- Split-level homes are typically more affordable than most single-family homes.
- Most split-level homes have open floor plans, providing more space and privacy for family members.
- Multiple levels can mean more outdoor space on the property.
When did split level homes become popular?
Split level homes, with their three staggered floors, began appearing in American suburbs in the 1950s and reached peak popularity in the late ‘60s before slowly falling out of favor. While layouts varied—occasionally even a fourth floor was added—the most common design featured the kitchen, living room, and dining room on the main level.
What are the advantages of a split level house?
Advantages of Split Level Houses. The multi-floored design of the split level home offered good separation of family activities. Younger children could sleep undisturbed in the bedrooms on the higher level while parents could attend to meal preparation and entertaining on the middle level.
Why are split levels still unfashionable?
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 exterior stairs?
Exterior steps can be a hindrance. While the design of split level homes can vary (some split in the front, others split in the back), a good number will feature a set of exterior stairs leading to the front door instead of a level sidewalk.
Why are split level homes so affordable?
What is split level construction?
How many bedrooms can a split level house have?
What is a split level home?
Why do you need a split level?
When did split level homes start?
Do you have to go to step aerobics in a split level home?
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What's the point of split-level houses?
For families, a split-level home offers greater separation of space than an open floor plan. This reduces the probability of noise traveling between rooms and allows for more privacy.
Why do people love split-level homes?
The split-level blueprint allows for more separation between downstairs and upstairs than other home designs and is great for those who want to have an office, gym, or hobby space downstairs. The money-savvy might even rent out a downstairs bedroom to a roommate.
Are split-level homes 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.
Are split-level houses outdated?
The design is no longer considered modern, but it is still practical for many of today's buyers.
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.
Why don't they make 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.
When did split-level houses become popular?
1950sThe style gained popularity in North America during the mid-20th century, as the suburbs expanded, beginning in the years after World War II, and has remained a popular housing style from the 1950s onward.
How do you modernize a split-level home?
Consider these split-level home renovations that brighten the entire space:Replace and add windows. Small windows can make a home look dated. ... Add a skylight or solar tubes. Bring in some light from above too! ... Go for custom mirrors. ... Install custom lighting. ... Use light paint colors. ... Remove walls.
Should you buy a split-level?
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. Also spend time exploring whether a split-level house will fit your lifestyle.
What is considered an outdated house?
Age is subjective when it comes to houses, but an unwritten rule is that if a home is 50 years or older it's considered “old” and a home built before 1920 is considered “antique.” There are many factors that can contribute to the condition your potential dream home may be in, and thankfully most can be caught during ...
Where are split-level homes most common in the US?
Split-levels became popular, especially in the Midwest and eastern United States, in the 1950s and 1960s as a way to pack more square footage into the same foundation footprint as a single-story ranch house.
What is the main advantage of a one and one half story house?
One and a half story houses are a great way to get the best of both single and two-story homes. They offer a ranch-style base blueprint, meaning that the master bedroom and main living areas are on the ground floor while providing some extra space and separation for kids' rooms and guests with a partial upstairs.
When did split-level houses become popular?
1950sThe style gained popularity in North America during the mid-20th century, as the suburbs expanded, beginning in the years after World War II, and has remained a popular housing style from the 1950s onward.
Why are there so many split-level homes in Colorado?
Split level homes started to increase in popularity around the 1960s. They were influenced by the design of the ranch house. These homes were able to take advantage of smaller lots. Ideal for a populace coming off of the monumental changes of war that had defined the 1940's and was starting to move into the 'Burbs.
Where are split-level homes most common in the US?
Split-levels became popular, especially in the Midwest and eastern United States, in the 1950s and 1960s as a way to pack more square footage into the same foundation footprint as a single-story ranch house.
Are 2 story houses better?
Since two-story homes have a smaller footprint, they're usually more cost-effective to build, and there are many more design options to choose from. With more space on different floors, you'll have more privacy in a two-story home, and this makes it easier to host guests from out of town.
