What are the different styles of ranch homes?
Which Ranch Home Should I Choose?
- Storybook Ranch – These types of homes became popular in California back in the 1920s-1930s and are still trendy today. ...
- Raised Ranch – Also known as split-entry homes, raised ranch houses almost always have two floors. ...
- Split-Level Ranch – Not unlike raised ranch homes, the split-level ranch home is multi-level. ...
What is split level ranch house?
Split-Level Ranch A split-level ranch breaks away from the classic style by allowing for two, three, or even four levels, usually accessible via a small flight of stairs. These homes became more popular in the 1960s and ‘70s, and often feature dens or basements partially below grade.
Why do raised ranches pose appraisal problem?
This is not surprising, because comp data is historical. Rising markets result in undervalued appraisals because comps reflect earlier, lower prices. In falling markets, the effect is reversed. Comps are most accurate when real estate prices are stable.
What is a split level ranch?
What Is a Split Ranch?
- Split-Level Style. A ranch home is not a Tudor cottage or gingerbread Victorian -- the design presents sturdier fare and that is a hint to heed when planning interior decor.
- Raise the Roof. Ceilings are seldom very high in split-ranch homes but you do not have to feel as though the sky is falling.
- Invite More Light. ...
- Beach Ranch. ...
What are the disadvantages of split-level houses?
3 Disadvantages of Split-Level HomesStairs can challenge people with restricted mobility. Even though the stairs in split-level homes are short, you will constantly be climbing stairs when you're moving through this type of home. ... Remodeling a split-level is difficult. ... They can be difficult to sell.
Whats the difference between a split-level and 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.
What makes a house a split?
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.
Why don't they build split-level homes anymore?
Because split levels are still seen as unfashionable, there's a lower demand for them, and they usually sell for less than ranch-style homes of the same age and square footage. If you can get beyond the downsides explained above, you can often get a fully functional house at a discount price.
Do split-level homes have basements?
Yes, split-level homes do have basements and garages. Upon entering a split-level home, you'll usually see one staircase leading up to bedroom levels, and another staircase leading down to the basement level. The basement floor is level with the driveway, and often features a laundry room or living area.
Can you change a split level house?
The unique floor plan and exterior of a split-level home often makes it difficult to make large changes when renovating, but with good planning and flexibility, you can transform your vintage 50s place into a modern-feeling, friendly gathering place.
What are the types of split-level homes?
Types of Split-Level HousesStandard Split. In a standard split-level home, the front door opens onto a ground-level entryway that leads directly into the middle level, which features the kitchen, dining room, and living room. ... Side Split. ... Back Split. ... Stacked Split.
What is level 5 split house?
This style of house typically has four or five different levels all separated by short staircases. Like other split-style homes, bedrooms are usually on the uppermost floors, the kitchen and living spaces are in the mid-levels and the garage and basement can be found on the bottom floor.
What is a raised ranch?
A raised ranch is a ranch-style house that's been set on a foundation that allows living space below the main level, usually in the form of a basement halfway below grade with a bathroom and/or laundry room, and sometimes a garage.
Is it hard to sell a split-level home?
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 homes a good investment?
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.
Do people like split-level homes?
According to an NAHB survey, buyers today prefer open-concept single story homes — only 3% of millennials expressed interest in a split level home. Compared to the wide open spaces you see on real estate listings today, the split level feels quaint and dated to some buyers.
What is the difference between a split level and a tri level?
The split level has two or three short sets of stairs, and three (tri-level) or four (quad) levels. The entry is on a middle floor between two floors.
What is split level house plan?
A split level home is a variation of a Ranch home. It has two or more floors, and the front door opens up to a landing that is between the main and lower levels. Stairs lead down to the lower or up to the main level. The upper level typically contains the bedrooms, while the lower has the kitchen and living areas.
Are split-level homes a good investment?
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.
What is a side split?
A sidesplit is a type of split-level home. In a sidesplit, the multiple levels are all visible from the front elevation. Usually, the garage is on one side of the house and there is a floor for the bedrooms above the garage. The other half of the house is the main living area.
What is a ranch home?
Okay, so what is a ranch home anyway? Ranch style homes are single story structures that often feature open-concept floorplans and ample outdoor space. Some of the most common features of the ranch style house are long and low-pitch rooflines and wide eaves, and—in many cases—a finished basement that serves to increase the amount of available central living space.
What are the benefits of ranch homes?
