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. 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 It may be a bit more difficult but it is definitely doable. While split level homes can be gorgeous, with their high ceilings and efficient use of space, they can also seem outdated and not reflect your unique taste in design. 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. Add a deck or patio, or even extend your house if space permits. The craftsman style home was born out of a reaction to the industrial revolution. There was so much potential in those walls, and we couldnt wait to delve in and start transforming spaces. The classic faade of a split-level home is very simple. They are close to town, and they have a reasonable cost basis, due to their older look. Our primary goal was to re-imagine the main level of the home and create an open flow between the space. Try painting the front door to something fresh with a pop of color involved. 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. 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. One of the best ways to modernize a split-level home is to avoid a roof color that's too light or too close to the house color. Although only minimal work was done on this home, primarily with a fresh coat of paint and better landscaping, you can see how these seemingly simple works already made a huge difference to it. 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. 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. Do you now have at least a vague idea of what kind of remodeling you should do to your home? You can make changes to your existing landscaping, or create one if you currently dont have any. Updating the siding, materials used in the lower faade, or simply giving it a fresh paint job are some of the easiest ways to renovate a split-level home, but can also make a big impact. The chimney and fireplace became mostly decorations. Painted a crisp shade of white with black trim details, the home now boasts modern farmhouse style. 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. Back additions are also generally cheaper than top level additions to a tri-level home. Glass is known to let in more light, and this allows you to save on electricity. Exterior accessories such as light fixtures and house numbers can make a huge difference. 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. 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. 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. The major disadvantage to split-level homes is the staircases that youll have to climb. Most people use the terms bi-level and split-level interchangeably. Of all split level homes, the raised ranch has the toughest exterior to deal with. [Our Clients] This means youll have to climb multiple stairs in order to do your laundry in your own home. Homes with two stories, or two-story homes, are built with one floor right above the other. To remedy this without putting up walls, visual breaks can be used. 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 most significant change done to this space is removing the small room in the middle of the floor that housed the kitchen. 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. Unleashed by production builders in the 60's and 70's, split level homes are the most difficult type of house to transform into the way our customers want to live today. The separation of the floors means that youll be less likely to be awakened by the sounds happening on the lower levels. Rooms on the lower level are usually garages, dens, playrooms, and other informal living spaces. Tastes change; so, too, an owner's requirements of their home. The ranch has no stairs, the entire house is on one level. Your garage takes up a lot of frontage, so it's a large portion of your guests' first impression. To recap, split-level homes have three distinct levels that are accessed via short sets of stairs. No matter which you choose, youll get multiple levels connected by short flights of stairs, but each style has unique features. If you can, taking a wall or two out is a great way to open up what is largely an enclosed space. This may involve a major structural overhaul, but its worth considering. Lighting is one of the most important features in just about any home layout. . As a result, everything should be carefully thought out; you have to keep in mind that all the floors are interconnected. 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. The bedrooms would be upstairs, and the basement or garage would go down. Modern home designs tend to focus on lighting details. For some, this section seems like wasted space when you can use it as a den or mudroom. 11 of 68 There are various shapes for the ranch style, but the main theme is that the entire house is on one levelwhich has its perks. You actually get 3 levels for living space so you really get a sense of depth being in the house. Whether architects like it or not, the split-level may be the "it" remodel of the future. Even better, that natural light will light up just about every corner of the room. He's an authority on the Florida real estate market, as well as selling a house by owner. 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. This makes the entryway quite narrow and the easiest solution is to move the storage somewhere else. And while the change in floor level creates a partial separation of spaces, they are visually connected from one level to the next. Light colored paint will reflect light better and gives a brighter feel to the interiors of any home. Most types of split-level houses will feature several staircases that lead to the different levels of the house. Horizontal sliders can also provide a more modern look. You are generally stuck with their traditional layout. The need to climb stairs tends to lower the value a little bit, which can help first-time homebuyers that are looking to break into home ownership. Striking Split-Level. Whole House Remodeling This home was transformed from a split-foyer into a french colonial. The exterior can have a look that might be considered dated. 