A common configuration is having the first stairs from the entryway leading to the dining room or kitchen. Add a deck or patio, or even extend your house if space permits. You just have less freedom to do whatever you want with it and you need to generally work with whats already there. [Living Room] If you can, taking a wall or two out is a great way to open up what is largely an enclosed space. Bi-Level or Split-Level Remodeling Tips For Homes Built in the 1970s. But you might be struggling to figure out what kind of paint to use on garage walls. The second exterior wall surface, which can make a huge impact and is easily retrofitted, is a natural stone of some sort. Photo and copyright by Renovation Design Group. Changing the aesthetic of the exterior of your split-level can come down to some very simplistic changes. We utilized clean white cabinets around the perimeter of the kitchen and popped the island with a spunky shade of blue. 05 of 22 Beautiful Colonial Home Renovation Conversely, you can consider adding in a window or two to really allow more natural light to permeate the space. Tri-level homes usually have small hallways that connect the garage and the main living space. The interior spaces flow. You actually get 3 levels for living space so you really get a sense of depth being in the house. 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. 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. Try taking out some of the interior walls wherever possible. Meanwhile, the topmost level is where all of the bedrooms and bathrooms are. One alternative is to re-do the exterior only; by converting the windows to a traditional colonial style (four upstairs, picture window downstairs). While its rare that a person requests to have a split level house built today, it can be a great house for a new family breaking into home ownership in the suburbs. After all, this is what split-level homes are known for. 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. Skylights are a great modern addition that can bring a split-level home into the 21st century. Do you now have at least a vague idea of what kind of remodeling you should do to your home? It also doesnt hurt to make sure that the gardening is tended. Noticing a theme yet? The main advantage to standard split-level homes is the clear separation between the bedrooms and the kitchen and living room. 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. With some fresh mulch and flowers, it can provide that freshness that can elevate any home. Oftentimes, this floor will have a bedroom, bathroom, and possibly a laundry room. If your split-level features garage doors that face the street, they may represent your easiest and best option for modernization. There is also hardly any room for experimentation when it comes to remodeling a tri-level home. 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. Modern home designs tend to focus on lighting details. 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". The separation of the floors means that youll be less likely to be awakened by the sounds happening on the lower levels. Consider this if you are more concerned about maintaining an even temperature in your home than the expenses that it can lead to. Updating a split-level home is hard. The landing is presented upon entering and the choice to go up or down stairs must be made immediately. The cape cod style originates in 17th century New England and was built with total practicality in mind. More information With standard split homes, inhabitants and visitors enter the house from the ground level. Split-level exteriors tend to be a bit bland. You can still see the garage, main level, and upper/lower split on the right. The main level is street level so there is no need to be climbing up or down stairs with groceries etc. But if extending your home is not a viable option for you, the next best thing is to gut existing rooms or sections to make certain areas bigger. The floor plan is generally a story and which is popular everybody loves a big deep front porch. 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. Whats not to love about a split-level home? If your home doesnt have windows on the sides, which is typical to this type, get them installed as well. Then, the stairs off of this room lead to the bedrooms that are stacked atop the foyer. This may involve a major structural overhaul, but its worth considering. ), Plus it looks like a really sophisticated structure, so neighbors will be impressed (good!). 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 . Consider casement windows, which feature cranks and swing out to open up. With millions of inspiring photos from design professionals, you'll find just want you need to turn your house into your dream home. Connect with top-rated agents near you and save thousands on commission fees. 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. We designed a new story above, with turned-gable roof lines to complement the main roof. A perfectly remodeled home involves not just the inside but also the outside. This is a split-level home, so there were limited aesthetic options in the entryway. The short answer is that, yes, you can convert a split-level to open up the home and make it feel more modern. There are 6 main split-level house designs, including standard-split, split-foyer, stacked-split, split-entry, back-split, and side-split. Another great garage door style on a modern home is a wood-look door. It is not Zillow's intention to solicit or interfere with any established agency relationship you may have with a real estate professional. Even designers will readily admit that remodeling this type of home is challenging for them. It can be difficult to downsize and there are challenges with smaller spaces ,storage etc. 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. Unlike traditional home layouts, split-level homes, also referred to as tri-level, feature at least three levels that are connected by stairs. This can be confusing to those who dont know the difference. For example, the laundry room will most likely be on a different floor than the bedrooms and bathrooms. However, this staggered design is not ideal for the elderly or individuals with disabilities. And thats probably because so many of them were built during the 1970s. Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you. What makes split-level homes a pain to transform is because of the limits involved. The roof is an oft-overlooked aspect of a homes exterior, which is surprising given the size of both the visible surface area of the roof and the investment required to have a new one installed. Homes with two stories, or two-story homes, are built with one floor right above the other. Again, the main advantage to this type of split level is the fact that there arent a ton of staircases that separate the floors. Thoughtful updates, such as a cedar shake roof, an expansive dormer, and a glass-panel front door, transformed the home's previously lackluster exterior. 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 problem is that it may not be the easiest of plans to execute. Split-level homes can feel dated. 