Some other notable benefits that have kept the ranch home at the top of buyers’ lists for so long include: 1 They’re affordable – Square foot per square foot, ranch homes tend to be much cheaper to buy than two story homes. In pricey Seattle, Washington, for example, standard two story homes sell for $397 per square foot, while ranch homes sell for $250 per square foot. 2 They’re open and airy – Ranch homes tend to feature open-concept floorplans and lots of large windows. The result is airy, easy-to-clean rooms that are well suited to family living. 3 They’re accessible – As homebuyers age, staircases can become a hinderance instead of a design benefit. While many ranches do feature basements, having all of the main living areas on one floor is often easier for aging adults, as well as for anyone who requires more accessible living spaces, such as those in wheelchairs.
How did ranch homes get their name?
Ranch homes get their moniker from their popularity on actual ranches out west. The shape and single story nature of the ranch house make it a good choice on cattle ranches and other properties where the home has a strong connection to the outdoors.
How many ranch homes were built in the 1950s?
In the 1950s, nine out of every 10 houses in America was a ranch, but as homeowners got richer they also started vying for larger homes. And because larger ranch homes mean wider ranch homes (and thus, wider lot sizes), it became easier and more cost-effective to build up instead of out.
What is split level ranch?
There are also some other unique designations within the ranch style: Split level ranch – These are homes that have the appearance of ranch homes from the front but actually features three levels of living space, with half staircases separating each level.
What are the features of a ranch house?
Some of the most common features of the ranch style house are long and low-pitch rooflines and wide eaves, and—in many cases—a finished basement that serves to increase the amount of available central living space. The shape of a ranch home varies. In modern housing developments, you’ll typically find a lot of square or rectangular shaped ranches, ...
What is a California ranch home?
California ranch – The California ranch home is a sprawling style meant to blend home and landscape. You’ll usually see these in those aforementioned L-, U-, or C-shapes, with an inner courtyard complete the design. Unlike ranch homes in the Midwest however, California ranches generally do not have a basement, and are built on concrete slabs ...
Can You Convert A Raised Ranch?
Stairs and basements can be a concern for raised ranch style homes. Many owners wonder if they can convert a raised ranch home to another style of home. Perhaps they just want to get a bedroom or living space on the main level without having to climb stairs.
What is a rambler house?
A rambler’s entry is at ground level and is square or rectangular. The ranch houses are usually larger than bungalows. A rambler is usually a single-story house. However, lately, they call a two-story rambler a ‘ranch style home.’.
Why were raised ranches so popular?
Raised ranch homes may be difficult to decorate or style. These homes became popular after WWII due to their affordability and ease of construction. The finishes of this home influence the design and decor more than the architectural style.
What is split level?
The term split level is a more commonly known description for nontraditional ranch style homes. However, split level homes and raised ranches are commonly confused, and the names are used interchangeably. Split level homes have a similar entrance, where the front door may be at or slightly above ground level. ...
Why are ranch homes so expensive?
They are more expensive to build because they require more roofing and more foundation material. However, they’re unique and serve as a great living space. While a split level and ranch style are used interchangeably, they’re different.
What is the difference between a split level and a ranch style?
While a split level and ranch style are used interchangeably, they’re different. When entering into a split level, you have the choice to go upstairs or downstairs. A ranch style, the living area, is on the ground floor and then a different story above that.
What is a raised ranch?
A raised ranch is similar to a traditional ranch, but it has a split-level entry, raised foundation, and 2 levels. Raised ranches have basements and the front door is located at or above ground level. The standard raised ranch has a bedroom, basement, and 1 or more bathrooms. This article will explain what a raised ranch style home is.
Where are Ranch Style Houses Most Common?
Ranch-style architecture is very popular in the West, North, Northwest, Midwest and Southwest. In the northern USA and the Midwest, one can find many raised ranches, featuring finished basements. Ranch homes on slabs can be found mostly in the warmer climates of California and the Southwest. Ranch-style houses can also be seen in Florida, New Jersey, Maryland and the District of Columbia.
What is a ranch style house?
Traditional ranch style homes are single-story houses commonly built with an open-concept layout and a devoted patio space. Ranch home designs often feature long, low-pitch rooflines and large windows along the front of the house. The shape of a ranch style house can vary. Most are rectangular, but they can also be built in a “U” or “L” shape.
What are the features of a ranch home?
Other common features of ranch style homes include sliding glass doors that open onto the patio or backyard, wide roof eaves, and an attached garage. It’s important to note that while most ranch style homes don’t feature a second floor, many do have finished basements.
What are the characteristics of a ranch house?
To summarize, here are the common characteristics of a ranch-style house: 1 Single story 2 Open concept floorplan 3 Rectangular, “U”, or “L”-shaped 4 Devoted patio or deck space 5 Large windows and sliding glass doors 6 Low-pitched roofline with wide eaves 7 Often includes a finished basement 8 Often features an attached garage
What is a storybook ranch?
