However, like most things, split-level homes are gaining in popularity again. 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. Contractors are updated with the cost of most construction materials, which makes setting a budget for your project much easier. Lets explore the numerous variations of this ubiquitous architectural style. These give an illusion that the areas in the open space still have divisions that separate them. 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. 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. Split foyer houses have two levels, with two sets of stairs. Because of their design, split-level homes can struggle to get an ample amount of natural light. This can be confusing to those who dont know the difference. For now, they are also quite affordably priced. Again, split-level homes tend to struggle with natural lighting. William Feemster of ImageArts Photography. Here youll typically find the living room, dining room, kitchen, and possibly a bathroom. Split-level remodel: exterior lighting. Zillow (Canada), Inc. holds real estate brokerage licenses in multiple provinces. 442-H New York Standard Operating Procedures New York Fair Housing NoticeTREC: Information about brokerage services, Consumer protection noticeCalifornia DRE #1522444Contact Zillow, Inc. These Before-and-After Colonial Home Exteriors Boast Stately Style The problem is that it may not be the easiest of plans to execute. You can give them a figure and they can suggest materials that can be used for your home to make sure that the cost of materials and labor is well within your preferred budget. 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. These are just a few ideas, and you can use them as a simple spark of design inspiration to get you going. The predominant surface is generally smooth and clean. The homeowners are enthusiasts of residential modern architecture and wanted to update their 1960s split-foyer home with a modern design. The cape cod style originates in 17th century New England and was built with total practicality in mind. If youve seen one, youve seen them all. Clever: Are Those Commission Savings Legit? Split-Foyer Conversion Interior - Owings Brothers Contracting A split foyer conversion is no simple renovation, but Owings Brothers Contracting is up to the task! They first became popular in the 1940s and 50s as soldiers returned home and demand for suburban houses was high. Your Do You Need an Addition or Remodel Contractor? Our primary goal was to re-imagine the main level of the home and create an open flow between the space. So, that means sprucing up the curb appeal becomes important. And thats probably because so many of them were built during the 1970s. 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. To put it simply, the split-level home is a design from the 1950s. 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. Its nothing that cant be remedied with a little green thumb! 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. Similar to a side split home, back split houses are divided into multiple levels. In Miamis South Beach, the Art Deco style saw a resurgence in the 1980s with pastel colors. However, that was also the time of the post-modern "colonial" movement. The roof lines create an interesting look and this style never seems to be out-dated. 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. Tastes change; so, too, an owner's requirements of their home. Convert Ranch Into Split-level Ranch (Left side of house raised) Convert Ranch Into Split-level Ranch (Middle portion of house raised) Convert Ranch Into Colonial Convert Ranch Into Split-level (Do's & Don'ts) Add Rear Bathroom Dormer to Cape Convert Cape to Colonial (Cantilevered) Add Full Rear Dormer to Cape with Dog House Dormers This means youll have to climb multiple stairs in order to do your laundry in your own home. There are 6 main split-level house designs, including standard-split, split-foyer, stacked-split, split-entry, back-split, and side-split. Thats some Brady Bunch vibes you have going on there. The lot needs to have a certain slope for the split level style to work. Any split-level modernization project should look very closely at ways to make those exterior walls smooth. With millions of inspiring photos from design professionals, you'll find just want you need to turn your house into your dream home. Windows can look simple at first glance, but they actually play a major role in the entire feel of the home. The major disadvantage to split-level homes is the staircases that youll have to climb. Contrast is key for on-trend style. That pop of color can give the right contrast to the rest of the home to make it stand out in a positive way. Here are some concepts and ideas you can use for your own home. Not a lot of homeowners who own this type of home realize that there are actually workarounds or hacks when it comes to updating the look and feel of a split-level home. Many see this design as being very impractical, considering all the stairs you have to climb in order to access various areas of the home. The walnut vanity cabinet (complete with hairpin legs) adds a lovely level of warmth to this bathroom, and the black and brass accents add the sophisticated touch we were looking for. 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. This type of split-level house features multiple levels that are visible from the homes exterior. However, there are major differences between these two home styles. 