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. Ideal Agent: Learn the Truth About Its 2% Fees. As a result, everything should be carefully thought out; you have to keep in mind that all the floors are interconnected. Photos by Richard Pasley. The short answer is that, yes, you can convert a split-level to open up the home and make it feel more modern. But on the other hand, this may not be enough to make significant changes to your 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 exterior can have a look that might be considered dated. When you open the front door, you are led to a distinct foyer or entry space. Drawbacks of Art DecoIn some parts of the country flat roofs can be a problem and need continual maintenance. This type of split-level house features multiple levels that are visible from the homes exterior. Photography by Tre Dunham, Fine focus Photography. To remedy this without putting up walls, visual breaks can be used. The outside is often another story. Then, the middle level is where the majority of the entertaining and living happens. Both. With a regular split-level, when you enter, you can either go up or down. Exterior accessories such as light fixtures and house numbers can make a huge difference. And if you want to take it to the next level, does the KonMari method ring a bell? The major disadvantage to split-level homes is the staircases that youll have to climb. Planters surrounding the home are made from raw sheet steel. Split-level homes tend to be small, in terms of square footage . 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. Here is more info about both split levels and colonial homes, and the pros and cons of each. Why do you want to do a renovation of your split-level home? Horizontal sliders can also provide a more modern look. There is typically a short section of stairs that then leads to the other sections of the home. 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. Photo: Robert Braddock. 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 is in place of having to excavate bedrock to build a basement on a single-level home. 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. Split-levels also showcase natural materials, minimal decorations, and double-hung windows with one large picture window. 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. By even changing out those outdated windows for something modern and new, it can really change the look of the home. It packs a large amount of square footage into a relatively small footprint, something growing families appreciate. Refer to diagram below. This is partially because they are seen as being out of date. It may be a bit more difficult but it is definitely doable. To even out the temperature all over your home, you can get furnace fans installed and get them to run at a low setting. The classic faade of a split-level home is very simple. The triangular shelves in the corner are quite accessible when the pullouts are extended. This results in a stark contrast, especially when the differences are very obvious. Split-level homes are great for those who want to conserve the space on their property, without sacrificing room inside of the home. Given the limited space that split-level homes are known for, you might wonder if expansion is possible at all. Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, Tudor, Cape Cod . On our website, we have been getting many hits and search querys every month concerning split level renovations. 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. Now we know why Art Deco is popular in Miami! 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. Ryan also loves hockey and a lifelong Buffalo sports fan. The lights will stay relatively hidden and wont become a distraction, either. You can use this hallway as a small mudroom and storage space for stuff you usually take with you when you go out. On the outside, you have paint chipping off, loose steps, landscaping that is in bad shape, the list goes on. The first is that they create a much better separation between the upstairs and the downstairs. [Dining Room] 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. Similar to a side split home, back split houses are divided into multiple levels. Contractors are updated with the cost of most construction materials, which makes setting a budget for your project much easier. You may be used to shoveling the driveway, imagine if you had to add your roof to the list of items to shovel. Zillow, Inc. holds real estate brokerage licenses in multiple states. The outdatedness of a split-level home isnt specific to the interior. Bi-levels were popular in the era of splits, as developers would offer new homes in four configurations: colonials, splits, bi-levels or ranches. This 1960s split-level home desperately needed a change - not bigger space, just better. Copyright 2023 Real Estate Witch The good news is that you can transform the floorplan to look like something out of this century. The split level came into prominence in the 1950s and 60s when returning GIs and others wanted a more grand looking home with a small budget. The defining characteristic of the Colonial style of home is two stories, with a formally defined living room and dining room on the first floor and maybe one bedroom, with the other bedrooms being on the second story of the home. 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. Its nothing that cant be remedied with a little green thumb! New columns replicate the original style, so the addition looks like it's always been there. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service. Dark colors tend to work well with shingle roofs, and the potential to switch to a standing seam metal roof should also be considered. The lower level, on the other hand, has lower ceilings and is partly below ground level. Through out this home we brought in warm wood accents and the kitchen was no exception, with its custom floating shelves and graceful waterfall butcher block counter at the island. Nowadays, its very common to see split-level construction when it comes to building a home on the side of a hill. Being a Los Angeles resident, Jessica spends a lot of her time looking for her next DIY project and sharing her love for home design. Please switch to a supported browser or download one of our Mobile Apps. Here youll typically find the living room, dining room, kitchen, and possibly a bathroom. The entry has sets of stairs leading up the main floor and another set that leads to the lower level of the home. When a home is cared for, it doesnt have that old, uncared for look that we think of with outdated homes. 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. A split-level home has a few great places to start. It only takes 2 minutes to fill out the form. The split level house design has evolved in the world of production builders following the ranch home. Add A Level to Convert Ranch to Colonial Convert a Cape or Ranch to Colonial As a general contractor I had the chance to renovate many homes in the lovely state of Connecticut, but nothing beats the wow factor you receive whenever you convert a single story cape or ranch into a beautiful colonial. The idea with the Split level is that you can accommodate a large family on a modest budget. While some styles create space with doors, the colonial does it with staircase. Moving your furniture around to change the look of your home is usually the first step many homeowners make. 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.
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