Split level property renovations bring both special possibilities and exclusive challenges. The 1st step in evaluating the possibilities and challenges is understanding what kind of split level you strategy to renovate. There are basically 5 types of split level residence styles:
1. Split Foyer or Bi-Level – Composed of two levels, with the entry on a level midway amongst the two floors. A brief flight of stairs (typically 4-eight) goes up and an additional brief flight of stairs goes down. If Project Management of the house is built level with the ground, there will be stairs to the entrance. The decrease level may perhaps be at least partly beneath ground level.
two. Split Level – This variety has either 3 or four levels and two or three quick sets of stairs. The entrance is generally on a middle level and opens straight into a formal living space.
3. Stacked Split Level – The stacked sort has five or a lot more levels with four or five short sets of stairs. The entry is on a middle floor, normally opening to a foyer with stairs going each up and down. The name is derived from the reality that more bedrooms are “stacked” on top rated of the second living location. Numerous townhouses are of this type.
4. Split Entry – The entry to this form of residence is in between floors and is commonly located in an entry area off the principal house. Like the split foyer, actions lead each up and down from the entry.
five. Raised Ranch – This variety of split level has two levels with a complete flight of stairs and the entry into the reduce floor. The living region is frequently on the top floor, accessible by a staircase close to the entry.
Split Level Residences had been pretty well-known in the 1950s, particularly in the East and the Midwest. The home design and style is an adaptation that works well in construction of a home on uneven property. The residence can be constructed into the side of a hill or slope pretty quickly. These residences had been made to separate living locations from sleeping regions and to supply formal and informal living locations. They offer you additional privacy and quiet. Disadvantages incorporate uneven heating and cooling and numerous stairs. The heating and cooling challenge can be met by installing a zoned technique. The number of stairs can be a particular challenge for the elderly and disabled. The challenge can, nevertheless, be met by installing a glide chair.
Other limitations of the variety of style incorporate a reduced level laundry room, no primary level bathroom, shared bathroom on the upper floor with the bedrooms, and a lack of openness in the living area (especially as compared to several contemporary styles).
Remodeling challenges particular to Split Level Properties are:
o Great care must be exercised in opening up the formal living location relating to weight-bearing walls
o Quite a few split levels have little rooms
o The methods among levels cannot be removed
o It is challenging to develop a defined entry area
o Moving the place of the kitchen tends to make this variety of renovation high priced
o It can be difficult to add a level to some kinds of split levels devoid of losing balance and external appeal
Most of these challenges can be overcome with creative considering, careful preparing, and detailed consideration to the design and style. For the most element, it is very best to accept and perform with the simple floor strategy and modify access, flow between rooms, and a feeling of openness. It is also normally a undesirable concept to try to add another floor to a split level or to add on to the length of the existing property.