What is considered a bi-level home?
A split-level home (also called a bi-level home or tri-level home) is a style of house in which the floor levels are staggered. There are typically two short sets of stairs, one running upward to a bedroom level, and one going downward toward a basement area.
How many stories is a bi-level home?
A bilevel (or bi-level) house is a one-storey house much like a raised bungalow, but spun around 180 degress. The front door opens onto a landing that leads both up stairs to the main floor or down stairs to the basement.
What is the difference between a bi-level and a 2 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.
Are bi-level houses good?
Split level homes are a great fit for steep and sloping lots. On rugged, hilly terrain, staggering the floors is often the best option for building a house.
How many stairs are in a bilevel?
Split/ bi-level generally 6 stairs /landing/ another 6 stairs.
How do you modernize a bi-level home?
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.
Are bi levels cheaper to build?
Bi-level homes typically cost more to build because they usually have two full levels with more square footage compared to split-level homes with more rooms, but of smaller sizes.
Why are bi-level homes so popular?
Why did they build split-level homes? Split-level homes gained popularity in the 1960s because they were budget-friendly, trendy and perfect for small, sloped plots of land that were very common in suburbs.
What is the difference between a bi-level and a raised ranch?
While some use the term split-level to describe a raised ranch style, the true raised ranch style has only two levels, while a split-level home has three stories or more.
What are the disadvantages of split level houses?
The 6 Disadvantages of Split-Level HousesLots 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.
Are split-level homes making a comeback?
In light of what we discussed in this article, it is easy to see that split level houses are making a strong comeback. Putting up a split level home for rent or investing for appreciation are highly recommended approaches if you want to capitalize on this trend.
What do you call a house split in two?
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.
What is a bi level house?
A bi-level house is essentially a one-story home that has been raised up enough that the basement level is partially above ground, providing natural light and making it an ideal space for living areas. The basements in such homes are almost always finished into comfortable family, game, or play rooms, but they can be done at a later time because the essential parts of the home—bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen—are included on the upper level. The square footage of the lower floor is usually less than the main floor due to a drive-under garage and utilities. The entries of bi-level homes are also unique in that there is a staircase up to the front door, and then a small landing just inside that sits between the two floors, connecting to two short staircases that lead up and down. Often referred to as a raised ranch, this style was especially popular in the 1950's and remains a favorite for families because the kids can play downstairs without disrupting the rest of the house. If you need assistance choosing a bi-level house plan, please email, live chat, or call us at 866-214-2242 and we'll be happy to help!#N#Read More
Why is the square footage of the lower floor less than the main floor?
The square footage of the lower floor is usually less than the main floor due to a drive-under garage and utilities. The entries of bi-level homes are also unique in that there is a staircase up to the front door, and then a small landing just inside that sits between the two floors, connecting to two short staircases that lead up and down. ...
What Are Common Characteristics Of All Split-Level Homes?
Before we dive too deeply into the types of split-level homes, it’s important to know the distinguishing features of split-level houses. Although each type of split-level home is different from one another, they all share the same characteristic of having multiple floors that are connected by short flights of stairs.
Types Of Split-Level Homes
If you’ve recently fallen in love with this type of floor plan, it’s worth familiarizing yourself with your options. You should know the various types of split-level homes before you can consider buying or building one of your own.
Types Of Split-Level Homes: Pros And Cons
We’ve already explored some of the advantages and disadvantages of each individual type of split-level house. Now, let’s take a more comprehensive look at the pros and cons of the split-level architectural style as a whole.
Video: Split-Level vs. Bi-Level Houses
Most people use the terms bi-level and split-level interchangeably. However, there are major differences between these two home styles.
Wrapping Up Types Of Split-Level Homes
Split-level homes are certainly making a comeback, but it’s important to choose the type of split-level that works best for you and your lifestyle. You can choose from stacked-split, split-foyer, split-entry, back-split, standard-split, or side-split.
What is a bi level house?
Bi-level refers to houses that have two levels accessed via a common entrance. Split-level homes, on the other hand, have three distinct levels, all separated by short flights of stairs. When comparing the two, distinct advantages and disadvantages of each come to the forefront: Advertisement.
Where is the level up in a bi level home?
When you step into a bi-level home, you'll find one level up, and one level down, typically right from the foyer or entrance of the home. Advertisement.
What are the disadvantages of split level homes?
The main disadvantage of split- and bi-level homes is the stairs. For new or growing families, blocking stairways becomes an issue in a home with crawling babies or toddlers not yet ready for staircases. This is also a problem for aging seniors who have trouble negotiating staircases or fear falling down them.
Why are bi level homes more expensive to build?
Bi-level homes typically cost more to build because they usually have two full levels with more square footage compared to split-level homes with more rooms, but of smaller sizes.
When were split level homes built?
Bi-level homes were primarily built during the 1970s, while split-level homes were built as early as the 1950s. For the most part, neither type of home is commonly built nowadays. Split-level homes have the common living areas on the main level -- including the kitchen, dining and living rooms -- with bedrooms on a level above, and a family room, ...
Do split level homes have more rooms than bi level homes?
Both home designs take advantage of the lot size by adding more house vertically rather than horizontally. Split level homes typically have more rooms than bi-levels, but may or may not, depending on the floor plan, have more square footage.
Is it cheaper to build a split level home or a bi level home?
Split-level homes were historically cheaper to build than bi-level homes, which typically have two full levels. Once children are old enough to negotiate the stairs safely, a split-level home offers the privacy needed for a growing family. Advertisement.
How many levels are there in a bi level home?
