Another great garage door style on a modern home is a wood-look door. Our primary goal was to re-imagine the main level of the home and create an open flow between the space. 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. Another common complaint about the ranch style of home is that the outside can tend to have a boring, lackluster appeal. That pop of color can give the right contrast to the rest of the home to make it stand out in a positive way. Photo Credit: Mid-Century Split Level Addition/Whole House Remodel, Front Yard This is the photo of the residence building before undergoing the remodeling process. The most significant change done to this space is removing the small room in the middle of the floor that housed the kitchen. So, that means sprucing up the curb appeal becomes important. Comments (39) Oh, we added 1100 sq ft. We converted the old garage into the living room, moved the front door, made the old living room into the dining room, opened everything up and gutted the kitchen. The entry has sets of stairs leading up the main floor and another set that leads to the lower level of the home. Get Ready to Have No-Obligation Talks With Contractors, 2023 All rights Reserved Contractor QuotesDeveloped By ITVolcano. This 1960s split-level home desperately needed a change - not bigger space, just better. After all, this is what split-level homes are known for. 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 is often a great investment, and there are lots of pros to buying one. Using a solid paint color ended up making the entire room look a lot more spacious than when wallpaper was used. We converted the original garage into a lovely little living room with a cozy fireplace. A split-level home has a few great places to start. If this fits the bill, you can construct a detached garage at the back and use the space on the side as your driveway. The floor plan is generally a story and which is popular everybody loves a big deep front porch. Both. Bathroom closets are often catch-alls for anything and everything remotely related to self-care. There are 6 main split-level house designs, including standard-split, split-foyer, stacked-split, split-entry, back-split, and side-split. To modernize a split-level home, replace the outdated windows. 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. And voila! Typically, split level homes are good candidates for an architectural intervention. 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! 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. link to What Kind Of Paint For Garage Walls. 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 problem is that it may not be the easiest of plans to execute. 10 Things You Need to Do When Buying A Home, 3 Reasons to Live in a New Home Before Renovating, DIY Backyard Fire Pit: Build It in Just 7 Easy Steps, This Checklist Is the Key to Taking Care of Your Home (Without the Stress), How to Actually Afford to Buy a Home in America, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, 442-H New York Standard Operating Procedures. In most cases, these homes have a garage with the bedrooms situated directly above it on one side of the house. We can help you out with that! Perhaps youve got your heart set on a modern, contemporary, or even a Colonial-style home. 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. With a split-level house, you could have at least three bedrooms and still have plenty of space for backyard recreation. 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. Dark colors tend to work well with shingle roofs, and the potential to switch to a standing seam metal roof should also be considered. Use landscaping to your advantage. Try taking out some of the interior walls wherever possible. The outside is often another story. Replacing old windows with a more modern style can greatly modernize your homes look. The roof lines create an interesting look and this style never seems to be out-dated. They are close to town, and they have a reasonable cost basis, due to their older look. What Companies Offer the Lowest Real Estate Fees? The things you can do when remodeling a split-level home is not limited to what we have included in our list. Split entry homes have, as the name suggests, an entry that is between floors. 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). A split-level home already has the structural breaks that make this kind of mix look perfect. Raised ranch homes flip the expected configuration upside-down. It also doesnt hurt to make sure that the gardening is tended. You can still see the garage, main level, and upper/lower split on the right. You actually get 3 levels for living space so you really get a sense of depth being in the house. Lighting is one of the most important features in just about any home layout. 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. It is for information purposes only, and any links provided are for the user's convenience. The Cape Cod is truly a no frills style 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. The cape cod style originates in 17th century New England and was built with total practicality in mind. You need to consider if the changes you plan to make to your home will have a negative impact in terms of your entire homes functionality. Meanwhile, the topmost level is where all of the bedrooms and bathrooms are. Split-levels also showcase natural materials, minimal decorations, and double-hung windows with one large picture window. On the other hand, this is not something you can do with split-level homes. Each style has unique features, but all split-level houses consist of multiple floors connected by short flights of stairs. With a regular split-level, when you enter, you can either go up or down. Whereas, the upper level will have a dining room, living room, and kitchen on one side and more bathrooms and bedrooms on the other. Tri-level homes usually have small hallways that connect the garage and the main living space. This style of home is good for entertaining,and there is a nice separation of space, which creates a deeper sense of separation. On our website, we have been getting many hits and search querys every month concerning split level renovations. He loves to blog about construction, plumbing, and other home topics. You can use plants, tall furniture, and decorative partitions. Taking inspiration from the typical ranch home, split-level homes were designed to maximize the very limited space available in suburban neighborhoods, while being budget-friendly for families to afford or construct. Split-level homes are built in a simple style that lends itself well to many different appearances: Tudor, Victorian and ranch. In the case of side additions, it is vital that it blends with the existing faade, which means getting the same windows, paint color, type of roof, etc. 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. Here is more info about both split levels and colonial homes, and the pros and cons of each. 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. The major disadvantage to this style of split-level home is the middle area that has no real function at all. 