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. We removed the walls between the kitchen, living, and dining rooms to create a large open concept space that still allows a clear definition of space, while offering sight lines between spaces and functions. As prices in close-in suburbs inch toward the stratosphere, split-levels are often the only house types left that younger buyers can afford. Anything you do on any floor of a split-level home will affect the other floors. Again, the main advantage to this type of split level is the fact that there arent a ton of staircases that separate the floors. Modern floor plans put an emphasis on open space to make the entire area seem bigger while also granting more freedom for the homeowner to decorate. The style is not quite old enough to be considered a classic, but is no longer modern. A split-level home, which is also known as a tri-level home, traditionally consists of the following: While the standard split-level home only consists of three levels, others sometimes add another floor to it. The lower demand in most markets means that they are readily available for a cheaper price than other types of homes. This makes the entryway quite narrow and the easiest solution is to move the storage somewhere else. Some split-level homes have ample space at the back and on one side. The interior spaces flow. To modernize a split-level home you can take action and add some recessed lighting to the first floor, as well as some skylights, throughout the home. With standard split homes, inhabitants and visitors enter the house from the ground level. The French, Spanish, German, and Colonial Georgian are all sub types of this once dominant architectural style. However, this staggered design is not ideal for the elderly or individuals with disabilities. Opendoor: How Much Will It Pay For My Home. 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. Then, the stairs off of this room lead to the bedrooms that are stacked atop the foyer. Raising the entry half a level and introducing a wrap-around elevation porch ultimately . Split Foyer Renovation - Owings Brothers Contracting Plants and trees will help balance the overall look of your home and make it look much more even. The master bathroom aesthetic quickly became all about the textures. The Cape Cod is truly a no frills style home. 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. Jessica considers herself a home improvement and design enthusiast. I want to convert a 1970 split level house into something more Again, as with the cape cod , the siding may need regular maintenance. Also, your current foundations wont have to support the additional weight, because these additions will have their own foundations. Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, Tudor, Cape Cod . We can help you out with that! We wont keep you guessing for so long you can make additions to a split-level home, despite the space constraints. Or, maybe youre considering one of many types of split-level homes. Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you. Split Foyer Converted to Two Story - Owings Brothers Contracting Since tri-level homes generally dont look symmetrical, adding additions to it will be challenging. Of all split level homes, the raised ranch has the toughest exterior to deal with. The craftsman style home was born out of a reaction to the industrial revolution. Another option is to add the new space at the top, but you have to be sure that your foundations are strong enough to handle the load of the new floor. That allows for expansive decks to be put on or to simply enjoy the extra yard space for kids and pets. To even out the temperature all over your home, you can get furnace fans installed and get them to run at a low setting. Before we dive too deeply into the types of split-level homes, its important to know the distinguishing features of split-level houses. Read more, Your email address will not be published. The original spec was probably a steel door with very little curb appeal. link to What Kind Of Paint For Garage Walls. 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. In these instances, the floor plan will usually be designed by an architect to suit the specific topography of the lot. A common configuration is having the first stairs from the entryway leading to the dining room or kitchen. [Our Clients] The big tree doesnt help at all, since it just makes the left side heavier than the other side. 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. Consider these options for altering the exterior: This isnt as simple as yes or no. [Master Suite] 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. What Companies Offer the Lowest Real Estate Fees? 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. 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. Planters surrounding the home are made from raw sheet steel. Unleashed by production builders in the 60s and 70s, 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. They wanted an open, spacious, airy feeling to this floor. To remedy this without putting up walls, visual breaks can be used. Photography by Tre Dunham, Fine focus Photography. [Dining Room] This is partially because they are seen as being out of date. Each style has unique features, but all split-level houses consist of multiple floors connected by short flights of stairs. If you have any bedrooms not in use, transform them into one big storage room. The Difference Between Raised Ranch and Split-Level 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. Horizontal sliders can also provide a more modern look. Skylights allow for natural, warm lighting to permeate the room. Construction by CG&S Design-Build. Tri-level homes usually have small hallways that connect the garage and the main living space. This is the photo of the residence building before undergoing the remodeling process. Our primary goal was to re-imagine the main level of the home and create an open flow between the space. 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. bryan@jonespierce.com. Dont be intimidated by the challenge of remodeling a split-level home it is absolutely doable, even with a small budget. Split Levels and Split Foyers became popular in the United States in the 1970s. Create low cabinets that can also double as window seats, which allow you to save space and makes for a unique piece. Moreover, it presents serious challenges when it comes to renovating the entire space. 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. The separation of the floors means that youll be less likely to be awakened by the sounds happening on the lower levels. There are 6 main split-level house designs, including standard-split, split-foyer, stacked-split, split-entry, back-split, and side-split. Perhaps youve got your heart set on a modern, contemporary, or even a Colonial-style home. This works well if your house has other trappings of colonial style. People want more bedrooms, more bedrooms, more bedrooms at the expense of the communal space. In most cases, these homes have a garage with the bedrooms situated directly above it on one side of the house. They feature a prominent front door, medium roofing lines for drainage and. This type of construction is very common among townhouses. 