A split-level floor plan is a type of floor plan design where the main living area is split into two or three separate levels. This style of floor plan is popular in contemporary homes and is designed to take advantage of the benefits of having two stories.
The main level typically consists of the common rooms, such as the kitchen, dining room, and living room. The sleeping quarters are usually located on the upper level portion and separated by a stairway.
The downstairs portion usually houses any additional, separate living spaces and can include basements, gaming rooms, or a dedicated family room space. This design allows for all of the living spaces within a home to have their own space and privacy.
Depending on the space available in the home, the split level style of design allows for a customized floor plan with a custom balance between public and private spaces.
What is considered a split-level house?
A split-level house is a type of residential home that is separated into two distinct levels. Generally, this type of house combines both a raised level and a lowered level of the house, with a set of stairs in between them leading to either level.
The lower level is usually semi-basement, containing a living area and sometimes a bedroom, while the upper level may contain additional bedrooms and the main living space, such as the kitchen and living room.
By combining two levels, a family can get additional living space without having to build an entirely new room for their house. Due to this advantage, split-level housing has been a popular type of home design in the United States since the 1950s.
Is a split-level home considered two stories?
The answer to whether a split-level home is considered two stories is yes, depending on how the house is designed. A split-level home is a type of house typically with three floors, each with a different height.
The lowest floor is close to ground level and may have a partial basement, while the middle section is essentially the main living area and the upper-level usually is dedicated to bedrooms and bathrooms.
Depending on the design of the house, it can be considered two stories because there is an upper and lower level with the middle level providing access to both. The two stories could be considered the lower level and the upper level, with the middle level providing an elevation between them.
What type of foundation does a split-level home have?
A split-level home typically has a pier and beam foundation. The pier and beam foundation is made up of a series of wooden posts or concrete piers that are buried into the ground and support the home’s floor joists.
The joists, also made out of wood, are then covered with plywood or other materials that provide a firm base for additional floors, walls, and the home’s roof. This type of foundation allows the home to be structurally sound, while also allowing for various levels within the home.
It is an efficient design for split-level homes, as it can help reduce the cost of construction and can provide more space for a family than a typical two-story structure.
Should I buy a split-level home?
Whether you should buy a split-level home depends on your individual preferences and needs. Split-level homes have several advantages, such as increased efficiency due to shorter staircases, a spacious feeling due to open floor plans, and extra square footage by having multiple levels.
These homes also tend to have more natural light due to all of the windows, and they often have dramatic rooflines that can create a visually appealing exterior. They also tend to be good options for outdoor living due to having a variety of levels, which can provide numerous options for outdoor seating and creating interesting garden areas.
On the downside, split-level homes can be more expensive to keep cool in the summer due to having more windows, and they often require more maintenance due to all of the different levels. Additionally, it can be difficult to maximize the amount of storage you have in these spaces due to their unique shape and often times more open layout.
Ultimately, whether you should buy a split-level home depends on your personal preferences, needs, budget, and how you prioritize efficiency, style, and outdoor amenities. If these are all important to you, then a split-level home may be the right choice.
What counts as a story in a house?
A story in a house is typically defined as a floor level that is above ground level. A single-level house generally counts as one story, while houses with multiple levels count each floor level above ground level as a story.
For instance, a two-story house typically has two levels above ground, making it a two-story home. Likewise, a split-level or two-and-a-half-story house usually has two levels above the main ground-level entrance, making it a two-and-a-half-story home.
As for homes with multiple levels, such as a four-story house, each additional level above ground counts as a separate story. In some cases, other elements of the house, such as the basement, may be counted as a story, depending on your local building code.
When were split level houses invented?
Split level homes, also known as multi-level homes or split-foyer homes, were first introduced in the United States in the 1940s. These homes, with their central staircase dividing the main level into two distinct sections, proved to be a practical and economical solution for many families looking to build a larger home without incurring additional construction costs.