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. Split-level homes tend to be small, in terms of square footage . A lot of homeowners who want to add space to their homes make the mistake of not considering how it would look like in the end. Please seek the services of a legal, accounting or real estate professional prior to any real estate transaction. Now, lets take a more comprehensive look at the pros and cons of the split-level architectural style as a whole. Look for ideas in your neighborhood. It is not only the planning stage that you need to focus on the execution is equally important. Dont let the limited space of a split-level home hinder you from making all sorts of additions to your home. You should know the various types of split-level homes before you can consider buying or building one of your own. If youve recently fallen in love with this type of floor plan, its worth familiarizing yourself with your options. But the good news is that there are plenty of methods for bringing a more modern aesthetic to your split-level home. While the ranch will need more roof to cover the square footage than a multi-level house, the roof lines of a ranch are cheaper to construct, so youre still coming out ahead overall. 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. He's an authority on the Florida real estate market, as well as selling a house by owner. The Colonial-style renovation upgraded the plain portico into a spacious covered porch, which allows room for plenty of outdoor furniture. However, there are major differences between these two home styles. We will not contact you with anything else. Always consider even the most extreme ideas if youre planning to be in the home for a long time. Horizontal sliders can also provide a more modern look. When a home is cared for, it doesnt have that old, uncared for look that we think of with outdated homes. We wont keep you guessing for so long you can make additions to a split-level home, despite the space constraints. With proper drainage, you can keep the yard dry and clean, making it more appealing for potential suitors. Your house payment will be lower, property taxes will be less, fewer headaches, less clutter. 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. You can divert and make your main door or entryway as the focal point of your faade by installing an eye-catching front entry. 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. New columns replicate the original style, so the addition looks like it's always been there. 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. But a few simple modifications can transform them, making them one of the best fixer-upper options. In some parts of the country flat roofs can be a problem and need continual maintenance. LawnStarter Full Review: Is the Uber of Lawn Care Legit? Garage doors are often taken for granted. The original spec was probably a steel door with very little curb appeal. Try painting the front door to something fresh with a pop of color involved. If your home doesnt have windows on the sides, which is typical to this type, get them installed as well. The colonial style is associated with the style of building used from the 17th to the 19th century, particularly in colonial America. 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. 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. The separation of the floors means that youll be less likely to be awakened by the sounds happening on the lower levels. Our specialists are currently reviewing your case and will get back to you shortly. If you want to go full-on modern, consider hiding the roof completely. You can make changes to your existing landscaping, or create one if you currently dont have any. Renovated Split Level Home in Salt Lake City. 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. En cliquant sur Accepter , j'accepte l'utilisation des cookies telle qu'elle est dcrite plus en dtail dans la Politique d'Utilisation des Cookies de Houzz. Many homeowners concentrate on remodeling the inside of their home and neglect to work on the exteriors as well. The original use of the cottage was to house agricultural workers on a farm. Also, your current foundations wont have to support the additional weight, because these additions will have their own foundations. Drawbacks of Art DecoIn some parts of the country flat roofs can be a problem and need continual maintenance. Before we dive too deeply into the types of split-level homes, its important to know the distinguishing features of split-level houses. A perfectly remodeled home involves not just the inside but also the outside. The functionality and cost-efficiency of split-level homes made it a hit for families that prioritize practicality over aesthetics. Split-level homes, also known as bi-level or divided-entry homes, are a very American home style. The dated kitchen plus both small main and master bathrooms were remodeled. 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. [Office] Many people have different ideas of what a cottage truly is, but the universal agreement is that a cottage is a small, cozy and old-fashioned house. This type of split-level house features multiple levels that are visible from the homes exterior. The entire house was remodeled, plus we designed a screened porch and patio / fire pit for the rear yard. Wherever possible is important because some of (or all of) those interior walls could have major structural implications on the rest of the home. Thoughtful updates, such as a cedar shake roof, an expansive dormer, and a glass-panel front door, transformed the home's previously lackluster exterior. Photos by Richard Pasley. 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 homeowners are enthusiasts of residential modern architecture and wanted to update their 1960s split-foyer home with a modern design. 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. Do you now have at least a vague idea of what kind of remodeling you should do to your home? The dining room had once been the homes living room, but we had other plans in mind. Many have garages and basements, and some have both. The possibilities are endless. There is also hardly any room for experimentation when it comes to remodeling a tri-level home. This can be confusing to those who dont know the difference. Therefore, we thought it would be a good time to revisit strategies to turn the split level monster into a piece of architecture. The Art Deco designed home was made popular during the Roaring Twenties. Discovery of King Tuts tomb, as well as a surging industrial revolution inspired a generation of flat roofs, smooth, rounded walls and vibrant colors. Moreover, it presents serious challenges when it comes to renovating the entire space. Give them the option of fixing up a six-story home or a split-level home, and they will more than likely choose to work on the six-story home instead. Of all split level homes, the raised ranch has the toughest exterior to deal with. 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. If you wish to report an issue or seek an accommodation, please let us know. The bedrooms would be upstairs, and the basement or garage would go down. Unlike traditional home layouts, split-level homes, also referred to as tri-level, feature at least three levels that are connected by stairs. 