Bi-level homes only have two levels with an entranceway that gives access to both. Split-level homes and bi-level homes often get confused. Split-levels include at least three distinct levels of living separated by short flights of stairs. The main living space connects to two other stories, often a basement and an upstairs area used for bedrooms. ...
What is the main living space in a split level home?
The main living space connects to two other stories, often a basement and an upstairs area used for bedrooms. Basements of split-level homes are almost always finished and can serve multiple purposes. They typically have a laundry room and a larger space that can be used as a bedroom, rec room, or home office.
How many flights of stairs are there in a split level home?
There is also a set of stairs leading up to the home’s front door. Some split-levels include more than two flights of stairs depending on how many stories the home has.
What is a split level home?
A split-level home is a house featuring multiple floor levels that are staggered. There are usually two sets of stairs off the home’s main story, leading upstairs to bedrooms and downstairs to the basement. Split-levels are also called tri-levels since there are at least three levels of living.
What is a standard split?
Standard split. Standard splits are known for having an entrance at ground level leading into the main story of the home. Two short sets of stairs lead off the main level to the upstairs living area and downstairs towards the basement. The bottom level is usually attached to the garage and is used as a playroom, den, or office.
Why are split levels cheaper?
Split-levels tend to be cheaper than other homes because they’ve been out of demand for decades. This is because most homebuyers don’t like the idea of having multiple split levels in a home.
What percentage of new homes were split level in 1975?
These homes exploded in popularity during the late 1960s and early 1970s thanks to the split-level home featured in The Brady Brunch. Twelve percent of all new homes in 1975 were split-levels. They now account for only .5% of all new homes built. [1]
How to make a split level home look modern?
Split-level homes tend to have muted colors and you can make the exteriors look modern by painting it with basic colors and add another color that is much more striking but complementary. Tweak your landscaping – one thing that can make or break the look of your home on the outside is your landscaping.
What is a tri level home?
Limited layout – the standard trilevel home consists of the main living space in the middle level, the garage or basement on the lowest level, and the bedrooms at the highest level. If you like to experiment with the layout of your home, this is not for you.
Why is there no light in my split level home?
This is because there are only a few windows installed on a trilevel home and most of the time , there are no windows at all on the sides of the house.
What is the first thing you see when you enter your home?
Your entryway is the first thing your guests will see once they enter, and this can make-or-break their impressions of your home. Unfortunately, this is also the spot that doesn’t get much attention during renovations; homeowners would rather concentrate their efforts in the main living space.
How to avoid hassles when renovating a house?
To avoid any hassle, make sure to accomplish these things first: Check with your neighborhood’s association or local government if there are restrictions or policies regarding home renovations. Some neighborhoods might require homes to maintain their original façades to make the houses look uniform.
Can a bungalow have multiple bedrooms?
Bungalows are not enough for families that require multiple bedrooms, and multiple-story homes are spacious and suitable for families but are hardly affordable by the average household. To solve this dilemma, the split-level home was developed.
Is a trilevel home a good idea?
The idea of trilevel homes seem like it is the perfect home, especially of families. Your children can get their own rooms, you won’t have to pay a lot for the land and the house itself, it has enough room for the most important spaces in your home, and you all get some privacy while still being able to see what goes on in the rest of your home.
What is a split level house?
Split-level or tri-level house is a residence type that many people still do not find interesting. There are just quite a lot of design problems related to the fact that the land is multi-level. It often results in a lack of convenience and comfortable feel in many details of the exterior and interior design. ...
How many steps are there in a split level house?
One element that commonly exists in many split-level houses is the sets of short stairs that usually consist of five up to six steps in each of the stairways. In most cases, there is also a small empty space left in each level that the stairs reach.
What are some exterior changes to a house?
Another exterior change that also gives an impact on the interior of the house is the new vaulted roof.
Does a split level house have a front entry?
the traditional split-level house does not have a clearly-located front entry. image © knightremodeling.com. For the first idea, let’s take a look at the picture of this traditional split-level house located in Minneapolis. This is the photo of the residence building before undergoing the remodeling process.
Does a split level garage have a porch?
Now, it has a porch so that some seats are possible to add in the area. The garage has more stylish white doors after the remodeling project. Besides, on the right side, you can see that the split-level area also gained a new stone wall covering that generally adds a natural touch to the exterior design.
How many stories are there in a split level home?
The main living space is located on the ground floor. Therefore, one half of the home is two stories, while the other half is a single story.
What is the difference between a split level and a ranch style?
While a split level and ranch style are used interchangeably, they’re different. When entering into a split level, you have the choice to go upstairs or downstairs. A ranch style, the living area, is on the ground floor and then a different story above that.
What is a rambler house?
A rambler’s entry is at ground level and is square or rectangular. The ranch houses are usually larger than bungalows. A rambler is usually a single-story house. However, lately, they call a two-story rambler a ‘ranch style home.’.
What is split level?
The term split level is a more commonly known description for nontraditional ranch style homes. However, split level homes and raised ranches are commonly confused, and the names are used interchangeably. Split level homes have a similar entrance, where the front door may be at or slightly above ground level. ...
What is a ranch style home?
These homes were most popular between the 50s and the 70s. Additionally, ranch-style homes typically have low roofs and attached garages.
How to make a porch look more colonial?
You may be able to get a ramp up to the front door or the main level of your home. Consider adding a porch on the front by extending the roof over the porch to give your home a more colonial or farm style look.
How much more expensive is a ranch style home?
Both of these, no matter what type of home you have, is the most expensive features. Therefore, ranch style homes are about 10% more costly to build.