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. Required fields are marked *. It is a product that can handle any type of sloping lot and is as efficient as a house can get. Another advantage is having the front door be level with the sidewalk outside. The entire house was remodeled, plus we designed a screened porch and patio / fire pit for the rear yard. We removed two walls to open up this kitchen to the adjacent dining and family room area in this classic Split Level style home. 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. There are 6 main split-level house designs, including standard-split, split-foyer, stacked-split, split-entry, back-split, and side-split. A new paver pathway, planters, and landscaping add curb appeal. Split-levels also showcase natural materials, minimal decorations, and double-hung windows with one large picture window. In most cases, these homes have a garage with the bedrooms situated directly above it on one side of the house. With proper drainage, you can keep the yard dry and clean, making it more appealing for potential suitors. Get new garage doors. Recessed lighting, also known as can lights, can be an excellent addition to ergonomic, modern kitchens. If your split-level features garage doors that face the street, they may represent your easiest and best option for modernization. Since the house is all on one level, you will need more square footage to get privacy from other household members. Again, the main advantage to this type of split level is the fact that there arent a ton of staircases that separate the floors. But the good news is that there are plenty of methods for bringing a more modern aesthetic to your split-level home. Consider a new roof color. 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. Ryan also loves hockey and a lifelong Buffalo sports fan. To the right of the front door is a tiny window allowing peek-a-boo views of guest arrivals from inside the daughter's closet. The garage is usually the first to attract the attention of anyone who looks at this type of home, since its door takes a lot of space. The cape cod style originates in 17th century New England and was built with total practicality in mind. The triangular shelves in the corner are quite accessible when the pullouts are extended. Lets explore the numerous variations of this ubiquitous architectural style. If you have any bedrooms not in use, transform them into one big storage room. ), Plus it looks like a really sophisticated structure, so neighbors will be impressed (good!). And thats probably because so many of them were built during the 1970s. By adding skylights into the master bedroom, it can give an entirely new dimension to the space. Although this will lead to inconvenience when moving around your home, you can also get doors placed on each level to maintain the set temperature. Clients goal was to update the main floor and allow more natural light into this small-footprint home. Many saw what was happening as a devaluation of human labor and an emphasis on mass production rather than individualism and hand-crafted items. Although you have limited remodeling options, you can still turn your home into something worthy of a spot in an architecture magazine. Walk in the front door at ground level, and you climb a flight of stairs to reach the living room, dining, room and kitchen level . This is the photo of the residence building before undergoing the remodeling process. With a split-level house, you could have at least three bedrooms and still have plenty of space for backyard recreation. 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. 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. This browser is no longer supported. Whether youre looking to buy or build a home from scratch, you likely have a specific architectural style in mind. Then, the middle level is where the majority of the entertaining and living happens. There are many sub types of the Colonial style, with each world power at the time putting its own unique stamp on this traditional style. The trademarks MLS, Multiple Listing Service and the associated logos are owned by CREA and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. Garage doors are clad in metal. After all, this is what split-level homes are known for. A split-level house is essentially a variation of the conventional ranch-style house, but split-levels make much better use of the space. #OvercomingObstaclesScholarship: Lets Put Mental Health on the Agenda and Change the Narrative on Social Media Together! Thats some Brady Bunch vibes you have going on there. Try taking out some of the interior walls wherever possible. Clever: Are Those Commission Savings Legit? 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. Moving your furniture around to change the look of your home is usually the first step many homeowners make. You can also place raised garden beds if you want to disguise the slope of the land. If you are still stumped but updating your home is something that excites you, visuals might help you picture out what you can do. Split foyer to French colonial. A very simple way of updating the look of a traditional split-level is to add some bling to the design. For the first idea, let's take a look at the picture of this traditional split-level house located in Minneapolis. While some styles create space with doors, the colonial does it with staircase. 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. Modern home designs tend to focus on lighting details. 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. By working with siding styles and stonework, the creative homeowner can transform his bland home into something beautiful. 