Additions to Split Level Homes
Split Level Homes were designed and built to provide privacy, some separation of daily living activities, noise control, and spaciousness. To be sure, many split level homes have relatively small rooms, but this is not the case in all split level homes. The various types of split level home designs enabled builders to accommodate hills and slopes as they developed neighborhoods. Split Levels also accommodated the desire of homeowners to have a formal living area, a \"recreation room\" or informal living area, and to provide privacy and seclusion in the bedrooms.
Owners of split level homes frequently wish to add more living space or more accessible living space. For persons with disabilities and for the elderly, the number of short staircases can be very challenging. They are too steep for a ramp and too short for an elevator. Installation of a glide chair, however, is a reasonable option.
Positioning an addition is the major challenge in adding to a split level home. Some locations and neighborhoods restrict the height of houses. Local building codes might also restrict additions in one direction or another due to required set-backs from property lines. Further, the external appearance and curb appeal of the house may argue against some addition options.
\"Here are the major considerations in building an addition to a split level home:
In general, do not add a new level
\r Do not add to the length of the \"long dimension\" of the house
\r If the \"long dimension\" of the house faces the street, build the addition in the back
\r If the \"short dimension\" of the house faces the street, build the addition with at least some of the addition to the side of the entry
\r Always match building materials as much as possible
\r Add a garage on the \"downhill\" side of the lot
\r If you must add to the \"long dimension\" of the house, add as little as possible
\r If you add to the \"long dimension\" of the house, make sure you balance windows and doors
\r If you add to the \"long dimension\" of the house, do so in a way that makes the two sides balanced in width and height
\r If you will add a new level to the house, build it above the lowest part of the room line to maintain balance and symmetry of roof lines
\r If your split level is designed so the roof can be raised over one level, add a dormer or two it will provide additional living space, and it will make the addition look more planned
The unique challenges of adding living space in a split level home usually justify the time and cost of consulting an architect or designer. A badly placed or poorly designed addition can create an atrocity. An addition that is carefully placed, designed for balance and symmetry, and built carefully can actually enhance the appearance of a split level. Designing with an eye to the external appearance of the house, as well as creating the additional living space you need, will ensure a successful project that will increase the value of your home and maintain its \"fit\" in the neighborhood.
Copyright 2007 by ABCD Publishing
Dan Fritschen, the author of this article, is the founder of the websites http://www.remodelormove.com - http://www.remodelestimates.com and http://www.remodelingorganizer.com He is the author of three books on home remodeling.
Split Level House Renovations
The most popular Split Level house renovations are projects to finish unfinished or partly finished areas, opening up the main floor, updating the kit...
Challenges of Split Level House Renovations
Split level house renovations bring both unique opportunities and unique challenges. The first step in evaluating the opportunities and challenges is ...
A Guide To Remodeling
People have different reasons for renovating or remodeling their homes. Some alter their houses to build their dream house because it is cheaper to r...
Conventional vs. Mobile Home Remodeling
Mobile homes are actually cost effective, and yet still comfortable and livable. Though, it may be different from the traditional or conventional hom...
How to Plan and Estimate Costs for a Bathroom Remodeling Project
Remodeling a bathroom can be an exciting and fun experience, particularly if your bathroom has outdated baby blue or pink tile covering the walls. Pla...
Double Wide Mobile Homes vs Single Wide Mobile Homes
Over the past decade or so, manufactured homes (still commonly referred to as mobile homes) have become a great option for new homebuyers. Unlike the...
Secrets to Manual RV Leveling
When traveling most people like to park on level ground in an RV when they stop. Most RV campsites do have perfectly level pads, but sometimes you do ...
Pay Less For Your Clothes
Although we all like to be aware of the latest fashion trends, many people worry that wearing stylish clothes means that you have to shop in expensive...
Motorhome Hire - Create Your Comfort Zone
There comes a time in all our lives when we simply want to break free from the sheer boredom of excessive professional indulgence and retire in the oc...
All About Outdoor Bars for Homes
One of the new trends nowadays is to have lots of company come over and have garden parties etc to socialize with your community. Especially if you h...
Bathroom Remodeling: Five Things to Keep in Mind
Remember the Cosby Show? One of the running jokes in the Huxtable household was the fights over the use of the bathroom. (I may be dating myself here,...
Todays Top Remodeling Trends
Planning on renovating your home? Here are some of todays biggest trends to help guide you in making those remodeling and home addition plans:Luxurio...
Consider the Cost of Your Mobile Home Before Remodeling
Before you dive into your mobile home remodeling project, you want to make sure that you have the proper value in the home. One of the biggest mistake...
The OTHER Rooms - Remodeling the Rest
Often when discussing home improvements, we forget about the other rooms in the house. Everything is always about the kitchen and the bathrooms. It ...
Home Improvement Remodeling In Michigan
Our homes are our sanctuaries and not just a mere roof over our heads protecting us from the elements. Our homes our also our single biggest investmen...
RV Camping Tips
We all know that vacations are usually something we all save up for and plan carefully. We want our vacation to be a memorable and fun as much as poss...
Home Improvement and Remodeling Online Line
When it comes to adding value to your home there is no better way to tackle your home improvement and remodeling projects except by way of the interne...
Choosing A Wine Rack Design For You
A homes dcor ultimately reflects the style of its occupants. Those who engage in hobbies and collecting that is near and dear to their heart will freq...
Changing A Room With Bathroom Remodeling
When it comes to spending time and money renovating our homes, we undoubtedly look for ways to maximize our remodeling dollars. One of the ways in whi...
RV Sales Lots Worst Fear; A Hurricane
We all know that those who live in Fabricated Homes or Mobile Homes in the Tornado Belt are always worried about a Killer F-5 Tornado. In fact many ca...