Split level homes are the homes with tri levels. The floor level of one part is halfway between the floor and ceiling of the other part. Split level homes typically consist of family room, living room, dining room and kitchen on the same floor. Other floor is connected with two small stair set that link this floor with bathroom and bedrooms while the other set attach it down with basement. Basement of split houses often include garages and has height similar to a driveway. Such two story houses along with basement are two stories tall. Addition of third floor is possible for house expansion.
Major Problems with Split Level Homes
Architects and remodeling contractors are not willing to accept split level remodeling projects. The major reason for this is the complexity of work and poor construction layout of such houses. Usually split homes have small rooms. Split homes are swamped with same kind of construction problems just like ranches (from where they have been evolved). Split level remodeling is a challenging job. Entrance is the first thing that people find problematic. It is like a well with stairways and one can get confused when entering the house because there is a small stairway with two sets of stairs; one leads upwards and the other one is directed downwards. People get confused whether they should go down or up. To solve this issue you need to introduce another entry way that clearly defines the direction to go. Another disadvantage of a split level house is the isolation of one part from the other. To reduce this feeling one can remove walls between rooms if it is possible and does not affect the privacy. For example you can remove the walls between kitchen, living room and dining room and install an island to isolate them.
Effective Split Level Remodeling
Despite the complexities in structure of a split level home, adding another structure is a good way of split level remodeling. Most of the owners try to add more living space when plan a split level remodeling. It is a challenging job to add more structure or space in split level remodeling. You have to get approval from Local Building codes and even from your neighbors as they might object. Mostly split level homes have smaller rooms but it is not necessary some deigns allow you to add hills and slopes. Even home owners can design a formal living area and recreation room or informal living rooms.
Some Facts about Adding Structures to Split Level Remodeling
As we have discusses that adding a structure is usually the best type of split level remodeling. But it is not necessary that addition is always a best option for split level remodeling. Whenever you are going for split level remodeling by adding some structure to it, consider the following so that you do not make any blunders in the shape of wrong additions:
- Try to avoid adding new levels in existing structures.
- Do not add additional structure in longitudinal section of the house.
- Try to go for a longitudinal section that faces street’s backside.
- Whenever adding any structure, select same material as that was used to build the house.
- If you are going to add garage to your split level home, add it on the downhill of lot.
- If there is no other option except adding a longitudinal structure, try going for the smallest possible. Make sure that you maintain balance of doors and windows. Also balance both the sides in height and weight. Do not add structure only on one side.
- When adding new level, add it above the room with lowest height. It will maintain the symmetry and rooflines.
- You can add level by adding one or two dormers; this will provide you additional living space and give well organized and planned look.
Split Level Remodeling Ideas
Although split level remodeling is not the favorite project for architects and designers, there are certain useful split remodeling ideas you can use to remodel your split level home. The most common split level remodeling idea is to complete the incomplete areas of house, increase more free living space by removing walls, upgrading kitchen add a bathroom. It is commonly noticed that split level homes have one master bath instead of attached baths. When removing walls be careful and do not remove weight bearing walls to open up free area. Usually people leave basements unfinished. Basement remodeling is another very intelligent way for split level remodeling. It is suggested to check out the headspace to make full use of this bottom floor. Adding a bathroom on main floor is also a good split level remodeling idea. This bathroom on main floor will be beneficial for guests and elder residents of the house. Deciding the location of bath addition anywhere in split level home is a challenging job. If you want cost effective split level remodeling it is suggested to add new bathroom with existing plumbing and piping. This idea is not workable in all situations. Ceiling height is also an important factor to consider when adding bathroom in split level homes. Split level remodeling projects are challenging projects and force designers to work with creativity, careful planning and detail work to complete the split level remodeling project carefully.
Regardless of the interior and exterior problems, split level homes also have some positive characteristics that made them popular in 1960’s and 70’s. Some people find it to be a more suitable and spacious design. Split level offers great storage space within small square footage. And lastly split level homes are the only kind of home design that young buyers can afford. |
