A split-level home is a unique housing design that was much more popular several decades ago than in modern times. Many people still own their personal or inherited split-home properties. Split homeowners often wonder about the possibility of adding on to their multi-level home.
Adding on to your split-level home is obtainable but difficult. Asides from the complex nature of possible renovation, the process is expensive depending on the concept you have in mind. One single mistake can crumble your renovation efforts.
To get a satisfying reconstruction of your split home, it’s essential that you get well acquainted with the process involved. Renovation ideas are quite limited and challenging to pull off. This article will address the concerns associated with adding to a split-level home.
Can I Add Onto My Split-level Home?
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If you’re considering a renovation or adding to your split house, it’s important I mention that there’s little you can do. You could either choose to perform an outward or upward reconstruction.
Outward Reconstruction
This form of reconstruction involves adding small expansions on both or one end of the building. Doing this will widen the area in the central living room, adding value for resale purposes. Ensure excess reconstruction isn’t done, so you don’t produce an irregular house dimension, reducing the sale value further.
A smart exterior renovation idea is constructing a sunporch. If you already have one, another option would be to fuse the space, enhancing its outlook. You can also expand the rooms or split them into sections.
Split homes were built with poor lighting considerations. An additional sunporch will illuminate the space and increase its dimension for a more attractive look. You can talk to professionals to better consider your options.
Upward Reconstruction
As the name implies, upward reconstruction involves building over your split-level home, so it’s elevated. This way, you’ll increase the space in both the living room and the bedrooms. The tricky and more complex nature of upward renovations will demand the planning skills of a professional.
Poor planning will crush the entire renovation process. An unequal roofline finish will make your building unattractive, reducing the face value. You don’t want to spend beyond the eventual house resale value.
One major problem in split-level home renovations is the challenge of how to fix the long staircase. You can try a less demanding approach that includes extending the roof and installing extra dormers.
Overall, upward renovations are less complex than exterior renovations. The options available with Outward reconstruction are quite limiting.
What Makes Split-level Homes Difficult to Sell?
Real estate can be a tricky business, and people don’t buy houses like they buy shoes. Split-level homes are even more difficult to sell off than conventional buildings. I’d suggest you do a quick survey around and see how many split-level homes you can find.
Split-level homes are considered archaic and were popular in the early 90s. The world has experienced vast technological advancements and innovations since then. Like most properties, split-level homes have depreciated over the years and aren’t worth much these days.
Most people no longer fancy the structural designs of split-level homes, especially the excess stairs and floor plan. These designs no longer meet the modern-day standard of building apartments.
Another reason is that it’s quite expensive to renovate these houses. You’ll have to replace, demolish, and replace many obsolete materials and equipment for most renovation parts.
When you put all these factors together, you’ll understand why split-level homes record poor sales.
Despite all of these stated reasons, selling your split-level house isn’t impossible. Selling is easier when hiring a skilled real estate agent to suggest and supervise renovation styles. It will also help to target the right buyers who may be interested in your property.
What Makes Split-level Homes Cheap?
Low demand doesn’t often translate to cheap goods, but split-level houses aren’t the case. You can tell from my previous explanation why they can’t be that expensive.
The fact that split-level homes were in demand decades ago makes them very unappealing. The craze and appeal have waned over the years, as they’ve been replaced with new age upgrades. Most sellers are aware of this and don’t push their luck.
These factors don’t mean buying a split-level house is a bad idea. On the contrary, see it as a great opportunity if you’ve been planning on acquiring a new property. A split-level home will make an excellent start for you and your family, giving you the needed privacy at a low cost.
Don’t forget to consider all aspects, including post-purchase plans. Think of the amount it’ll cost you to make the house appealing enough to another buyer. This is critical if you plan to resell the building after living in it.
What Are the Pros and Cons of a Split-level Home?
While finding a suitable abode is essential, you should also know that settling for a split-level home has advantages and disadvantages. Before deciding on any split-level structure, it is advisable to weigh your options properly to avoid any regrets.
Pros of split-level houses
- Split-level homes have a rare and unique floor plan different from contemporary structures. Their unique designs provide extra security and privacy suitable for large families. Split-level homes can be an excellent space to raise kids or provide solitude for aged relatives.
- The second and obvious advantage of split houses is that they’re sold at cheaper rates. Low demand for split-level homes makes dealers willing to sell at slashed prices. This means you get to buy a sizable property at a cost lower than usual.
- Split houses are also more spacious than modern-day single-level houses. Overall, you’ll enjoy the benefits of increased house space and extra rooms.
Cons of Split-level houses
- Having numerous levels is an essential attribute of split homes. While this feature provides excellent security, the flight of stairs involved can be a turnoff. Unless you’re willing to consider it as exercise, the back and forth movement might be a problem for you.
- I won’t forget to also mention here that children can sustain mild or severe injuries from long stair flights. You want a suitable home for yourself and your growing kids as well.
- Another downside to buying split-level homes is that most of the building’s materials and furniture are ancient. Unless you love your things the classic old-fashioned way, you’ll need to do a large chunk of reconstruction all around.
- Split houses have old architectural designs that make their renovations and reconstruction challenges. The split-home poses a problem that stems from roofline problems, staircase position, and general design limitations. You can beat these challenges by hiring a creative professional for the best outcome.
- The total cost of a proper renovation and hiring a skilled agent can make the entire project discouraging and frustrating.
- Furthermore, split-level houses lack proper ventilation due to the absence of windows. As earlier pointed out, this makes the house dim and shady even in broad daylight.
In conclusion, renovating a split-level house is no joke, whether for resale or personal use. You need to consider all the challenges involved to determine if you’ll be willing to embark on this journey. Consult a professional and follow the process with patience, diligence, and sufficient funds!
