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. A split foyer conversion is no simple renovation, but Owings Brothers Contracting is up to the task! Privacy Policy | Terms of Service. He's an authority on the Florida real estate market, as well as selling a house by owner. Again, as with the cape cod , the siding may need regular maintenance. Jessica considers herself a home improvement and design enthusiast. Here youll typically find the living room, dining room, kitchen, and possibly a bathroom. Again, split-level homes tend to struggle with natural lighting. Not only that, but those closed off, separated rooms can bring with it a claustrophobic feel. There is also hardly any room for experimentation when it comes to remodeling a tri-level home. Create low cabinets that can also double as window seats, which allow you to save space and makes for a unique piece. A very simple way of updating the look of a traditional split-level is to add some bling to the design. Anything you do on any floor of a split-level home will affect the other floors. When a home is cared for, it doesnt have that old, uncared for look that we think of with outdated homes. Dont be intimidated by the challenge of remodeling a split-level home it is absolutely doable, even with a small budget. The short answer is that, yes, you can convert a split-level to open up the home and make it feel more modern. 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. This question is important and your answer will serve as your guide when it comes to updating your home. Ryan Shaw. If you are still stumped but updating your home is something that excites you, visuals might help you picture out what you can do. Stacked split-level. Another advantage is having the front door be level with the sidewalk outside. We designed a new story above, with turned-gable roof lines to complement the main roof. This results in a stark contrast, especially when the differences are very obvious. We were so excited to help these new homeowners re-envision their split-level diamond in the rough. This style of home is good for entertaining,and there is a nice separation of space, which creates a deeper sense of separation. Typically, split level homes are good candidates for an architectural intervention. 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. Houzz Pro: One simple solution for contractors and design pros, Split-Level Main Floor Remodel in West Seattle. If there are multiple bedrooms present and you dont need some of them, merge two or more to create a bigger room. The good news is that you can transform the floorplan to look like something out of this century. Striking Split-Level. Both. 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. Snow can pile up, causing damage and its harder for rain to drain off. What makes split-level homes a pain to transform is because of the limits involved. This works well if your house has other trappings of colonial style. We continued the warm wood touches into the master bedroom, but went for a rich accent wall that elevated the sophistication level and sets this space apart. The entire house was remodeled, plus we designed a screened porch and patio / fire pit for the rear yard. Your old garage can be converted into any living space you want. You can also have skylights placed on the section of your roof directly above your living space or bedrooms. 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 can certainly look on the bright side and see it as an opportunity to get more exercise in your home. 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. There are 6 main split-level house designs, including standard-split, split-foyer, stacked-split, split-entry, back-split, and side-split. Split-levels are cool on the inside. Painted a crisp shade of white with black trim details, the home now boasts modern farmhouse style. To modernize a split-level home, replace the outdated windows. Youll want to arm yourself with this information so you can be prepared when flipping through listings. Consider casement windows, which feature cranks and swing out to open up. It only takes 2 minutes to fill out the form. Installing glass panes or other decorative elements, especially on the foyer and main entryway, to draw the attention to that part of your home instead of the garage. With recessed lighting, you can even highlight the best features in each of the different rooms. The problem is that it may not be the easiest of plans to execute. You can add a number of design elements, such as siding, tiles, wood, stone, and other decorative pieces to give it a new look. Modern home styles are generally made up of two surface types. Another great idea is to replace old windows with newer ones and tearing down some of your interior walls to make space and bring in more natural light. You'll usually find the bedrooms stacked above the foyer with stairs coming off the kitchen or dining room. There are 6 main split-level house designs, including standard-split, split-foyer, stacked-split, split-entry, back-split, and side-split. With a sultry black hex on the floor and a dimensional geometric tile on the walls we set the stage for a calm space. Updating a split-level home is hard. Split-level remodel: exterior lighting. That is, the middle and largest level is for the dining and living areas, the upper floor is for bedrooms, and the lowest floor is for the garage or cellar. The separation of the floors means that youll be less likely to be awakened by the sounds happening on the lower levels. The cape cod style originates in 17th century New England and was built with total practicality in mind. Moreover, the proper windows can play an integral role in the energy-efficiency of your home. Typically, this is done to the main living space and bedrooms. The first staircase that leads downwards goes to either the basement or some other type of informal living space. Just because updating or remodeling this type of home is challenging doesnt mean it is impossible. A common configuration is having the first stairs from the entryway leading to the dining room or kitchen. Magazine pictures of modern homes tend to make them look almost sterile; recessed lighting offers more light without it becoming impractical. You can use this hallway as a small mudroom and storage space for stuff you usually take with you when you go out. Why do you want to do a renovation of your split-level home? The Colonial style is steeped with tradition and has a lot of character on the outside. 