Learn what sets split - level homes aside — and what this floor plan can entail for the sellability of your house .
If you ’ve ever enter a domicile and examine twoside - by - side stairways , one leading up to a high-pitched level and one take down to a lower level , you ’ve likely been in a split - level home . Most usual in the Midwest , snag - layer homes were an extremely pop home layout about 60 long time ago .
" Split - level homes are an old fashion home that made their first appearance after World War Two and became super popular in the 1960s , " saysTim Grant , an Atlanta - based real land agent with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers . " They have staggered floor level connect by short staircases . Oftentimes they have a drive under at or below ground level — yard degree — and sleeping room above the garage . "
Credit: Brie Williams
These layout are no longer plebeian in unexampled , more innovative builds , but they ’re definitely on the market place if you’reshopping these days .
Here ’s what you should conceive if you ’re face to buy a stock split - level dwelling .
What Is a Split-Level Home?
Split - floor homes typically have three stage but might have as many as five floor . Instead of merely layering each level on top of each other ( as in a traditional multi - story home ) , these levels are staggered .
" I recover the good way to describe a split - level plate is by the configuration of the stairs , " saysChristian Barnes , owner , prexy , and CEO at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Kansas City Homes . " If a home has a stairway that is split in half — thus a shorter flight of stair — it would more than in all probability return into the split - spirit level family . tear - level homes incline to have staggered levels of living infinite . "
One type of rip - degree menage called a rent - lobby place , usually has amain foyerwith split levels above and below the entry level .
" In our market , we refer to a ' split - antechamber ' as a ' tear - entry ' because it ’s just that , " Barnes says . " When you enroll the home from the front door , you are greeted with step , and you’re able to either go up to a master living space ordown to , most often , a garage , lower - story den , and cellar . "
In a rip - level home , additional levels are typically staggered . The high horizontal surface might be on the left side of the family , with a middle level on the right side and a lower layer on the left side , below the highest level . Unlike split - level nursing home , a split - foyer home ( also sometimes call in abi - stage home base ) does not have staggered floors : The main levels are stacked , one on top of the other , so each spirit level extends across the intact footmark of the house — though you will have to climb or descend a half - escape of step from the foyer to access each horizontal surface .
Maintenance for Split-Level Homes
As with all homes , there are special considerations when it come to maintaining your split - grade . Courtney Klosterman , home insights expert at home insurance company Hippo , suggests paying special attention to your basement , roof , and introduction .
" Split - level homes tend to have kind ofshallow - pitched roof . In coolheaded climates with coke , we want to keep these areas clear because that can cause interior damage , " she read .
It ’s also voguish tokeep gutters sporty , so rainwater and meld snowfall can drain properly through downspouts andavoid poolingon the roof .
body of water is also a threat in basements and lower levels . Klosterman points out that many split - degree homes have eat up basements or lower level wherewater heaters or HVAC systemsare also stored . It ’s important to make certain that any hidden pipes are in working Holy Order to avoid water system hurt to those system .
" The Midwest is prostrate to flooding , so if you could , get a cesspit pump that can help alleviate any water trouble , " she says . " If you ’re in the Midwest , you ’re also prostrate tofrozen pipe , so make trusted any tobacco pipe in your basement are well insulated . "
pee can also enter your household from the ground , so Klosterman say it ’s significant to keep water six feet or more away from your groundwork . Split - level homes commonly have ground - level windows on their lower levels : Keeping these properlycaulked and sealedagainst body of water is key .
Barnes suggests bear special attention to the garage ceiling since many bedrooms in split - level homes are fix above the garage .
" verify the garage ceiling is not onlyproperly insulatedto avoid inhuman / hot line escaping , but also ensure the materials are fire - rated , as many house fires start in garages , " Barnes says .
Attic breathing can also affect the lifespan of your roof .
" Some split - degree homes withvaulted ceilingsdon’t have the attic infinite to ensure proper airing , so homeowners might discover themselves replacing the roof more often than a menage with a traditional attic , " she adds .
Selling a Split-Level Home
If you ’re looking to list your split - level home or enquire whether you could trade one down the line if you choose to corrupt one now , you ’re likely call into question if this style has full resale potency .
Klosterman conceive that , with such a tight housing food market and increase pastime in older - style homes , schism - level homes willmaintain sellabilityin the immediate futurity .
" These mansion might not be as esthetically pleasing to some , but they do have great functionality , and that should n’t be overlook , " Klosterman says . " In summation , afinished basementcan go a long way now that people are working from rest home , their child are taking class from home , and they ’re pursue in home fittingness . "
In addition , old homes get more attention whennew constructionhas slowed , she say .
" More people are having to take a 2nd look at homes that have been experience in for 20 - plus years , " she say . " Adiamond in the roughis an opportunity to get into the market with one of these home and expend the meter to tailor it to your peculiar wants and pauperism . "
The big downside to these home is handiness because virtually every live space need the use of steps , which can be tiresome at right and hazardous at bad for small fry , those with mobility issue , and older family fellow member .
" Be fain to haul your market , bag , and even baby in car seat up and down step , " Barnes says . " That can be a workout , specially for new parents . "
Still , there are tidy sum of pro to this case of layout , Barnes total .
" The biggest marketing point of a split - level rest home is the ability to extend the most amount of usable living quad in the smallest footprint , " she says . " They are ideal for maximize living blank space onsmaller lots . Split - level family typically shoot a line lot of storage and easier access to attic blank space . "
Split - degree may not be as mutual in new building , but if you ’re front at your local market , do n’t be surprised if you hail across more than a few of these distinctive floor plans — at least now you ’ll be prepared to evaluate whether you could make the most of a split - story home or whether you should keep searching .
Home Styles to Consider
Frequently Asked Questions
disunited - level homes do n’t offer the subject level be after many new - build home do , but that does n’t mean they ’re dated . The multi - tied layout can allow for privateness and tranquil for families where one or two parent work from home , which present-day floor plans may not . With the right design choice , a tear - tier home can find as modern as a newly - build up one .
Some citizenry find split up - level home lack in curb ingathering , since the roofline is so prominent and drastic . Also , split - grade can be challenging if you like to entertain , since any additional life distance ( a hideout , for example ) , is usually remote from the primary livelihood area . And while schism horizontal surface generally have more levels , mean more rooms , the rooms are often pocket-size than many rest home buyers like , particularly those split - point progress in the mid-20th century .
