How do split level houses work?

A standard split-level home typically has a ground level entrance door leading into the main floor. A short set of stairs divides the other levels. The bottom level features a playroom, den, family room or garage, while the upper floor has bedrooms and bathrooms.

What are the disadvantages of split-level houses?

What is the reason for split-level homes?

Split-level houses all have basements which would be considered the lowest level of finished living area, which gives families a bonus room that can accommodate multiple purposes. Separate from the main floor, it offers a private space for a home office, rec room, guest bedroom, rental, and more.

Why are split-level homes cheaper?

Split-level homes are often a lot more affordable than conventional homes with similar square footage and number of bedrooms. This is because there's less demand for split levels than there is for other types of homes.

Why are split-level homes harder to sell?

Split-level homes are harder to sell because of a combination of the age of their owners and the age of the actual houses. A large older population trying to sell many split-level homes creates abundant supply, while their dated decor combined with wear and tear lowers demand.

Are split level houses good?

Are split-level homes hard to heat?

Split-level homes often have one HVAC system which can have trouble keeping the various levels a consistent temperature. The open foyer mixes air from the lower and upper floors. This makes it tough to control temperatures on each floor.

Do split-level homes hold value?

Buying a split-level house can get you great value for your home buying dollar in the current market. There is no shortage of homes built in the 60s or 70s, so you can likely find an affordable option that makes for a great investment.

Are split-level homes outdated?

Since they seem a little outdated, split-level homes actually tend to be cheaper since there is less demand in some markets and, since there are many of them following a 1970s building boom, there's ample inventory. It's a particularly smart option for first-time homebuyers.

Can you remodel a split-level house?

New siding, lower façade materials and paint are simple split-level home renovations, but they have a huge impact. Try these options: Re-side one portion. When you update the siding on the taller half of your home, you can get a more modern look without overspending.

Is the Brady Bunch house a split-level?

The split-level Studio City home used for exterior shots in “The Brady Bunch” was built by architect Harry M. Londelius in 1959. It is seen here in the 1990s.

Who likes split-level homes?

This staggered floor plan usually isn't optimal for the elderly, so split level homes (like standard to two-story homes) are more apt to appeal to younger families who don't mind traversing all three levels repeatedly when cleaning, carrying laundry baskets (usually to appliances on the lowest level), and simply ...

How do you tell if a house is a split-level?

A standard split-level home typically has a ground level entrance door leading into the main floor. A short set of stairs divides the other levels. The bottom level features a playroom, den, family room or garage, while the upper floor has bedrooms and bathrooms.

Do split-level homes have crawl space?

Most sidesplits have a crawl space that is half the size of the house such that the foundation is the same for both halves of the "split" house. Some others may have a split foundation with a full basement below even the lower main living area.

How do you heat a split-level house?

What is the difference between a split-level and a two story house?

It's easy to get these two houses confused, but each style of home offers a different layout and living experience. The primary difference between the two homes is that a bi-level home is a single level home, whereas a split-story home has multiple stories.

Is a split-level the same as a raised ranch?

While some use the term split-level to describe a raised ranch style, the true raised ranch style has only two levels, while a split-level home has three stories or more.

How do you keep a split-level house cool?

What type of foundation does a split-level home have?

In a split level home, part of the foundation is typically a slab or crawl space, and part is a full height basement - often, a daylight basement.

What is the difference between split entry and split-level?

Any house with three or more distinct living areas is a split-level. A typical split-entry home has two distinct floors stacked on top of one another, connected by a flight of stairs, much like a ranch house raised halfway out of the ground.

What is split-level vs tri level?

“It differs from a bi-level house in that the bi-level house only has two usable floors and a landing in between, while a tri-level house has three usable floors,” he says. “It's also different than a split-level house that just has two floors, no landing, and no usable third level.”

Is a split-level a 2 story?

Standard definition of Split-Level – A composite between a one-story and two-story dwelling. Having a room or rooms higher than a lower level but less than a whole story between each level.

Does a split-level count as a basement?

Another common feature across many split-level homes is a small amount of square footage. Since many of these homes have almost half of the house partially underground, much of the space in the home can't be counted as usable square feet of space since it's below grade; or in other words, technically a basement.

Are split levels making a comeback?

Split-level houses are making a solid comeback in the housing architectural world with new designs and modifications. First becoming popular in the 1950s, they were most loved for the space they provided for large families.

What type of roof does a split-level have?

Split-level homes can have many different styles of roofs. Some are built with a single roof elevation, while others have a more interesting architecture with multiple roof surfaces. Gabled roofs, hip roofs, dormer roofs, and even flat roofs are all possible for modern split-level homes.

What type of roof does a split-level house have?

"Split-level homes tend to have kind of shallow-pitched roofs.