Although split-level homes reached peak popularity in the 1960s, many novice homeowners start to take an interest in them today. Furthermore, millions of people enjoy living in a split level and cannot imagine moving to some other type of home. They especially value the extra outside space it provides, better separation of rooms, and its affordability.
Nevertheless, just like any other architectural design, split-level homes come with their own share of disadvantages. These can range from having to deal with a lot of stairs to its awkward look.
If you wish to learn more about this specific home type, you came to the right place. In this article, you will learn how split-level homes differ from seascape villas or any other home types and whether they suit your needs or not. Here is a complete list of the pros and cons of building a split level home:
Pros
They Offer More Space
Even though split-level homes are not as spacious as traditional two-story houses, they still prove to be more efficient. This is due to the separation of the first floor into two levels. By doing so, you can make use of the lower level for storage and/or as a third bedroom. The upper level, on the other hand, can be used as an office or a guest room.
They Are Affordable
Compared to ranch houses, split-level homes can prove to be much cheaper. This is because they do not require a lot of land. Furthermore, building them is also much easier than constructing a traditional two-story house.
This also means that you can spend more on designing your home by saving money on the construction process. Or you can look for even more budget-friendly solutions, such as buying EPDM rubber roofing material and build your own house without making a hole in your wallet.
They Are Easy to Keep Clean
Split-level homes offer you an easier time cleaning, thanks to the staircase located at one side of the home. Moreover, they are not usually as big as traditional houses, so you have less space to clean.
They Offer More Privacy Between Rooms
Although a split-level home typically has less space than other homes, it does offer better separation between rooms. Each floor is typically divided into two areas: one where the bedrooms are situated and another where the living area is located. This allows you to enjoy more privacy when at home.
They Allow for a More Spacious Kitchen
The kitchen is usually considered as the most important room in a house. There, we tend to spend most of our time preparing food and socializing with family members. And if you live in a single-level home, you may find it hard to create a spacious kitchen arrangement.
Because of that, many people go for split-level homes, which allow them to create a large kitchen on the main floor and then separate it from the living room by using a short staircase. This also allows the cooking area to be well ventilated.
Cons
Steep Stairs Can Be Dangerous for Small Children
While stairs may seem like an advantage, they can be dangerous for small children. Kids may fall or slip down the stairs if they are not properly supervised. If you plan to build a split-level home, remember to place railings around the room’s perimeter to ensure children’s safety in case of any accidents.
There Are Too Many Windows in Some Areas of Your Home
This is especially true in the case of a split-level home that features an open floor plan. Having too many windows in the living room, kitchen, and dining area can pose some privacy and light control problems. Fortunately, you can easily deal with them by adding curtains and blinds.
Lack of Storage Space Can Be an Issue
If you are building a split-level home with an open floor plan, you may not have enough storage space. In order to fix that, take advantage of the unused space beneath your staircase and install a few shelves, racks, boxes, or other storage units there.
Split Level Home Require a Lot of Patience
There is no doubt that building a split-level home will take longer than building a traditional house. This is because you will be dealing with many different materials and components of the house, and they all have to be placed perfectly and at the right angle. If you want to save time and money, consider hiring a professional contractor to do the job for you.
Conclusion
Of course, split-level homes are not for everyone. After all, they are pretty challenging to build, they may not provide enough space, and you can lack privacy there. However, if you are looking for a home that is affordable, efficient, and modern, it may be worth your while.
Split-homes allow for an easier time cleaning and organizing your living space, and, most importantly, they can help you save money on the construction process and materials. Give this thought a try – and if you decide to build a split-level home, we wish you good luck.