What Is a Split-Level House?
A split-level house is a house that has staggered levels. Most split-level houses are typically designed with a short staircase that leads upstairs and leads to the basement. Split-level houses always come with finished basement areas that can serve multiple purposes and can be used as either a laundry room, a gym, an office, a library, or an extra room.
Split-level homes used to be very common in the 1950s and 1960s and have been making a comeback recently due to the ample space they provide large families.
Types of Split-Level Houses
- Standard Split Level Houses
- Stacked Split Level Houses
- Split Foyer Homes
Split-level houses come in different designs and offer multiple space allocations. Asides from the most common three-floor (tri-level) split-level houses, there are also split-level houses that come with plans of about five to six floors. There are two major types of split-level dwellings, which is very important to know if you're considering house hunting in that direction.
1. Standard Split Level Houses
These houses are designed to have their entry at the base of the house, with the stairs very close by leading to other floors. Most times, people design their standard Split Level homes with utility rooms on the middle floor away from guests' access. Most of the private rooms are usually positioned on the top floor.
2. Stacked Split Level Houses
A stacked split-level house is a type of split-level house that has several floors, which can be as high as five floors with several stairs. The entry of this type of split house is located at the base of the house for easy access.
3. Split Foyer Homes
A split foyer house is a type of split-level house that is designed to have two levels. The layout always has the recreational room, garage and informal living room on the lower level.
Reasons to Choose a Split-Level House
- Better Separation
- Ample Outdoor Space
- Cost-Effective
- Easily Modifiable
- Worth Every Penny
- Increased Privacy
1. Better Separation
Split-level houses are loved for their provision of privacy and separation of floors. These staggered houses can accommodate two-three generations of a family, with each on a separate floor.
As much as family members love to spend time together, they also need privacy and a bit of safety. A split-level house provides that with more rooms strategically separated from one another yet proximal and multiple purposes to spaces and basement areas.
The split-level houses can also an excellent option for singles who love their privacy but still want a roommate. The blueprint layout of a split house allows for better distinction and separation of rooms on different floors, which can be rented out, giving you a feeling of privacy with good noise separations and a space for your hobby.
2. Ample Outdoor Space
We all love some outside time with family and friends, and a split house encourages more outdoor time. Split-level homes provide more room for the proper maximization of yard space. Children have more play space and can even get a swing erected to initiate more fun.
3. Cost-Effective
Split-level houses come with a bit of an outdated design, so they tend to be cheaper considering their low demand in the housing market. Split homes encourage low maintenance for families living on a budget. It is also an excellent choice for newlyweds or first-time house buyers who are working with a budget.
4. Easily Modifiable
Mostly accompanied what an old-fashioned and outdated design, a split-level house provides excellent opportunities for modern modifications or space additions.
5. Worth Every Penny
Split-level houses are a guaranteed way to get more value and space for your money. They offer more rooms and areas on a minimal budget.
6. Increased Privacy
As much as a split-level house encourages privacy, they also create the feeling of togetherness amongst families with rooms closely positioned and short stairs that could be easily covered in times of emergency.
Split Level Houses Bottom Line
Split-level houses were considered an excellent choice in the 1950s but are not so commonly built anymore, but regardless, they remain a perfect choice for homes and families. These staggered houses provide several benefits and sufficient space to accommodate large families or families who love to have a bit of space.
Split-level houses are easy to find and not so hard to miss, regardless of your choice in the neighborhood. They are cost-friendly and provide much more space than other traditionally styled houses. Split-level houses offer more practical living options for families with better room space utilization than traditional ranch-style houses.
In conclusion, split-level houses remain a great choice the house hunters who want a feel of their childhood, with large families who need space, or anybody working on a budget.