The 6 Disadvantages of Split-Level Houses | Hunker
Split-level homes gained momentum in the 1950s and 1960s, but they dropped off quickly after that. While some construction companies still build split levels, they're not nearly as popular as ranch and two-story homes.
Four Reasons People Don't Care for Split Level Homes - And ... - ActiveRain
Disclaimer: ActiveRain, Inc. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house.
6 Types Of Split-Level Homes (With Photos) – Upgraded Home
Whether you’re looking to buy or build a home from scratch, you likely have a specific architectural style in mind. Perhaps you’ve got your heart set on a modern, contemporary, or even a Colonial-style home.Or, maybe you’re considering one of many types of split-level homes.
What Is the Difference Between a Split-Level and a Two-Story Home ...
When you're searching for a new home, you'll come across a variety of floor plans, from ranch homes to split levels. While some people prefer the single-story ranch style, others prefer the vertical arrangement of space that you get with a split level or two story.Comparing the styles helps you decide which option is best for your family.
Reasons Split-Level Houses Are Harder to Sell
Split-level homes were all the rage back in the 1950s-1970s. This was during the times of the Baby Boom after World War Two and people were looking for more bedrooms in their houses.
Tips On Selling Your Split-Level Home
Learning about all these reasons might have scared you off. You might be thinking there’s no hope of selling your split-level home anymore. But don’t worry. All you need is smart thinking, and you can sell these cons as pros. It’s all just a matter of perspective.
Conclusion
You can now use the reasons why split level homes are harder to sell to your advantage. With the correct framing and advertising, you can change your customer’s perspective on the cons of split homes. When you know how to sell, your split home will sell out in no time.
Why are split level homes undesirable?
Some of the very features that make the split level home design desirable also made it undesirable in other circumstances. Homeowners had to ensure that toddlers did not fall on either of the two sets of stairs. Cleaning three separate levels required a great deal of stair climbing. Older family members often had difficulty negotiating two sets of stairs to join in family activities. This also made a change in residence necessary for aging owners who could no longer climb the many stairs or do the house-cleaning of so many separate levels. Energy use is also inefficient in split level homes. Though levels are separated, they are still open, preventing the control of energy usage on unused levels.
What is split level?
Split level is a housing style that became popular in the 1960s. Floor separations were based on home activities, which allowed for less noise in sleeping areas. The basement area accommodated children's play without disrupting the patterns of other home activities.
Is split level home good?
Despite its problems, however, the split level home seems to be making a comeback, with some builders offering models for growing families and two-income earners, according to the "Chicago Tribune." The separated-yet-open levels makes this design a good option for those with home businesses who need a separate space but also want continued involvement in home activities.
Why are split level homes so affordable?
Split level homes are often more affordable than other houses. 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.
What is split level construction?
Split level construction is still commonly seen today where it’s necessary to build a home on the side of a hill. In this case, the floor plan is often designed by an architect to fit the individual lot topography. The end effect can lend the appearance of the house being built into the hill.
How many bedrooms can a split level house have?
The garage was often located at grade (yard level) with the bedroom area located over the garage. This way, a house could have at least three bedrooms and still maintain ample backyard space for recreation.
What is a split level home?
Split level homes are a great fit for steep and sloping lots. On rugged, hilly terrain, staggering the floors is often the best option for building a house. This allows the contractor to adjust the foundation to suit the lot rather than having to excavate through bedrock to construct an entire basement on a single level.
Why do you need a split level?
For night shift workers who need to sleep during the day, or for parents of infants who are easily awakened by a noise, the split level can be beneficial . A sleeping family member is less likely to be awakened by the sounds of meal preparation in the kitchen or play activities in the basement recreation room.
When did split level homes start?
Split level homes, with their three staggered floors, began appearing in American suburbs in the 1950s and reached peak popularity in the late ‘60s before slowly falling out of favor.
Do you have to go to step aerobics in a split level home?
No need to attend step aerobics class when you live in a split level! With the kitchen, dining room, and living room on the main level, family members must go up and down the stairs every time they want to use a different part of the house. 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 looking for other family members elsewhere on the premises.
