Only Certain People Truly Understand the Importance of a Split-Level House
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If you take a drive through an older suburban neighborhood in the United States, you'll likely come across more than one split-level house. While they're not as commonly built today, this style of single-family home was wildly popular in the midcentury, and they're often relatively affordable compared to newer builds. They're an ideal starter home, or potentially even a forever home, depending on your needs.
Even if you've heard of a split-level home, you may not know what exactly makes it split-level. There are also numerous notable features to be aware of. If you're thinking about buying a split-level house, here's what you need to know.
What Is a Split-Level House?
A split-level house has, as you might have guessed from its name, split levels. More specifically, it has at least three levels that are typically staggered a half story apart. The main floor is where you'll find a kitchen, living room, and dining room, often with an open plan. Bedrooms are typically on the top level. And on the lower level, you'll find space for storage, recreation, or work, as well as an attached garage.
The History of Split-Level Houses
Split-level houses were an enduring midcentury trend in the United States, their popularity lasting from the 1950s to the 1970s. While early split-level homes were offered by Sears, Roebuck, & Co. as early as 1933, the house style took off in the post–World War II suburbia boom, as split-level homes were fairly quick and inexpensive to build. They quickly became more favored than box houses, which were far more simplistic and less stylish, and preferable to ranch houses, as they offered more square footage on the same footprint.
Notable Characteristics of Split-Level Houses
Three or More Floors
All split-level homes will have at least three floors—or sometimes four or five!—each separated by a half flight of stairs.
Asymmetrical Design
Split-level houses are inherently asymmetrical, as the levels are staggered rather than stacked atop one another.
Zoned Living Spaces
Almost all split-level homes are split into zones, with the bedrooms separated from the living and entertaining spaces.
Attached Garages
Many split-level houses have attached garages, as they're built into the lower level.
Low-Pitch Roofs
Low-pitch roofs are easier to build than high-pitch ones. Remember, split-level houses were originally built to be quick and easy!
Picture or Bay Windows
A common feature in split-level homes is a big picture or bay window in the main living room, which not only brings plenty of light into the main living space but also helps with natural cooling. (Many split-level houses didn't originally have air conditioning.)
Pros and Cons of Split-Level Houses
Pros
Split-level homes maximize space within a smaller footprint, so they're great for smaller lots.
They combine the best of open and closed plans. The main level with the kitchen, dining room, and living can open for entertaining, while bedrooms are sectioned off for privacy and quiet.
Cons
Split-level houses are not always accessible to individuals with mobility limitations, as there are numerous stairs to navigate. It's not common to find a main-floor bedroom in a split-level home.
Many split-level houses are older, so they might require substantial updates. That said, it's hard to change their layout due to their multiple levels.
What's the Difference Between Split-Level Houses, Bi-Level Houses, and Raised Ranch Houses?
Split-level, bi-level, and raised ranch houses are all similar styles of homes, but they have a few key differences. Most notably, split-level homes have three or more levels, whereas bi-level and raised ranch houses only have two, with their bottom levels partially below grade. Additionally, split-level homes have staggered levels, while bi-level homes and raised ranches can have stacked levels.
Bi-level houses have their entrance between the two levels where the front door opens into a landing in the middle of the staircase. Kitchens, dining rooms, living rooms, and primary bedrooms are often on the upper level, while the lower level may have a recreation room or guest bedrooms. Raised ranches are technically a type of bi-level house, but what makes them different is that their front door opens directly into the main level, not a staircase landing.
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