QandAs: Home

What is a Split Level house?

Answer:
The building plan for a split level house calls

for a separation of common areas (living room, den, dining room, etc.) from private areas (bathroom, bedrooms, kitchen, etc) by literally splitting the floor plan into several layers. A split level house plan may also be a viable solution for building on uneven or hilly property, a common problem in many suburban areas.

A split level house allows for a linear ranch-style design instead of stacking two or three stories directly on top of each other. Typically, a split level house has one story above a basement level and two stories starting at ground level next to it. Bedrooms, guestrooms and home offices may be located on the second story, while the kitchen, utility room and bathroom may be in the first story. The single story above the basement level often contains the public areas such as the living room, dining room and media room. The main entrance area generally presents visitors with short stairwells leading to each level of the house.

There are some disadvantages with a split level house design, however. Visitors and residents with physical disabilities may find it difficult to negotiate numerous staircases to reach common areas. The floor plan for a split level house may call for smaller individual rooms per level, which may create a need for additions for a growing family. These additions may have to be located in the rear of the house in order not to appear as afterthoughts or obvious add-ons. A split level house may also sit on a lot with a very steep grade, which could make accessing the house from the street a challenge for visitors.

A split level house plan is very popular with homeowners in suburban areas with uneven terrain or those who seek a sense of privacy without resorting to building a two or three story home that doesn't match the neighborhood aesthetic.


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