Split-Level House: What To Know About Buying One

If you're looking to buy or build a house, chances are you might have a particular architectural style on your mind. One type of house style that’s making a comeback might intrigue home buyers seeking a classic look to their home: the split-level house.

This article details what a split-level house is and the pros and cons of this architectural style.

What Is A Split-Level House?

A split-level house, also referred to as a tri-level house, is different from a traditional home layout because it has at least three floors that are connected by short flights of stairs.

Common features of split-level homes are low-pitched roofs, integrated garages, large living areas, multiple attics with space for storage, double-hung windows with a large picture window and the use of minimal decorations and natural materials.

Split-Level House Style Characteristics

Split-level homes can vary by layout and the way their levels are organized. That said, they often share many characteristics inside and out, including:

Exterior

On the outside of a split-level house, you can typically see these recognizable features:

• Asymmetrical facade
• Low-pitched roofs
• Overhanging eaves
• Attached garage
• Double-hung windows and large picture windows
• Mixed building materials, including brick and wood

Interior

Throughout the inside of a split-level house, you’ll likely find:

• Multiple short staircases
• Separate rooms (dining and kitchen on main level, bedrooms on upper floor)
• Multiple storage areas and attic spaces
• Minimal ornamental features
• Finished basements

What’s The Difference Between A Split-Level Vs. Bi-Level House?

Though many people mistake split-level homes and bi-level homes as the same thing, there are some major distinctions between the two. As a recap, split-level homes have three different levels that are separated by short flights of stairs. Conversely, bi-level houses have two levels that can be reached by an entrance between the two floors. This style of home is also known as a raised ranch, and the top floor more or less lies directly on top of the bottom floor.

Typically, the lower level of a bi-level home is half underground but has windows. This floor has bedrooms on it and sometimes a laundry room or bathroom, while the upper, main level has a family room, living, dining and kitchen area on one side and a primary suite or more bedrooms and bathrooms on the other side.

History Of Split-Level Houses

Split-level homes gained popularity with growing families in the 1960s because they were budget-friendly, trendy and perfect for small, sloped plots of land that were very common in suburbs. The design gained a bigger following after the TV sitcom, The Brady Bunch, debuted in 1969 portraying a large, blended family lifestyle.

This type of home is beneficial because it allows for a lot of square footage with limited land. They’re not expensive to maintain and allow for optimal privacy and separation of space in the house. Essentially, they’re a variation of ranch-style homes that feature a spacious, open floor plan throughout rather than the feeling of narrowness with a townhome.

Different Types Of Split-Level Homes

Split-level homes can come in a variety of designs. The following are some of the most popular types.

Side Split

If you're looking for a house that separates bedrooms from the living space without needing a full flight of stairs, you might consider looking for a side-split-style home. This type of split-level home has multiple levels that are visible from the front of the home.

Typically, the house is divided with the garage on one side of the house with the bedrooms above the garage, and the main living area on the side of the house. A side-split-style house is one of the most common types of split-level homes, a famous example being the family home in the TV series "The Brady Bunch."

Back Split

Similar to a side-split, the back-split-style home is divided into multiple levels, but it looks different from the outside. Unlike a side-split house, the split levels of a back-split house can be viewed only from the side, and only one story is visible from the front, while two stories are visible from the back.

Standard Split

A standard split-level home is known for having a front door or entrance at ground level and then short sets of stairs leading to other levels. Typically, the bottom level has the garage, playroom or den, the middle level has the kitchen, dining room and living room, and the top level has all of the bedrooms and bathrooms.

Stacked Split

The stacked split-level-style house is known for having four or five floors and as many flights of stairs. Similar to the standard split-level style, there is an entrance at ground level in between the bottom- and middle-level floors. The stacked split is also structured to have a basement or informal living area, then a kitchen and dining room, then bedrooms stacked on top.

Split-Level Ranch

A ranch split-level house, on the other hand, is a one-story ranch house with two additional levels added to it. Typically, a half-flight of stairs leads up from the entry to the living room, kitchen and bedrooms. Another half-flight of stairs leads down from the entry to a family or rec room, and maybe another bedroom or two.

Pros And Cons Of Split-Level Homes

Before you decide that a split-level house is your ideal home, weigh all of the pros and cons of this architectural style.

Pros

• Affordability: Split-level homes are typically more affordable than most single-family homes.
• Provides better separation: Most split-level homes have three to five levels of floor plans, providing more space and privacy for family members.
• Adds outdoor space: Multiple levels can mean more outdoor space on the property.

Cons

• Resale can be challenging: Split-level homes can be difficult to sell as many now see these types of homes as outdated.
• Climbing many stairs: The number of stairs in a split-level house can be a challenge for people with mobility issues who might need home modifications.
• Remodeling may be tough: Remodeling can be difficult with split-level homes because of their layouts or the locations of staircases.

Why Split-Level Homes Can Be Harder To Sell

Buying a house doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll be your forever home, and you’ll want to know you could sell the property if you had to. While split-level houses are preferred by some homeowners, they can be out of style to others, making them harder to sell. Some of the features that might make a split-level house hard to sell are having too many stairs, limited natural light, a floor plan that feels choppy or a lack of curb appeal.

When selling a split-level home, an experienced real estate agent may encourage potential buyers to think about how much privacy split-level homes allow for rather than an unorganized floor plan. Additionally, sellers may consider making minor updates to increase the home's value and appeal. For example, they might boost their split-level home's curb appeal by investing in better landscaping or replacing the garage door. There are also ways to stage a home to show off its best assets when it comes time to sell.

Split-Level House FAQs

Let’s take a look at a few commonly asked questions about split-level homes.

Do split-level homes have basements and garages?

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. Typically, the garage in a split-level home is connected to the rest of the house and can even be located on the basement level.

How many stories is a split-level home?

A split-level home may have three or four different levels, but can still be considered to be two stories because it connects a two-story section to a single-story section, with the single-story section halfway between the two floors. Therefore, the vertical distance between any two levels of the home is not a full flight, but a half-flight of stairs.

Are split-level homes expensive?

No, split-level homes don't tend to be expensive because there are a large number of them and less demand for them in some markets. So, if you're a buyer looking for an affordable home, you might want to consider purchasing a split-level house.

Can you remodel a split-level house?

If you're considering buying a split-level house, you may be thinking about remodeling or updating at some point, so it's important to know what options you’ll have. Keep in mind you could run into limitations because of the layout and where the staircases are located.

Updates you can do include increasing curb appeal by replacing the siding or adding windows or other elements to visually balance the exterior. For making interior changes, you can update the house by taking out walls to create an open floor plan or repainting the walls to make the space look bigger.

The Bottom Line: Space And Privacy Keep Split-Level Houses In Style

If mid-century modern architecture is your preferred style, then a split-level house may be a good home option for you. There are pros and cons to this style and various design options, but if you know what you’re looking for, it could be your dream home.

If you’re ready to take the next step and make that dream home a reality, apply for a mortgage to see your estimated rates today.