What Is A Bi-Level House?

When looking for your next home, you might come across a bi level house, which was popular between the 1960s and 1980s. The prefix "bi" means "having two," so in short, bi level houses contain two floors separated by stairs.

In this piece, we'll take a look at what to look for when buying a house. We'll also discuss the differences between bi-level houses, split-level homes and two-story homes and the pros and cons of bi-level homes.

Is a bi-level house the right type of home for you? Let's find out.

Definition Of A Bi-Level House

What is a bi-level home, exactly?

Bi-level homes have two levels or floors separated by short staircases – in other words, they usually have two floors, and you access them by the same front door. A bi-level home may have an entryway with stairs to two main levels, but you won't find a "middle level" coming straight out from the front door – you must either go up or down.

Let's envision what you might see when you walk in the front door of a bi-level house. When you go in the front door, you might see one set of stairs that go up to the main living room. You might immediately see another set of stairs that go downstairs to the basement.

Due to the way the levels are arranged, bi-level houses may have a smaller footprint than the average house.

Bi-Level Vs. Split-Level

Have you ever been confused about the differences between bi-level versus split-level houses? That's completely understandable because they may seem so similar.

Split-level houses have multiple floors connected by flights of stairs. Split-level homes often have low-pitched roofs, integrated garages, large attics and living room areas. 

Let's imagine what it might look like for a second. When you walk in the front door of a split-level, imagine seeing a large part of the main floor – the living room, dining room and kitchen. Then, from the kitchen, you might see a shorter staircase that goes to a lower level, with a guest room or den. Then, you'd go up another staircase that leads to the bedrooms.

Learn more about what to know about split-level houses.

We broke up the differences in a table to show you the typical features of each type of living space:

Bi-Level Vs. Two-Story

A bi-level house is not a two-story house – it's a combination of a two-story home and a ranch, which is a one-level home. The main level is above ground, while the lower half of a bi-level is mostly underground.

Should You Invest In A Bi-Level Home?

So, should you opt for a bi-level home? Let's look at the pros and cons before you buy, whether you opt for buying fixer-upper homes or choose to build this type of home.

Advantages Of A Bi-Level Home

Buying a bi-level house includes several benefits, including the fact that it can be an affordable housing option because older homes generally feature a bi-level layout. Bi-level homes can also be spacious, have garages separate from the house and offer privacy due to the split living area for bedrooms.

Disadvantages Of A Bi-Level Home

On the flip side, large families may not find this type of home spacious enough. It can also be difficult to sell for various reasons. It might feel "choppy" or disconnected, and rooms may be less accessible than a ranch due to the stairs involved. That might pose problems for individuals in a wheelchair or who have other accessibility needs.

Bi-level homes may need a closer inspection if the home has been recently remodeled or “flipped” because the flipper might take shortcuts to get things done in a hurry and get it back on the market, like not fixing the real underlying issues in the home, such as flooding problems or electrical issues.

Is It Harder To Sell A Bi-Level?

Certain aspects of a bi-level house make it more difficult to sell than the average house. The market for bi-level houses may be smaller than the average home, possibly because of the less desirable, older home and less open floor plan and broken-up living space. However, the right real estate agent or REALTOR® can help you market the house the right way when you get ready to sell.

FAQs About Bi-Level Homes

Let's consider a few other FAQs about bi-level homes to help you decide whether a bi-level home makes sense for you.

Are bi-level homes hard to sell?

Bi-level homes may be harder to sell due to their age and sometimes outdated design. If you don't remodel the house when you're getting ready to sell, you might have trouble unloading it. The lack of natural light in the basement might also make a bi-level house tougher to sell.

Are bi-level homes cheaper to buy?

Bi-level homes may be cheaper to buy because of their age. They were typically popular from the 1960s – 1980s. They might be an excellent option for first-time home buyers or those looking for their first investment property.

How can I modernize my bi-level house?

You can make cosmetic changes to a bi-level home to make it more modern, such as changing the exterior (add new siding, paint or get new garage doors to add an impact), updating trim inside and outside, fixing up the entryway, add windows, knock down some walls or upgrade technology, portions of the home (like the roof) or certain systems (like the HVAC system).

The Bottom Line

Bi-level homes are usually older homes that have two levels or floors separated by a flight of stairs, which you can access using the front door. The family room might be on the upper level, while you might find the basement on the lower level. Due to the way the levels are arranged, bi-level houses may have a smaller footprint than the average house. If you like cozy and compact living, a bi-level home may be the right fit for you.

If you’re considering buying a home, connect with an agent today and get started.