Houzz Pro: One simple solution for contractors and design pros, Split-Level Main Floor Remodel in West Seattle. 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 are 6 main split-level house designs, including standard-split, split-foyer, stacked-split, split-entry, back-split, and side-split. 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. And if you want to take it to the next level, does the KonMari method ring a bell? Wherever possible is important because some of (or all of) those interior walls could have major structural implications on the rest of the home. To even out the temperature all over your home, you can get furnace fans installed and get them to run at a low setting. You'll usually find the bedrooms stacked above the foyer with stairs coming off the kitchen or dining room. If your split-level features garage doors that face the street, they may represent your easiest and best option for modernization. Noticing a theme yet? The exterior can have a look that might be considered dated. 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. We can help you out with that! Landscaping is new. 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. We added a new garage, laundry, master bedroom and bath and 1/2 guest bath on that same level. In most cases, the bottom level is a garage, a den, a playroom, a recreation room, or other informal living areas. You can also make use of that list as an inspiration for your project. [Our Clients] Many saw what was happening as a devaluation of human labor and an emphasis on mass production rather than individualism and hand-crafted items. This way, you can maximize the space by adjusting the alignment of furniture and fixtures. The familys living quarters are located on the main floor, on the other side of the house. The classic faade of a split-level home is very simple. People want more bedrooms, more bedrooms, more bedrooms at the expense of the communal space. 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. The raised ranch introduces some stair climbing into the mix. Drawbacks of Art DecoIn some parts of the country flat roofs can be a problem and need continual maintenance. Exterior accessories such as light fixtures and house numbers can make a huge difference. This not only makes it appear to be larger, but makes it more inviting as well. These give an illusion that the areas in the open space still have divisions that separate them. 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. 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. To the right of the front door is a tiny window allowing peek-a-boo views of guest arrivals from inside the daughter's closet. Aside from these two requirements, the design work involved aesthetics: enhancing the front faade with a modern architecture and high quality materials. This is a split-level home, so there were limited aesthetic options in the entryway. The things you can do when remodeling a split-level home is not limited to what we have included in our list. Bryan Jones, Principal Jones Pierce Inc. An Atlanta based Architectural firm specializing in custom home transformations and custom retirement homes in fun places. To modernize a split-level home, replace the outdated windows. The home will include many sets of stairs, or in some cases, just a couple of steps, but the entry is generally at ground level. The old backyard used to have some trellis installed and the entire garden looked unkempt. But you might be struggling to figure out what kind of paint to use on garage walls. [Living Room] This results in a stark contrast, especially when the differences are very obvious. On terrain that is rough, rugged, or hilly, sometimes staggering the floors is the best option for building a home. And for split-level homes, the ideal remodel involves also the sides of the house. 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. It can be difficult to downsize and there are challenges with smaller spaces ,storage etc. A new paver pathway, planters, and landscaping add curb appeal. Consider this if you are more concerned about maintaining an even temperature in your home than the expenses that it can lead to. The remodel welcomes a covered front porch that was absent in the original. Anything you do on any floor of a split-level home will affect the other floors. Zillow, Inc. holds real estate brokerage licenses in multiple states. It is for information purposes only, and any links provided are for the user's convenience. The three resulting levels connect with staggering staircases. The short answer is that, yes, you can convert a split-level to open up the home and make it feel more modern. [Dining Room] The raised ranch homes and split levels became popular in the 1960s and apparently, were still being built in the 1980s. 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. 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! 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 . Your Do You Need an Addition or Remodel Contractor? They were an off-shoot of the post-war modern movement. Again, as with the cape cod , the siding may need regular maintenance. By sumitting this form, you agree to be contacted about your project by Homeadvisor and / or other service partners using automated phone technology and / or email. The lot needs to have a certain slope for the split level style to work. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service. #OvercomingObstaclesScholarship: Lets Put Mental Health on the Agenda and Change the Narrative on Social Media Together! A front porch was added, siding and stone are new, as are all the windows. Snow can pile up, causing damage and its harder for rain to drain off. So, that means sprucing up the curb appeal becomes important. Our primary goal was to re-imagine the main level of the home and create an open flow between the space. 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. You may be used to shoveling the driveway, imagine if you had to add your roof to the list of items to shovel. Bi-levels were popular in the era of splits, as developers would offer new homes in four configurations: colonials, splits, bi-levels or ranches. You need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and make final decisions before the work starts. 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. Consider these options for altering the exterior: This isnt as simple as yes or no. It is not just about giving this type of home a fresh coat of paint every time you can actually make structural changes to a split-level home to add more space inside, or add partitions if you want more room. Both. 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). 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 houses are also commonly referred to as a raised ranch. In most cases, the lower level is partially underground but still has windows. If you can, taking a wall or two out is a great way to open up what is largely an enclosed space. The first staircase that leads downwards goes to either the basement or some other type of informal living space. To remedy this, you can install more lights all over your home; LED light is always better because it is brighter but doesnt consume much electricity. The possibilities are endless. The outside is often another story. That can help you save on electric costs over time. Split-level exteriors tend to be a bit bland. Read This Before You Pay For a Flat Fee MLS Service. 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 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. Because of all these inconveniences, consider scheduling the work at a period when its effects on your household will be most minimal. Using bricks or decorative stones attached to the walls as accents, Adding more windows to balance out the elements of your home. 