By 1960, the split-level design had become increasingly popular, particularly among young families and suburbanites looking to “own their own slice of the American Dream”. As this style of home gained in popularity in the decades that followed, many variations of the split-level design were introduced, including the bi-level, tri-level, and quad-level houses.
Today, the split-level house continues to make the most of tight spaces and can provide a practical solution for many home-building needs.
Are split-level homes outdated?
Split-level homes were popular in the 1950s and 1960s, but now the style is often considered outdated. Split-level homes are identifiable by their multiple floors and split entry – typically one level is sunken below the rest of the house.
This style of home is often inefficient as a general layout and its steps can make it more difficult for elderly and disabled people move around.
However, many modern split-level homes have been updated with open floor plans and high ceilings, making them more attractive while still taking advantage of the split-level concept. If you’re interested in a split-level home, the best option is to find one that’s been updated both internally and externally to modern standards.
With the right updates, split-levels can be just as stylish and functional as any other home.
Why did people like split level houses?
People liked split level houses because they offered more floor space than a traditional one-story house. They were also seen as an economical design due to their ability to fit more on a smaller lot size.
Split levels offer flexible living space, as well as a variety of room layouts. Many people also found them to be aesthetically pleasing. Furthermore, a split level house usually offers a more open layout in the common living areas, creating a sense of comfort and connection.
They also provide more privacy, since each level can have its own secondary living space, such as a hallway or stair area. Split levels also tend to be energy efficient due to their raised foundation, which helps keep the house cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
From their economical advantages to their attractive designs, there are many reasons why people have chosen split level houses over traditional one-story homes.
What are the disadvantages of a split level house?
Split level homes can be a great choice for big families who need more space and potential buyers who are looking for something with a unique style. However, there are also some disadvantages to consider when it comes to split level homes.
One downside is the amount of stairs. A split level home has multiple levels that usually require the use of stairs to get from one floor to another. This can be especially challenging for elderly individuals or those with limited mobility, as it may be difficult for them to navigate multiple flights of stairs.
Additionally, older split level home designs can make it difficult to move large furniture from one level to another without having to use stairs.
In older split level designs, furniture layout can be quite awkward and cramped. Even in more modern split level homes, the split level design means that some of the rooms may not have ideal orientations or windows.
This can lead to rooms that are darker than people prefer and a layout that may be difficult to work with. Additionally, many split level homes suffer from poor airflow and have trouble with insulation, which can make them uncomfortable to live in.
Split level homes are also known to have plumbing issues as the layout of the home doesn’t always lend itself to convenient access to the pipes. This means that plumbing repair, maintenance, and updating can be costly and time consuming.
Overall, split level homes can be a great option for some, but it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making the decision to buy or build one.
When did split level homes become popular?
Split level homes became popular in the United States in the mid-20th century. The popularity of split level homes was spurred by their efficient use of relatively small amounts of land and their cost-effective construction.
Split level homes became particularly popular in the 1950s, with their popularity exploding in the 1960s and 70s, remaining a staple of American home construction until the end of the 20th century. The split-level house with its separate levels connected by stairs was a response to a need for more space in post-WWII America where housing was in short supply.
These homes gained traction with their affordably priced designs and efficient use of space that provided a solution to many families’ housing needs. The split level’s appeal persisted well into the 1980s, however, its versatility had been realized by many homebuyers who chose to remodel split levels for designs that were more modern and suited to the changing needs of growing families.
Is it hard to sell split-level house?
Yes, it can be hard to sell a split-level house as they don’t have universal appeal. Many buyers have specific preferences or may be deterred by the multiple levels, stairs, and potential remodeling projects needed to make it their own.
On a positive note, the design of the split-level house is often perceived as a very efficient use of space, making them attractive to some buyers. However, the lack of curb appeal making the home less attractive for buyers coming for the first time is often a determining factor when it comes to selling a split-level house.
