Why are there so many split level homes?
4 min read
Asked by: Matt Staten
The answer has a lot to do with when Anchorage came of age as a city. 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 are the disadvantages of split level houses?
The 6 Disadvantages of Split-Level Houses
- Lots of Stairs. No matter how much variation there is between split-level homes, one common characteristic is the number of stairs. …
- Limitations for Remodeling. …
- Broken Up Entertaining Space. …
- Uneven House Lot. …
- Perception of Being Outdated. …
- Possibly Difficult to Sell.
Why are some houses split level?
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.
When were split level houses most popular?
1950s
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.
How many levels are there in split-level homes?
three different levels
A split-level house is a multiple-story home where the levels of living space are connected by a short set of stairs. Split-level homes are typically divided into three different levels with a living room on the main floor, bedrooms, bathrooms, and a kitchen, on the upper floor, and the den or garage in the basement.
Are split levels making a comeback?
Google searches are revealing the split-level home is more in demand. Search interest in split-level homes has been climbing since 2004 and reached an all-time high in January 2017, according to Google data.
Why are split entry homes harder to sell?
While split-level houses are preferred by some homeowners, they can be unattractive to others, making them harder to sell. Some of the features that might make a split-level house hard to sell are having too many stairs, limited natural light, a floor plan that feels choppy or lack of curb appeal.
What is a house split into 2 called?
A duplex house plan has two living units attached to each other, either next to each other as townhouses, condominiums or above each other like apartments.
Who invented split-level homes?
The split-level concept grew out of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie Style of architecture, said Elwin Robison, an architectural historian at Kent State University in Ohio, who jokingly refers to his own split level as “neo-Wrightian.” Robison noted that one of Wright’s home designs, published in Ladies’ Home Journal in
What is the difference between a split-level and a two story house?
A split-level home stacks vertical spaces similar to a two-story home, but it arranges the space between three or four levels in a staggered design. On one side of the house, you have a typical two-story arrangement with two living spaces stacked directly on top of each other.
Can you fix a split-level house?
You can repair this flaw in split-level design by opening the foyer to your formal living room, removing walls or installing half-walls, or by creating clear paths to the lower den by using similar flooring in both foyer and the down stairs.
Is the lower level of a split-level considered a basement?
A split-level home typically has only half of a basement. However, it’s possible to have basement space under the lower level as well. Raising the second level invariably creates room below the bedrooms for a basement or other rooms.
What is the difference between a raised ranch and a split-level?
Technically speaking, a split-level has more than 2 levels, usually with staggered half-story changes between them. While a raised ranch has two levels, the lower level sunken below grade and an entry at grade halfway between the two floor levels.
How do you make a split level house look modern?
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.
What is a reverse ranch house?
Well, when people think of a “classic” home layout they usually think of the living space/kitchen/dining area all being on the main level, and all of the bedrooms being upstairs. Now as you can probably guess, a reverse layout = the main living space on the upper level and bedrooms on the lower level.