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. Written by Get Ready to Have No-Obligation Talks With Contractors, 2023 All rights Reserved Contractor QuotesDeveloped By ITVolcano. 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.. As a visual contrast, a simple layout with distinct wooden floors replaced the old plain carpet. Garage doors are often taken for granted. Fixed glass is another very modern type of window, but it wont work for bedrooms that require an emergency escape and ventilation. Again, the main advantage to this type of split-level home is the lack of staircases connecting each level of the house. Garage doors are clad in metal. Required fields are marked *. This means youll have to climb multiple stairs in order to do your laundry in your own home. Unlike traditional home layouts, split-level homes, also referred to as tri-level, feature at least three levels that are connected by stairs. 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 main level is street level so there is no need to be climbing up or down stairs with groceries etc. A split foyer conversion is no simple renovation, but Owings Brothers Contracting is up to the task! Its much easier to move things in and out of the house when everything is on one level. Your house payment will be lower, property taxes will be less, fewer headaches, less clutter. Contractors are updated with the cost of most construction materials, which makes setting a budget for your project much easier. 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. 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. The functionality and cost-efficiency of split-level homes made it a hit for families that prioritize practicality over aesthetics. 12 /18. 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. ), Plus it looks like a really sophisticated structure, so neighbors will be impressed (good!). The roof lines create an interesting look and this style never seems to be out-dated. People want more bedrooms, more bedrooms, more bedrooms at the expense of the communal space. 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. It is not only the planning stage that you need to focus on the execution is equally important. This question is important and your answer will serve as your guide when it comes to updating your home. The triangular shelves in the corner are quite accessible when the pullouts are extended. Popularity for the split level style was at its greatest in the 70s after the style was featured as the Brady Bunch home. Some split-level homes have ample space at the back and on one side. The Cape Cod is truly a no frills style home. They wanted an open, spacious, airy feeling to this floor. What makes split-level homes a pain to transform is because of the limits involved. Most of the time, they are downright ugly. That pop of color can give the right contrast to the rest of the home to make it stand out in a positive way. 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. [Office] To put it simply, the split-level home is a design from the 1950s. This works well if your house has other trappings of colonial style. 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. Design-wise, it is also much easier for you to work with new home additions that are placed at the back. Weve already explored some of the advantages and disadvantages of each individual type of split-level house. They first became popular in the 1940s and 50s as soldiers returned home and demand for suburban houses was high. 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 dining room had once been the homes living room, but we had other plans in mind. Moreover, it presents serious challenges when it comes to renovating the entire space. You can add a number of design elements, such as siding, tiles, wood, stone, and other decorative pieces to give it a new look. 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. A very simple way of updating the look of a traditional split-level is to add some bling to the design. Split-level homes are built in a simple style that lends itself well to many different appearances: Tudor, Victorian and ranch. The entry has sets of stairs leading up the main floor and another set that leads to the lower level of the home. Painted a crisp shade of white with black trim details, the home now boasts modern farmhouse style. Before we dive too deeply into the types of split-level homes, its important to know the distinguishing features of split-level houses. 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. Add a deck or patio, or even extend your house if space permits. Renovations are also one of the best times for you to declutter. The original kitchen had been on the small side and cut-off from the rest of the home, but after we removed the coat closet, this kitchen opened up beautifully. Some roof colors simply wont work with a contemporary design an old shingle roof usually looks anything but clean and smooth. Espresso Cabinets, white dekton waterfall island and countertops, rustic lvt flooring, black appliances, globe pendant lighting, retro refrigerator, wire handrail, split level master piece. As a result, everything should be carefully thought out; you have to keep in mind that all the floors are interconnected. 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 cape cod style originates in 17th century New England and was built with total practicality in mind. Raising the entry half a level and introducing a wrap-around elevation porch ultimately . However, that was also the time of the post-modern "colonial" movement. Jessica considers herself a home improvement and design enthusiast. Please seek the services of a legal, accounting or real estate professional prior to any real estate transaction. You actually get 3 levels for living space so you really get a sense of depth being in the house. The separation of the floors means that youll be less likely to be awakened by the sounds happening on the lower levels. And voila! Skylights are a great modern addition that can bring a split-level home into the 21st century. And thats probably because so many of them were built during the 1970s. Even if the contractor promised to deliver the work at a certain time, you still need to make allowances for possible unforeseen delays that may happen. Split-level houses feature an architectural style that was most popular in the 40s and 50s, and each type of split-level house has distinct features. Given the limited space that split-level homes are known for, you might wonder if expansion is possible at all. 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. On the other hand, this is not something you can do with split-level homes. Always consider even the most extreme ideas if youre planning to be in the home for a long time. But times have changed, and modern garage door designs can transform the look of the front of your home. Maximize this by getting larger windows for your home to allow more light inside your home during the day. Taken fromhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHaeHzf4iBU. The bedrooms would be upstairs, and the basement or garage would go down. Whether youre looking to buy or build a home from scratch, you likely have a specific architectural style in mind. Tastes change; so, too, an owner's requirements of their home. That allows for expansive decks to be put on or to simply enjoy the extra yard space for kids and pets. Again, the main advantage to this type of split level is the fact that there arent a ton of staircases that separate the floors.