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. You can use this hallway as a small mudroom and storage space for stuff you usually take with you when you go out. Back additions are also generally cheaper than top level additions to a tri-level home. From cramped split-level to a generously apportioned neoclassical The classic faade of a split-level home is very simple. Recessed lighting, also known as can lights, can be an excellent addition to ergonomic, modern kitchens. Pin on House Ideas - Pinterest The dated kitchen plus both small main and master bathrooms were remodeled. 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. 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. A little leeway may be unavoidable, such as changing the color scheme and tiles halfway, but changing your mind about big things, such as building a new wall in the same spot where an old one was removed, would mean wasted resources, especially money. Placement of the family room, kitchen, dining room, bedrooms, and bathrooms can all vary in this style. Updating a tri-level home is not a project that you can just DIY your way to completion. The shutters on the windows were originally used to protect the windows from the wind during a storm and the ceilings are kept low to maximize heat conservation. The floor plan is generally a story and which is popular everybody loves a big deep front porch. Bathroom closets are often catch-alls for anything and everything remotely related to self-care. 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. Converting a Cape or Ranch to Colonial | Bethany, CT | 203-915-9972 Renovations are also one of the best times for you to declutter. Bi-levels were popular in the era of splits, as developers would offer new homes in four configurations: colonials, splits, bi-levels or ranches. The number of steps can range from as little as two to more than eight. . What makes split-level homes a pain to transform is because of the limits involved. This type of split-level house will have at least three sections but may have more. With proper drainage, you can keep the yard dry and clean, making it more appealing for potential suitors. This results in a stark contrast, especially when the differences are very obvious. As a result, everything should be carefully thought out; you have to keep in mind that all the floors are interconnected. Breathe new life into a dated split-level with these tips you have more options than you might think! 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. 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. Consider all of the pros and cons of the different types of split-level homes before making a final decision. New columns replicate the original style, so the addition looks like it's always been there. 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 not only makes it appear to be larger, but makes it more inviting as well. Split-levels, also sometimes called "tri-levels," are an architectural dead end that were built in abundance from the 1930s to the 1970s. If you want to go full-on modern, consider hiding the roof completely. Look for ideas in your neighborhood. This question is important and your answer will serve as your guide when it comes to updating your home. There is also hardly any room for experimentation when it comes to remodeling a tri-level home. 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 second exterior wall surface, which can make a huge impact and is easily retrofitted, is a natural stone of some sort. Some split-level homes use an open-plan layout, which can feel overwhelming for some. Exterior update of a split entry, two level home with board and batten, brick wainscot, and white trim. And if you want to take it to the next level, does the KonMari method ring a bell? The things you can do when remodeling a split-level home is not limited to what we have included in our list. The idea with the Split level is that you can accommodate a large family on a modest budget. You should know the various types of split-level homes before you can consider buying or building one of your own. Due to the complexity of this type of home, acquiring the services of a professional or two is often the wisest choice you can make in this aspect. This style of home is good for entertaining,and there is a nice separation of space, which creates a deeper sense of separation. More square footage on a smaller lota way to separate children and parents for increased sense of independence and privacy. 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. Clients goal was to update the main floor and allow more natural light into this small-footprint home. Ranches tend to be easier to maintainparticularly on the outside. Now we know why Art Deco is popular in Miami! 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. Tri-level homes already look unbalanced and adding extensions to its sides makes it look even more unbalanced if not done properly. Split-level homes tend to be small, in terms of square footage . The old backyard used to have some trellis installed and the entire garden looked unkempt. 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. The Colonial style is steeped with tradition and has a lot of character on the outside. The advantage to split entry houses is the spacious design that offers plenty of room for larger families or those who entertain often. 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. Whether architects like it or not, the split-level may be the "it" remodel of the future. 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. On the other hand, this is not something you can do with split-level homes. The roof lines create an interesting look and this style never seems to be out-dated. But the good news is that there are plenty of methods for bringing a more modern aesthetic to your split-level home.