), 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". [Dining Room] 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. We have an office that is the envy of the neighborhood. 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. You can use this hallway as a small mudroom and storage space for stuff you usually take with you when you go out. Making the lights more uniform and using a warmer paint color also made it look more inviting. 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. 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. Most types of split-level houses will feature several staircases that lead to the different levels of the house. Again, the main advantage to this type of split-level home is the lack of staircases connecting each level of the house. We are continuously working to improve the accessibility of our web experience for everyone, and we welcome feedback and accommodation requests. It is a product that can handle any type of sloping lot and is as efficient as a house can get. It is not Zillow's intention to solicit or interfere with any established agency relationship you may have with a real estate professional. 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. In this idea, you must pay more attention to the front door of the house. Garage doors are often taken for granted. A cottage is typically a one bedroom dwelling meant for travelers or people on vacation. Photography by Tre Dunham, Fine focus Photography. However, from the outside, they appear like there is only one level. To make it easier, we have put them under categories, depending on the issue you want to address. Split-level homes tend to be quite dim due to the lack of windows that allow natural light to enter. Striking Split-Level. Using a solid paint color ended up making the entire room look a lot more spacious than when wallpaper was used. 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. 05 of 22 Beautiful Colonial Home Renovation Magazine pictures of modern homes tend to make them look almost sterile; recessed lighting offers more light without it becoming impractical. Lets explore the numerous variations of this ubiquitous architectural style. 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. Split-level homes tend to be small, in terms of square footage . 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. 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. Tastes change; so, too, an owner's requirements of their home. An exterior remodel of your tri-level home may sound easy because you might believe you can just go for whatever design you want. 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. In most cases, the bottom level is a garage, a den, a playroom, a recreation room, or other informal living areas. 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. 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 makes the entryway quite narrow and the easiest solution is to move the storage somewhere else. Given the limited space that split-level homes are known for, you might wonder if expansion is possible at all. However, this staggered design is not ideal for the elderly or individuals with disabilities. Unlike traditional home layouts, split-level homes, also referred to as tri-level, feature at least three levels that are connected by stairs. On the outside, you have paint chipping off, loose steps, landscaping that is in bad shape, the list goes on. Or, maybe youre considering one of many types of split-level homes. Get Ready to Have No-Obligation Talks With Contractors, 2023 All rights Reserved Contractor QuotesDeveloped By ITVolcano. 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. We were so excited to help these new homeowners re-envision their split-level diamond in the rough. 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. With recessed lighting, you can even highlight the best features in each of the different rooms. The more steps you have, the more difficult snow removal is going to be in the winter months. Aside from the differences on the exterior, both back split and side split houses have roughly the same design. The landing is presented upon entering and the choice to go up or down stairs must be made immediately. This is a split-level home, so there were limited aesthetic options in the entryway. Contractors are updated with the cost of most construction materials, which makes setting a budget for your project much easier. Make no mistake, retro is chic but split-level homes, to many, are still out of style. Always consider even the most extreme ideas if youre planning to be in the home for a long time. 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. 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. We can help you out with that! Bi-levels were popular in the era of splits, as developers would offer new homes in four configurations: colonials, splits, bi-levels or ranches. Copyright 2023 Real Estate Witch Because of all these inconveniences, consider scheduling the work at a period when its effects on your household will be most minimal. Recessed lighting, also known as can lights, can be an excellent addition to ergonomic, modern kitchens. Not only that, but those closed off, separated rooms can bring with it a claustrophobic feel. Common features of split-level houses include large living areas, low-pitched roofs, and multiple attics with ample storage space. 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. There was so much potential in those walls, and we couldnt wait to delve in and start transforming spaces. If done properly, this can tie in wonderfully with the natural stone sections of wall mentioned above. The problem is that it may not be the easiest of plans to execute. 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. Before we dive too deeply into the types of split-level homes, its important to know the distinguishing features of split-level houses. The bedrooms would be upstairs, and the basement or garage would go down. Modern home designs tend to focus on lighting details. Split foyer houses have two levels, with two sets of stairs. It packs a large amount of square footage into a relatively small footprint, something growing families appreciate. Updating a tri-level home is not a project that you can just DIY your way to completion. It also helps to ensure that the drainage is properly taken care of. The dated kitchen plus both small main and master bathrooms were remodeled. 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. ton of options for the open space in the middle. Here is more info about both split levels and colonial homes, and the pros and cons of each. With a regular split-level, when you enter, you can either go up or down. Opendoor: How Much Will It Pay For My Home. The interior spaces flow. The things you can do when remodeling a split-level home is not limited to what we have included in our list. Get new garage doors. With standard split homes, inhabitants and visitors enter the house from the ground level. Placement of the family room, kitchen, dining room, bedrooms, and bathrooms can all vary in this style. Light colored paint will reflect light better and gives a brighter feel to the interiors of any home. All rights reserved. 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. 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. 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. 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. Try taking out some of the interior walls wherever possible. Again, split-level homes tend to struggle with natural lighting. The homeowners are enthusiasts of residential modern architecture and wanted to update their 1960s split-foyer home with a modern design. You'll usually find the bedrooms stacked above the foyer with stairs coming off the kitchen or dining room. 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. Instead of the classic door leading to the back of your home, you can tear it down, together with the wall, and replace it with glass. 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. The idea with the Split level is that you can accommodate a large family on a modest budget. The short answer is that, yes, you can convert a split-level to open up the home and make it feel more modern. If your home doesnt have windows on the sides, which is typical to this type, get them installed as well.