Can you add a porch to a split-level home?
Adding a porch or portico to create a more spacious, sheltered entry is an effective enhancement to the split-level’s curb appeal. A simple covered walkway along one side of the house leading to the front door is another approach to add curb appeal.
How do you modernize a split-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.
Can I add a floor to my split-level house?
It is difficult to add height to bi-level and split-level homes. Simply adding another floor over the existing living space ruins the flow of the roof line and makes the home look uneven and unattractive from the street, as Contractor Quotes illustrates.
How do you increase curb appeal in split-level home?
Make simple, inexpensive front door curb appeal fixes
- Paint the front door. No one is welcomed by grime and chips out of the front door. Give it a quick coat of paint.
- Mulch. Fresh mulch shows the house is taken care of.
- Put out a new doormat. Don’t ruin a beautiful porch with dingy doormat.
Why do people love split level homes?
The split-level blueprint allows for more separation between downstairs and upstairs than other home designs and is great for those who want to have an office, gym, or hobby space downstairs. The money-savvy might even rent out a downstairs bedroom to a roommate.
Is the lower level of a split level considered a basement?
Yes, split-level homes do have basements and garages. Upon entering a split-level home, you’ll usually see one staircase leading up to bedroom levels, and another staircase leading down to the basement level. The basement floor is level with the driveway, and often features a laundry room or living area.
Are split-level homes energy efficient?
Energy use is also inefficient in split level homes. Though levels are separated, they are still open, preventing the control of energy usage on unused levels.
How do you landscape the front of a split level house?
Landscape ideas to improve front yard of split level home
- Leave the lawn alone but put some flower plants and shrubs on the bare dirt now. But what plants are best?
- Replace the lawn with SOD.
- Remove all the lawn and replace the slope with 2-level retaining walls. Then low level flowers.
What is the best addition to a split level house?
As with virtually any split-level in which the longest length is parallel to the street, the best addition is a “wing” off the back of the house. It adds space without detracting from the original charm of the front elevation. Acceptable addition to length, at left: When you do have to add on to the length, less is more.
Can you add a level to a split level?
Unless you’re thinking of dormers — and even that can be a visual fiasco — do NOT add a level to a split level. Generally speaking, a split level with the long dimension facing forward should be added on at the rear.
Can you add length to a house without increasing glazing?
Adding length without increasing glazing at the front of a house means a hideous amount of siding, which drastically reduces curb appeal. Awful addition to length, above: Here we took the easiest route to go big, big, big…but it’s bad, bad, bad.
Can you make an addition on a raised ranch?
These are not “plans” but general concepts of how to make an addition on a raised ranch, bi-level or split-level…and how to avoid the common pitfalls that rob a home of curb appeal. Before undertaking your addition, the concepts below, and whether or not they apply to your home, should be considered.