Storybook Ranch. Also known as the fairytale ranch, the storybook ranch stands out from other ranch styles because of its ornamental details. This design features diamond-shape window panes, a decorative chimney made of brick or stone, and a steep, gabled roof.
What is split level ranch?
The split-level ranch has a similar exterior to the suburban ranch but with three stories of staggered living space. Its unique layout features a front door leading into the living, dining and kitchen areas, with two half-flights of stairs leading to bedrooms and additional living space.
What is a California ranch?
California Ranch. Also known as a rambling ranch, the California ranch is characterized by an L- or U-shaped structure built low to the ground. This sprawling, single-story style is designed to blend with nature. A patio and front lawn are key features of the California ranch.
What is a split level ranch house?
The low, boxy ranch house became a split-level to accommodate the needs of growing families for more room and personal space in the same modest, economical footprint. At the midsection of the house, it divides into a double-height zone with the garage below and the bedrooms above, and a slightly lowered section containing the front entrance, living room, dining room and kitchen. The main living level typically is built over a sunken basement. All split-levels have either three or four levels, with short flights of stairs from the main living area up to the bedrooms and down to a den, basement and garage.
What is raised ranch interior?
Raised ranch interiors may have, or easily convert to, an open plan design. Simplicity is the guiding principle when decorating a raised ranch. Scandinavian style, with its clean lines and mellow wood tones, flatters an open floor plan.
How to decorate a split level home?
So it doesn't naturally accommodate ornate period decor, and it can probably handle traditional colonial but could be pretty boring with that approach. Take your inspiration from the architecture and the era, and decorate in Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian or contemporary. Large, clean areas of color help to open up the home and pay tribute to its simple geometry. An abstract curve of Italian leather sofa, a flat screen, a two- or three-color contemporary carpet, and a swooping aluminum floor lamp are the basics for a sophisticated but casual living room. A color palette that focuses on a few muddied complementary hues -- acid green or chartreuse, terra cotta or barn red, pewter, maize, violet, linen, and always whites and blacks, will make a cookie-cutter home a distinctive individual one.
How many levels are there in a split level home?
The main living level typically is built over a sunken basement. All split-levels have either three or four levels, with short flights of stairs from the main living area up to the bedrooms and down to a den, basement and garage.
How did the explosion of the American suburbs after World War II affect the landscape?
The explosion of the American suburbs after World War II altered the landscape with an influx of affordable, functional houses that borrowed from more elaborate and custom styles to create habitats for young families. Two of the no-nonsense architectural configurations were split-level and raised ranch, both variations on a bi-level theme.
Who is Benna Crawford?
Benna Crawford has been a journalist and New York-based writer since 1997. Her work has appeared in USA Today, the San Francisco Chronicle, The New York Times, and in professional journals and trade publications. Crawford has a degree in theater, is a certified Prana Yoga instructor, and writes about fitness, performing and decorative arts, culture, sports, business and education .
Is raised ranch good for resale?
Raised ranch homes are tricky to decorate, and the constant stair climbing tends to depress their resale value. This could be good news if you are in the market for an economical home -- and one that may be in an established neighborhood with mature landscaping.
What Are Common Characteristics Of All Split-Level Homes?
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. Unlike traditional home layouts, split-level homes, also referred to as tri-level, feature at least three levels that are connected by stairs.
What is a side split house?
This type of split-level house features multiple levels that are visible from the home’s exterior. In most cases, these homes have a garage with the bedrooms situated directly above it on one side of the house.
What is split entry?
Split entry homes have, as the name suggests, an entry that is between floors. The entrance is a small section that is separate from all the main floors of the home. When you open the front door, you are led to a distinct foyer or entry space.
How many levels are there in a split foyer?
Split foyer houses have two levels, with two sets of stairs. Unlike conventional floor plans, when you walk into the front door of a split foyer home, you’ll be greeted by the two sets of stairs. One set of stairs leads to the upper level, while the other leads to the bottom level. Unlike standard split homes, there isn’t a functioning middle level with split foyer houses.
How many sections are there in a split level house?
There is typically a short section of stairs that then leads to the other sections of the home. This type of split-level house will have at least three sections, but may have more.
What is the difference between a split level and a bi level house?
To recap, split-level homes have three distinct levels that are accessed via short sets of stairs. On the other hand, bi-level houses have two levels that are accessed via a common entrance between the floors.
Why are split level homes so popular?
Split-level homes are great for those who want to conserve the space on their property, without sacrificing room inside of the home. Since split-level houses are stacked, they don’t take up as much yard space and still provide plenty of square footage vertically on the interior.