10 Things You Need to Do When Buying A Home, 3 Reasons to Live in a New Home Before Renovating, DIY Backyard Fire Pit: Build It in Just 7 Easy Steps, This Checklist Is the Key to Taking Care of Your Home (Without the Stress), How to Actually Afford to Buy a Home in America, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, 442-H New York Standard Operating Procedures. The Art Deco designed home was made popular during the Roaring Twenties. Discovery of King Tuts tomb, as well as a surging industrial revolution inspired a generation of flat roofs, smooth, rounded walls and vibrant colors. We loved the original built-ins in this space, and knew they needed to always be a part of this house, but these 60-year-old beauties definitely needed a little help. In some parts of the country flat roofs can be a problem and need continual maintenance. Consider all of the pros and cons of the different types of split-level homes before making a final decision. Below you can get a better understanding of the different types of split-level homes to help you determine which design is perfect for you. The possibilities are endless. Bryan Jones, Principal Jones Pierce Inc. An Atlanta based Architectural firm specializing in custom home transformations and custom retirement homes in fun places. Therefore, we thought it would be a good time to revisit strategies to turn the split level monster into a piece of architecture. But times have changed, and modern garage door designs can transform the look of the front of your home. . If you come across an early cape it might seem a bit utilitarian on the inside but thats an easy fix with a little charm! Step inside the house and youll see polished flooring, shiny appliances, freshly-painted walls, and so much more. Wherever possible is important because some of (or all of) those interior walls could have major structural implications on the rest of the home. To add some space inside without spending too much, you can get rid of some existing walls or partitions to create an open-plan layout. Perhaps youve got your heart set on a modern, contemporary, or even a Colonial-style home. The number of steps can range from as little as two to more than eight. Tastes change; so, too, an owner's requirements of their home. A split-level home has a few great places to start. The original use of the cottage was to house agricultural workers on a farm. Bi-level houses are also commonly referred to as a raised ranch. In most cases, the lower level is partially underground but still has windows. Opendoor: How Much Will It Pay For My Home. The chimney and fireplace became mostly decorations. These are just a few ideas, and you can use them as a simple spark of design inspiration to get you going. Many homeowners concentrate on remodeling the inside of their home and neglect to work on the exteriors as well. Split entry homes have, as the name suggests, an entry that is between floors. The outside is often another story. The homeowners are enthusiasts of residential modern architecture and wanted to update their 1960s split-foyer home with a modern design. One of the major concepts of the modern home is that it has an open floor plan. Taken fromhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HE7jN7ofmeI. 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. After all, you dont have to spend a single cent for it. 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. While some styles create space with doors, the colonial does it with staircase. Written by But again, you need to visualize how the exterior will connect to and complement whats inside your home, including the functions of each level. ), Plus it looks like a really sophisticated structure, so neighbors will be impressed (good!). The raised ranch came into popularity as land in the suburbs became more scarce and families wanted to get more of a house on a smaller piece of property. Its much easier to move things in and out of the house when everything is on one level. If you wish to report an issue or seek an accommodation, please let us know. Renovated Split Level Home in Salt Lake City. Your garage takes up a lot of frontage, so it's a large portion of your guests' first impression. This means youll have to climb multiple stairs in order to do your laundry in your own home. There is a wonderful separation of space going on in the split level thanks to the small staircaseswhich are half of what it would be for a true 2 story. Rooms on the lower level are usually garages, dens, playrooms, and other informal living spaces. The short answer is that, yes, you can convert a split-level to open up the home and make it feel more modern. For some, this section seems like wasted space when you can use it as a den or mudroom. Plants and trees will help balance the overall look of your home and make it look much more even. This browser is no longer supported. [Dining Room] The trend these days is to minimize , and cottages do just thatkeeping heating and cooling costs down and making maintenance chores a breeze. Lets explore the numerous variations of this ubiquitous architectural style. Clients were also interested in: low maintenance finishes, usage of low/no VOC materials, good indoor air quality as they lived on site during the remodel, and preserving and refinishing salvageable resources. Glass is known to let in more light, and this allows you to save on electricity. If you can, taking a wall or two out is a great way to open up what is largely an enclosed space. By replacing current windows with something that let in a lot more light and are more efficient, you can bring in more natural light to the home, making the space feel bigger, and help to cut down on energy costs over time. The original 1950s split level was expanded and completely reworked. This open-plan layout made the space look a lot bigger. We wont keep you guessing for so long you can make additions to a split-level home, despite the space constraints. . And if you want to take it to the next level, does the KonMari method ring a bell? 