If you’re looking to sell a split-level home, there are things you can do to help make it more attractive to potential buyers. Make sure to stage the rooms so they appear as inviting as possible. Use warm colors and natural lighting to make the space feel cozy.
Highlight the practical elements of the multiple levels by making sure the staircase and hallways are clutter free and well lit. Also, make sure you are honest about the condition and renovations needed to the home.
Maintaining realistic expectations can help keep the buyers interested until the sale is complete.
What is the difference between a split-level and a raised ranch?
A split-level and a raised ranch are both two-story home designs, but there are some key differences between the two. A split-level is generally a single-family home made up of a few discrete levels and divided horizontally.
These are typically sided in either brick or clapboard, and you will typically find multiple staircases, as well as a main entrance that opens at mid-level. In contrast, a raised ranch is also a two-story home, but it is constructed on a raised foundation.
This provides a higher ceiling and a more efficient use of the space, as it typically includes a full basement below. The style of the raised ranch is usually more consistent than the split-level, and the living area is usually only one level.
While both styles can be desirable, the raised ranch typically has a more contemporary feel.
Does a split-level home have a basement?
The answer to whether a split-level home has a basement depends on the individual structure. Generally speaking, a split-level home is a residential building built in the middle or late 20th century, featuring two stories connected by a short, half-level staircase.
Split-level homes can come in many different varieties and designs, and depending on the designer and builder, some may include a basement level. Furthermore, as many of these homes were built in the years following World War II and were often constructed as part of suburban developments, the lack of land and other resources may have precluded the inclusion of a basement.
Overall, it is possible that a split-level home may have a basement. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis, with the particular characteristics of a given property providing further information.
How do you make a ranch house look modern?
Making a ranch house look modern can involve several steps, depending on the desired outcome. One way to achieve a modern look is to paint the exterior with crisp, clean colors like white, gray, and black.
The trim can be painted in stark contrast, such as a bright yellow or blue. This will help create a unique and modern aesthetic.
Maximizing natural light is another great way to create a modern ranch look. If the home is positioned in such a way that the sun enters from only one direction, consider adding additional windows or skylights to allow for more natural light.
Additionally, large sliding glass doors can be a great option for modernizing a ranch-style home by letting in plenty of natural light and providing a seamless transition between the interior and exterior.
Updating the landscaping can also help to significantly change the look of a ranch house. Adding colorful flowers, shrubs, and trees to the perimeter can instantly make the house look more modern and inviting.
Planting tall grasses, bamboo, or other tall plants around the backyard can also help provide a modern interest to the exterior.
It might also be worth considering interior changes to help modernize the look and feel of the house. Replacing the flooring, cabinets, and countertops with modern options can help transform the interior at a relatively low cost, making it instantly brighter, bolder, and more modern.
Consider integrating modern appliances and light fixtures to really elevate the look of the home.
Overall, there are many ways to modernize a ranch-style home, from simple exterior touch-ups to more drastic changes. With careful planning and consideration for the home’s existing structure and surrounding environment, you can make a ranch-style house look modern and inviting.
What is a rambler style house?
A rambler style house is a type of one-story home that is typically mid-sized in scope and built during the mid 20th century, often during the 1950s and 1960s. Rambler houses are usually long and low-slung, with a wide front porch or patio on the side or front of the home.
This style of house is sometimes referred to as “ranch style” due to its distinctive single level structure.
The rooms in a typical rambler house are usually placed in an open layout, with the living, dining, and kitchen all open to one another with minimal hallways. Some variations of the layout will include a bedroom wing off the living area, with all of the bedrooms in a row, or the bedrooms may be spread out on either side of the living room.
These homes tend to feature simple, geometric shapes and flat rooftops, giving them a modern, practical look. The most common building materials include wood, and sometimes stucco, with large, outward-facing windows that often span an entire wall.
Larger rambler homes may also include an attached garage that allows for multiple cars or recreational vehicles. As the name suggests, this design of home is suitable for those who enjoy spending time outdoors and want plenty of space to roam.