When you’re home shopping, there’s a lot to consider – and see. If you’re the “dinner, then dessert” type, your priority will likely be to confirm that the homes you’re interested in have good foundations and are structurally sound.
Next, you’ll dive into dessert: the aesthetics, weighing the pros and cons of the architectural styles that pique your interest.
A split-level house is one of the most common architectural styles you’ll come across. And depending on your needs and lifestyle, a split-level may be the right home for you.
Split-Level Homes: What Are They?
A split-level home usually has three stories (or levels) that are typically separated by short, half-level staircases. These homes are often referred to as tri-level homes.
Split-level homes emerged at the end of the mid-century modern architectural era. Many of these homes were built between the 1950s and 1970s, though it’s not uncommon to find new split-level properties.
Several varieties of floor plans could accurately be described as split level. The most common type of split-level housing is the classic tri-level layout.
Tri-level properties usually feature a main floor that can be accessed through the front and usually back doors. There are two short staircases on the main floor – one flight of stairs goes up, and the other goes down.
Both staircases will usually be about half the length of a typical staircase. As a result, the floors are staggered or “split.” The bottom floor usually has a finished basement, a laundry room or mudroom and an attached garage. The bedrooms are usually on the top floor. And sometimes there will be a den on the top floor, too. On the main floor (aka the entry floor), you’ll typically find the kitchen, family room and living room.
Split-level homes are usually three stories tall, but any property with three or more split floors can fall into this category. In addition to the common structure of a split-level property, many split-level homes have a low-pitched roof, blend into a hilly landscape and might incorporate other features of the mid-century modern movement, including lots of windows and open floor plans (at least open on the same level).
Split-level home vs. Bi-level home
Bi-level homes are often mistaken for split-level homes. While the two building styles share similarities, their styles are distinct.
A split-level home has three or more levels, and a bi-level home only has two.
With bi-level homes – often called raised ranches or split-level ranches – you walk up a flight of stairs that leads to your front door. When you step inside, you’ll be on the main platform or landing area. From there you can either go up a flight of stairs or down a flight of stairs.
Types of Split-Level Houses
You will likely encounter three primary types of split-level homes:
Side split
This is the most common type of split-level home. A side-split home has a main floor on one side of the home and two floors on the other side. You’ll see three floors if you look at the house from the front.
Back split
Instead of being split to the side, a back-split home will have two additional levels attached to the back of the house. If you look at the house from the side, you’ll see three floors. This layout is often great for properties on steep terrain.
Stacked split
A stacked split-level home will have at least four floors. There will always be at least one floor above the main living area.
Pros and Cons of Split Levels
Before deciding whether you want to invest in a split-level home, consider the pros and cons of this style of home.
✅Affordably priced
Compared to homes with similar square footage (especially ranches), split-level homes are often more affordable because building one usually requires fewer building materials.
✅Efficient use of space
Putting a bedroom (or bedrooms) above a garage – something you’ll commonly find in split-level homes – helps homeowners maximize their use of space. Split-level homes often make very efficient use of the basement.
✅Extra yard space
Homeowners often get more yard space than they would with traditionally built homes with similar square footage because a split-level home is a condensed, efficient build.
⛔Difficult to sell
Many home buyers are big fans of the split-level layout, but many buyers think the layout is outdated. Though split-level homes are relics of the not-too-distant 1950s and 1970s, the homes on the market today aren’t likely to have been updated. They look like products of their time, and because they’re older, they may require more work, TLC and money for an owner. So it can be challenging to sell these homes.
⛔More stairs
The defining feature of a split-level home is that it has at least three distinct levels. Typically, the home has a main level, one level partially above it and one level that’s partially below it. You use the stairs regularly when you live in a split-level home. If going up and down stairs doesn’t appeal to you, this feature would be a downside.
⛔Remodeling challenges
Because of its unique structure, you might run into a few problems if you want to renovate a split-level home. Changing the layout – opening or closing the floor plan, for example – is notoriously challenging due to space. You’re often stuck with the layout you got.
Split Decision on Buying a Split-Level?
Split-level homes work great for people who want to maximize their living space and keep their living areas separate. They’re also great for anyone who is a big fan of mid-century modern architecture. But if you’re looking for a modern home with the newest amenities or want to remodel it, a split-level home may not make sense for you.Homes come in all shapes and sizes. Research the type of home you want when you’re starting to consider buying a house. Of course, you want to buy your dream home. Just make sure you can live your best life in the home you purchase.