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. Even designers will readily admit that remodeling this type of home is challenging for them. A cottage is typically a one bedroom dwelling meant for travelers or people on vacation. We added a new garage, laundry, master bedroom and bath and 1/2 guest bath on that same level. One of the biggest issues plaguing split-level homes is that water can pool up at the lower points of the house. 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. Split foyer to French colonial. If your home doesnt have windows on the sides, which is typical to this type, get them installed as well. On the other hand, bi-level houses have two levels that are accessed via a common entrance between the floors. Modern home designs tend to focus on lighting details. fiber cement siding painted Cleveland Green (7" siding), Sweet Vibrations (4" siding), and Texas Leather (11" siding)all by Benjamin Moore window trim and clerestory band painted Night Horizon by Benjamin Moore soffit & fascia painted Camouflage by Benjamin Moore. The functionality and cost-efficiency of split-level homes made it a hit for families that prioritize practicality over aesthetics. By sumitting this form, you agree to be contacted about your project by Homeadvisor and / or other service partners using automated phone technology and / or email. There is a wonderful separation of space going on in the split level thanks to the small staircaseswhich are half of what it would be for a true 2 story. The entrance is a small section that is separate from all the main floors of the home. Sadly, youre limited to these three choices. Whereas, the upper level will have a dining room, living room, and kitchen on one side and more bathrooms and bedrooms on the other. When you open the front door, you are led to a distinct foyer or entry space. 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. You can see the appeal here. If you have any bedrooms not in use, transform them into one big storage room. You should know the various types of split-level homes before you can consider buying or building one of your own. However, like most things, split-level homes are gaining in popularity again. 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. Adding additional spaces to your home will require you to sacrifice either your backyard or the remaining space at the sides of your home, if they are available at all. With standard split homes, inhabitants and visitors enter the house from the ground level. It is not Zillow's intention to solicit or interfere with any established agency relationship you may have with a real estate professional. These give an illusion that the areas in the open space still have divisions that separate them. The content on this site is not intended to provide legal, financial or real estate advice. These types of homes became less popular with time, and, at one point, were virtually unwanted on the real estate market. An exterior remodel of your tri-level home may sound easy because you might believe you can just go for whatever design you want. link to What Kind Of Paint For Garage Walls. If you want to go full-on modern, consider hiding the roof completely. On the outside, you have paint chipping off, loose steps, landscaping that is in bad shape, the list goes on. Split foyer houses have two levels, with two sets of stairs. To put it simply, the split-level home is a design from the 1950s. Since they are built vertically, that can mean that split-levels have more square footage in the yard. The exterior of a split-level home is whats giving away its age. This is due to the fact that the sides of this type of home tend to be boringly blank youre actually lucky if you even have windows on the sides. If you are working with a limited budget, even a fresh coat of paint can dramatically change the look of your home. But dont worry, there are ways that you can transform the space without having to tear the walls down (but you can do that if you want). Single-hung windows, which feature bottom panes that slide up to open the windows, are common in split-level homes from the 60s, 70s and 80s. We designed the rest of the space to be a clean and bright white, and really let the lovely blue of the floor tile pop. Part of the reason that split-level homes feel so outdated is that they have a number of interior walls. The colonial style is associated with the style of building used from the 17th to the 19th century, particularly in colonial America. The Empire State Building is a glowing example of the Art Deco style and its reach for the sky ethos. It packs a large amount of square footage into a relatively small footprint, something growing families appreciate. By even changing out those outdated windows for something modern and new, it can really change the look of the home. The exterior can have a look that might be considered dated. To add a real element of fun, we jazzed it up with the colorful escher tile at the backsplash and brought in accents of brass in the hardware and light fixtures to tie it all together. However, most of these homes were built on the cheap. It can be difficult to downsize and there are challenges with smaller spaces ,storage etc. To make sure that your split-level home is remodeled successfully, you need to keep these in mind: Again, drawing up plans to renovate or update the appearance of this type of home is a challenge even for professionals. In these instances, the floor plan will usually be designed by an architect to suit the specific topography of the lot. Of all split level homes, the raised ranch has the toughest exterior to deal with. Raising the entry half a level and introducing a wrap-around elevation porch ultimately . The major disadvantage to split-level homes is the staircases that youll have to climb. He's an authority on the Florida real estate market, as well as selling a house by owner. Light colored paint will reflect light better and gives a brighter feel to the interiors of any home. Instead of the classic door leading to the back of your home, you can tear it down, together with the wall, and replace it with glass. Conversely, you can consider adding in a window or two to really allow more natural light to permeate the space. 