What Is a Split-Level House?

What Is a Split-Level House?

A split-level house does not have a fixed layout. It comes in different sizes and shapes. This house has its main door on the ground floor, along with the living and dining area. The bedrooms and other utility areas would be located on a higher floor. This assures you complete privacy.

These houses were the popular choices in the 20th century. However, these days you will find them only in the suburbs.

What Are the Different Types of Split-Level Houses?

There are 5 major types of split-level homes:

1. Standard Split

This is the most popular type of split-level house. It has its main door at the ground level. As you enter the home, you will enter the living area and a dining hall. Further inside the house, you will find 2-3 steps that take you to the bedroom, and a set of stairs guiding you to the basement.

A standard split house is suitable for a 4 to 5-member family. It is an affordable housing option that costs you around $100 to $200 per square foot.

2. Side Split

Unlike a typical split home with a central entrance, a side split home has the main door on one side of the house and the living area on the other.

The ground level usually has the dining area, living room, and a long staircase leading you to the bedroom(s) on the higher floor. These houses are known for their ample space allowing you to design as you please.

Side-split houses are suitable for multi-generation families who stay together but need privacy.

3. Back Split

Back split housing has staggered levels. It can have two or more floors.

The main door leads you into an informal living area. A staircase will give you access to a bigger living space, kitchen, and dining hall. Another set of staircases would lead you to the bedroom(s).

A back-split home has no fixed layout and can be altered as per your needs. However, it can be an inconvenient option for families with infants or young kids due to too many stairs.

4. Stacked Split-Level House

A stacked split-level home is a multi-level house with a minimum of 4 levels. As you enter the house, you will have a foyer and a staircase leading you to a living area, kitchen, and dining hall on the higher floor.

The upper levels can be customized as per your requirements. It can include a bedroom, a kid’s area, a store room, or a family den.

5. Split Level Ranch

A split-level ranch house is also known as a bi-level split house. An elevated platform after the main door gives you access to the living hall, dining area, and kitchen. Some homes may even have bedrooms on the same floor instead of different ones.

This house does not follow the multilevel concept. In fact, it’s a widespread house with ample space to include a kid’s playroom and/or office space at the same level. Also, the garage here is typically built at the side of the main house.

4 Benefits of Split-Level Houses

The split-level house gained popularity due to the following benefits:

1. Ample Natural Light and Air: A split-level house design focuses on maximum space utilization. It has huge windows with cross-ventilation. This permits unrestricted flow of natural sunlight and air into the house. This creates positivity in your house.
2. Budget-Friendly Cost: The material and labor costs used to build such a structure are low. Hence, you could buy these houses without digging huge holes in your pocket.
3. Defined Spaces: A leveled structure allows you to create separate spaces for each utility area. You may have a huge living area and kitchen at the ground level and bedrooms on the upper level. This would help you to organize yourself in a better way.
4. More Privacy: The dedicated level for each area gives you complete privacy. The kids can be in their play area while you work on your project in the study room.

Split-Level vs. Bi-Level

Each home has different benefits based on the layout and design.

Features	Split Level House	Bi-Level House
Levels	It has 3-4 levels.	It has 2 levels.
Basement	You will find a staircase leading to the basement.	It does not have a basement.
Family	Can accommodate a family of more than 5 people.	A family of less than 4 people can be easily accommodated.
Structure	It has a vertical structure.	It has a widespread horizontal structure.

Bottom Line

A split-level house lets you own your dream home without breaking the bank. At just $100- $200 per square foot, you can customize your house as per your family’s needs. Look at the listings on Houzeo to see what options are available in your area.