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. This works well if your house has other trappings of colonial style. Typically, split level homes are good candidates for an architectural intervention. 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. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service. Updating a split-level home is hard. 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. More square footage on a smaller lota way to separate children and parents for increased sense of independence and privacy. Split-level exteriors tend to be a bit bland. With some fresh mulch and flowers, it can provide that freshness that can elevate any home. However, like most things, split-level homes are gaining in popularity again. Moreover, the proper windows can play an integral role in the energy-efficiency of your home. Another great garage door style on a modern home is a wood-look door. The outside is often another story. In this idea, you must pay more attention to the front door of the house. My standard corner with 28"-deep diagonal pullouts. Our specialists are currently reviewing your case and will get back to you shortly. Because of all these inconveniences, consider scheduling the work at a period when its effects on your household will be most minimal. Bathroom closets are often catch-alls for anything and everything remotely related to self-care. bryan@jonespierce.com. The Empire State Building is a glowing example of the Art Deco style and its reach for the sky ethos. Your email address will not be published. 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. 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. 12 /18. 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. This not only makes it appear to be larger, but makes it more inviting as well. Despite all that youve read about them being outdated, split-level houses do have some positives to them. Then, the stairs off of this room lead to the bedrooms that are stacked atop the foyer. Your house payment will be lower, property taxes will be less, fewer headaches, less clutter. Updating the landscaping, as well as the entire faade, worked wonders for it. Copyright 2023 Real Estate Witch This open-plan layout made the space look a lot bigger. Conversely, you can consider adding in a window or two to really allow more natural light to permeate the space. A split-level home already has the structural breaks that make this kind of mix look perfect. I've evolved this design to where the center pullout and adjacent shelves can be adjusted up or down. When you open the front door, you are led to a distinct foyer or entry space. 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 big tree doesnt help at all, since it just makes the left side heavier than the other side. This can be confusing to those who dont know the difference. The three resulting levels connect with staggering staircases. Generally speaking, a split-level has a kitchen, a main entry, and the living room on the main level. They first became popular in the 1940s and 50s as soldiers returned home and demand for suburban houses was high. Or, maybe youre considering one of many types of split-level homes. Balodemas said real estate developers saw them as a way. [Office] The functionality and cost-efficiency of split-level homes made it a hit for families that prioritize practicality over aesthetics. [Master Suite] That pop of color can give the right contrast to the rest of the home to make it stand out in a positive way. A front porch was added, siding and stone are new, as are all the windows. There is also hardly any room for experimentation when it comes to remodeling a tri-level home. If there are multiple bedrooms present and you dont need some of them, merge two or more to create a bigger room. Exterior accessories such as light fixtures and house numbers can make a huge difference. 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. If your home doesnt have windows on the sides, which is typical to this type, get them installed as well. We wont keep you guessing for so long you can make additions to a split-level home, despite the space constraints. Exterior update of a split entry, two level home with board and batten, brick wainscot, and white trim. Colonial Home Style The colonial style is associated with the style of building used from the 17th to the 19th century, particularly in colonial America. It is not Zillow's intention to solicit or interfere with any established agency relationship you may have with a real estate professional. Zillow Group is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Ranches tend to be easier to maintainparticularly on the outside. Magazine pictures of modern homes tend to make them look almost sterile; recessed lighting offers more light without it becoming impractical. 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. Renovations are also one of the best times for you to declutter. Brick steps lined with lush landscaping beckon guests toward the entrance. You'll usually find the bedrooms stacked above the foyer with stairs coming off the kitchen or dining room. 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. The lights will stay relatively hidden and wont become a distraction, either. Updating a tri-level home is not a project that you can just DIY your way to completion. 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. Tri-level homes usually have small hallways that connect the garage and the main living space. Making the lights more uniform and using a warmer paint color also made it look more inviting. 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 problem is that it may not be the easiest of plans to execute. The first is that they create a much better separation between the upstairs and the downstairs. 