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 . The south roof slope of the home hosts a large solar array, barely visible here. There are many sub types of the Colonial style, with each world power at the time putting it's own unique stamp on this traditional style. On the outside, you have paint chipping off, loose steps, landscaping that is in bad shape, the list goes on. 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 short answer is that, yes, you can convert a split-level to open up the home and make it feel more modern. Light colored paint will reflect light better and gives a brighter feel to the interiors of any home. 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? Split foyer houses have two levels, with two sets of stairs. 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. This way, you can maximize the space by adjusting the alignment of furniture and fixtures. This additional floor either becomes the highest floor or is the cellar or basement located just below the floor where your main living space is. After all, you dont have to spend a single cent for it. The entrance is a small section that is separate from all the main floors of the 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. The classic faade of a split-level home is very simple. Espresso Cabinets, white dekton waterfall island and countertops, rustic lvt flooring, black appliances, globe pendant lighting, retro refrigerator, wire handrail, split level master piece. Whole House Remodeling This home was transformed from a split-foyer into a 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 . Split-level homes can feel dated. Consider this if you are more concerned about maintaining an even temperature in your home than the expenses that it can lead to. Homes with two stories, or two-story homes, are built with one floor right above the other. What makes split-level homes a pain to transform is because of the limits involved. 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 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. There is a large chimney in the center of the house used to keep the home warm during the harsh northeastern winters. Consider a new roof color. Most types of split-level houses will feature several staircases that lead to the different levels of the house. 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. The biggest challenge for Sun Design Remodeling is the mid-level front door. In these instances, the floor plan will usually be designed by an architect to suit the specific topography of the lot. Consider all of the pros and cons of the different types of split-level homes before making a final decision. Any split-level modernization project should look very closely at ways to make those exterior walls smooth. The top floor typically features taller ceilings and houses the main rooms, such as the kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, dining room, and living room. Glass is known to let in more light, and this allows you to save on electricity. Brick steps lined with lush landscaping beckon guests toward the entrance. Because of all these inconveniences, consider scheduling the work at a period when its effects on your household will be most minimal. Consider casement windows, which feature cranks and swing out to open up. Surprisingly, this style of home was developed not due to aesthetic reasons but out of necessity. 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. Updating the look and feel of your home, including the appliances like those in the kitchen above, will dramatically change the interiors. This type of split-level house will have at least three sections but may have more. 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. To remedy this without putting up walls, visual breaks can be used. Jessica considers herself a home improvement and design enthusiast. Weve already explored some of the advantages and disadvantages of each individual type of split-level house. The chimney and fireplace became mostly decorations. Raising the entry half a level and introducing a wrap-around elevation porch ultimately . 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. A very simple way of updating the look of a traditional split-level is to add some bling to the design. Even designers will readily admit that remodeling this type of home is challenging for them. All rights reserved. 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. [Hall Bathroom] For first-time homebuyers, that can mean a more realistic first-time option. Required fields are marked *. 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! Aside from these two requirements, the design work involved aesthetics: enhancing the front faade with a modern architecture and high quality materials. In todays world many people find the formal areas of a colonial to be a waste of space. The exterior can have a look that might be considered dated. 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. Have questions about buying, selling or renting during COVID-19? The split level can be built on a sloping a sloping lot (cheaper) with more square footage under one roof (cheaper! Noticing a theme yet? Ryan Shaw. The ranch has no stairs, the entire house is on one level. Placement of the family room, kitchen, dining room, bedrooms, and bathrooms can all vary in this style. These are just a few ideas, and you can use them as a simple spark of design inspiration to get you going. link to How To Organize A Bathroom Closet. 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. This is a split-level home, so there were limited aesthetic options in the entryway. The trend these days is to minimize , and cottages do just thatkeeping heating and cooling costs down and making maintenance chores a breeze. We added a new garage, laundry, master bedroom and bath and 1/2 guest bath on that same level. In this idea, you must pay more attention to the front door of the house. If possible, have your skylights customized to fit the theme of your home to complement the entire space. 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. Get new garage doors. 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. 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. This question is important and your answer will serve as your guide when it comes to updating your home. On terrain that is rough, rugged, or hilly, sometimes staggering the floors is the best option for building a home. Making the lights more uniform and using a warmer paint color also made it look more inviting. The major disadvantage to split-level homes is the staircases that youll have to climb. Commonly, however, the term is also used to denote split-level homes. If your split-level features garage doors that face the street, they may represent your easiest and best option for modernization. In Miamis South Beach, the Art Deco style saw a resurgence in the 1980s with pastel colors. The master bathroom aesthetic quickly became all about the textures. With four or five floors, "stacked" is definitely a good name for this style. To put it simply, the split-level home is a design from the 1950s. For example, the laundry room will most likely be on a different floor than the bedrooms and bathrooms. 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. Kids can play upstairs in their rooms while causing minimal disturbance to parents and guests below. Over the years and more recently, we, as architects, have been more involved due to the riddle of the split level being so hard to solve.