Split-Level House Guide: Pros and Cons of Split-Level Homes

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. Split-level homes, also called tri-level homes, became popular in the 1950s as an affordable option for growing families that were moving to the suburbs.

Here is an overview of some of the types of split-level homes.

1. 1. Standard split: The standard split-level home typically has a front door on the main level of the house, which is where the living room, kitchen, dining room, and family rooms are located. The bedrooms and bathrooms are located on the upper level of the home, while the family room and garage are located in the basement.
2. 2. Side split: In a side split-level home, the multiple levels of the home are visible from the front of the home. Typically, the floors in a side split-level home are staggered. The attached garage is usually on the lowest level with the living room and kitchen one floor above on the opposite side of the house. The bedrooms and bathrooms are on the top level of the home, located above the garage.
   
3. 3. Back split: From the front, a back split-level home appears like a one-level ranch house. The multiple levels of the home are visible from the back or side of the home.
4. 4. Stacked split: A stacked split-level house can have up to four floors. Each small floor will be on a different level with short sets of stairs leading off of a main stairway.

Here are some of the characteristics of split-level homes.

1. 1. Short stairs: The many levels of short stairs leading from floor to floor is the most notable feature of a split-level home. The flights of stairs in a split-level home typically consist of three or four steps.
2. 2. Bay windows: Most split-level homes will have a large bay window or picture window in the main living area to let in natural light.
3. 3. Finished basement level: The lower basement level is usually not all the way underground in a split-level home and it is usually finished. This makes it the perfect space for an additional family room, laundry room, or den.
4. 4. Low-pitched roofs: Split-level homes typically have low-pitched roofs to maximize the largest spaces of the home while still allowing rain and snow to slide off of the roof.

There are several potential advantages to the split-level style house for homebuyers looking for a family home.

1. 1. They are affordable. Split-level homes are typically more affordable than similarly-sized single-family homes, meaning you can get plenty of value for money when it comes to space. This can make a split-level home a great starter home option for a young, growing family.
2. 2. Efficient use of space and privacy. 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.
3. 3. Provides plenty of outdoor space. Split-level homes maximize the use of vertical space, meaning that there will often be plenty of backyard space for outdoor family activities.

Here is an overview of a few of the potential disadvantages to owning a split-level home.

1. 1. Stairs can challenge people with restricted mobility. Even though the stairs in split-level homes are short, you will constantly be climbing stairs when you’re moving through this type of home. This can be a hindrance for people with mobility issues or families with small children.
2. 2. Remodeling a split-level is difficult. Adding an addition to a split-level home is challenging because the multiple floors of the house are stacked on top of one another. This means that certain additions which may add value to your home may not be feasible.
3. 3. They can be difficult to sell. It can be more difficult to resell split-level homes than more modern homes for a number of reasons. Some people view the split-level homes as dated-looking, and they usually don’t have a lot of natural light. Also adding value to the house through renovations may not be possible.

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