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. With that said, here are some ways that you can modernize your split-level home and make it more suited to your style preferences: While ultra-modern can mean different things to different people, it generally means getting more natural light into the home. Each style has unique features, but all split-level houses consist of multiple floors connected by short flights of stairs. But again, you need to visualize how the exterior will connect to and complement whats inside your home, including the functions of each level. Even better, adding a skylight has a ton of benefits from every aspect: economical, functional, and aesthetic. The split level can be built on a sloping a sloping lot (cheaper) with more square footage under one roof (cheaper! Renovated Split Level Home in Salt Lake City. The use of mirrored sliding cabinets not only saved space but it also added to the illusion that the room is bigger than it actually is. As prices in close-in suburbs inch toward the stratosphere, split-levels are often the only house types left that younger buyers can afford. Maximize this by getting larger windows for your home to allow more light inside your home during the day. The old backyard used to have some trellis installed and the entire garden looked unkempt. We utilized clean white cabinets around the perimeter of the kitchen and popped the island with a spunky shade of blue. Nowadays, its very common to see split-level construction when it comes to building a home on the side of a hill. Again, the main advantage to this type of split-level home is the lack of staircases connecting each level of the house. While some styles create space with doors, the colonial does it with staircase. Planters surrounding the home are made from raw sheet steel. You can use plants, tall furniture, and decorative partitions. The French, Spanish, German, and Colonial Georgian are all sub types of this once dominant architectural style. The homeowners are enthusiasts of residential modern architecture and wanted to update their 1960s split-foyer home with a modern design. Replacing old windows with a more modern style can greatly modernize your homes look. Split Levels and Split Foyers became popular in the United States in the 1970s. Part of the reason that split-level homes feel so outdated is that they have a number of interior walls. Art Deco has a cool, interesting style that sets it apart from other homes. In todays world many people find the formal areas of a colonial to be a waste of space. It is for information purposes only, and any links provided are for the user's convenience. 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? You just have less freedom to do whatever you want with it and you need to generally work with whats already there. Plants and trees will help balance the overall look of your home and make it look much more even. The top floor typically features taller ceilings and houses the main rooms, such as the kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, dining room, and living room. You can also have skylights placed on the section of your roof directly above your living space or bedrooms. 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 landing is presented upon entering and the choice to go up or down stairs must be made immediately. The Colonial style is steeped with tradition and has a lot of character on the outside. However, this staggered design is not ideal for the elderly or individuals with disabilities. You can also make use of that list as an inspiration for your project. If done properly, this can tie in wonderfully with the natural stone sections of wall mentioned above. Aside from the differences on the exterior, both back split and side split houses have roughly the same design. With a sultry black hex on the floor and a dimensional geometric tile on the walls we set the stage for a calm space. The more steps you have, the more difficult snow removal is going to be in the winter months. Notice the symmetry and 2 level design. You can place bedrooms on the top floor or at the ground level, put your laundry area in the basement, have your living room at a floor somewhere above the ground level, and the entertainment room on the floor below it, and more. Split-level homes are great for those who want to conserve the space on their property, without sacrificing room inside of the home. In Miamis South Beach, the Art Deco style saw a resurgence in the 1980s with pastel colors. If you want to go full-on modern, consider hiding the roof completely. Noticing a theme yet? The classic faade of a split-level home is very simple. Split-level homes also provide more outside space. The roof lines create an interesting look and this style never seems to be out-dated. We cleaned up the cabinets and brass hardware, switched out the formica counter for a new quartz top, and painted wall a cheery accent color to liven it up a bit. 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. Houzz utilise des cookies et d'autres technologies de suivi similaires pour personnaliser mon exprience utilisateur, me proposer du contenu pertinent et amliorer ses produits et services. Some roof colors simply wont work with a contemporary design an old shingle roof usually looks anything but clean and smooth. The trend these days is to minimize , and cottages do just thatkeeping heating and cooling costs down and making maintenance chores a breeze. He's an authority on the Florida real estate market, as well as selling a house by owner. Aside from these two requirements, the design work involved aesthetics: enhancing the front faade with a modern architecture and high quality materials. 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. In some parts of the country flat roofs can be a problem and need continual maintenance. 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.
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