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. Maximize this by getting larger windows for your home to allow more light inside your home during the day. After all, this is what split-level homes are known for. 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. However, the major disadvantage is the fact that you must climb multiple sets of stairs to reach each individual level of the home. You can divert and make your main door or entryway as the focal point of your faade by installing an eye-catching front entry. Garage doors are often taken for granted. If you dont plan on staying in your home for the long term, you might want to consider a ranch to lower your moving costsitll take an extra person or two for you or the moving company to get things up and down the stairs when you get ready to move. 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. The three resulting levels connect with staggering staircases. The roof lines create an interesting look and this style never seems to be out-dated. On terrain that is rough, rugged, or hilly, sometimes staggering the floors is the best option for building a home. Even better, that natural light will light up just about every corner of the room. Modern Capes from 1920s and after kept many of the exterior features of the original Cape with a modified interior for a more comfortable living experience. A split-level home already has the structural breaks that make this kind of mix look perfect. The main level is street level so there is no need to be climbing up or down stairs with groceries etc. Fixed glass is another very modern type of window, but it wont work for bedrooms that require an emergency escape and ventilation. The major disadvantage to this style of split-level home is the middle area that has no real function at all. For people that have trouble making it up and down the stairs, the ranch style is ideal. Give them the option of fixing up a six-story home or a split-level home, and they will more than likely choose to work on the six-story home instead. Although each type of split-level home is different from one another, they all share the same characteristic of having multiple floors that are connected by short flights of stairs. As prices in close-in suburbs inch toward the stratosphere, split-levels are often the only house types left that younger buyers can afford. Whats most important is that your home works the best for you. Unlike standard split homes, there isnt a functioning middle level with split foyer houses. In most cases, the garage will sit on the ground level and the bedroom area will be stacked above it. The dated kitchen plus both small main and master bathrooms were remodeled. A split-level house is essentially a variation of the conventional ranch-style house, but split-levels make much better use of the space. Try painting the front door to something fresh with a pop of color involved. And while the change in floor level creates a partial separation of spaces, they are visually connected from one level to the next. There is typically a short section of stairs that then leads to the other sections of the home. The bedrooms are usually situated right above the foyer. Another great garage door style on a modern home is a wood-look door. Split-level houses feature an architectural style that was most popular in the 40s and 50s, and each type of split-level house has distinct features. Similar to a side split home, back split houses are divided into multiple levels. Consider a new roof color. 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. 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. 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. Please seek the services of a legal, accounting or real estate professional prior to any real estate transaction. It is for information purposes only, and any links provided are for the user's convenience. The difference is remarkable and it not only looks better, but this growing family can stay in the neighborhood of their choice and still have room for their expanding lifestyle. 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. Even if the contractor promised to deliver the work at a certain time, you still need to make allowances for possible unforeseen delays that may happen. Now we know why Art Deco is popular in Miami! Ryan Shaw is the founder of Real Estate Witch, which he created to help consumers avoid unnecessary expenses when they buy or sell a house. 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. Because of their design, split-level homes can struggle to get an ample amount of natural light. 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. A split-level home has a few great places to start. Ideal Agent: Learn the Truth About Its 2% Fees. Our primary goal was to re-imagine the main level of the home and create an open flow between the space. With its dramatic vaulted ceiling and new custom steel railing, this room was just screaming for a dramatic light fixture and a large table to welcome one-and-all. 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.
