have, as the name suggests, an entry that is between floors. Youll want to arm yourself with this information so you can be prepared when flipping through listings. Opting for a split-level house on a property like this allows the contractor to adjust the foundation according to the lot. The south roof slope of the home hosts a large solar array, barely visible here. You can also use sliding glass doors instead of a wooden door. Skylights allow for natural, warm lighting to permeate the room. 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. I've evolved this design to where the center pullout and adjacent shelves can be adjusted up or down. This is partially because they are seen as being out of date. Copyright 2023 Real Estate Witch Another common complaint about the ranch style of home is that the outside can tend to have a boring, lackluster appeal. You can use the following materials or do the following to make noticeable changes outside, while looking neutral enough to complement everything else: If you recall, we made a list of remodeling ideas for the faade and front entry in an earlier section. The outside of a split-level has a unique look to it and that can be enough to dispel a potential buyer from taking a visit. Even better, that natural light will light up just about every corner of the room. The exterior of a split-level home is whats giving away its age. They wanted an open, spacious, airy feeling to this floor. This type of split-level house features multiple levels that are visible from the homes exterior. Photos by Richard Pasley. For now, they are also quite affordably priced. Even better, adding a skylight has a ton of benefits from every aspect: economical, functional, and aesthetic. We designed the rest of the space to be a clean and bright white, and really let the lovely blue of the floor tile pop. The remodel welcomes a covered front porch that was absent in the original. Not only that, but those closed off, separated rooms can bring with it a claustrophobic feel. Photo: Robert Braddock. The kitchen and dining room are on a separate floor from both the bedrooms and living room. That allows for expansive decks to be put on or to simply enjoy the extra yard space for kids and pets. Do you now have at least a vague idea of what kind of remodeling you should do to your home? Horizontal sliders can also provide a more modern look. Try taking out some of the interior walls wherever possible. As a result, their homes look even more unbalanced and the new additions are blatantly obvious not a look you should strive for. With some fresh mulch and flowers, it can provide that freshness that can elevate any home. Side split homes are one of the most common types of split-level houses and are the specific style portrayed on the classic TV show The Brady Bunch.. You can still see the garage, main level, and upper/lower split on the right. This type of construction is very common among townhouses. It also helps to ensure that the drainage is properly taken care of. The colonial style is associated with the style of building used from the 17th to the 19th century, particularly in colonial America. Read This Before You Pay For a Flat Fee MLS Service. As a result, everything should be carefully thought out; you have to keep in mind that all the floors are interconnected. Ryan Womeldorf has more than a decade of experience writing. 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. Stucco is the most common material used to achieve this look, and thankfully, its not very difficult to stucco over many existing exterior siding products, such as T1-11. 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 can be confusing to those who dont know the difference. 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. The master bathroom aesthetic quickly became all about the textures. With a little landscaping, you can really jazz up your ranch! 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. We are continuously working to improve the accessibility of our web experience for everyone, and we welcome feedback and accommodation requests. 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. Most people use the terms bi-level and split-level interchangeably. 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. 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.