Buying a new house can be a tedious as well as an interesting task that requires detailed knowledge about different home styles for an informed decision. Some homeowners prefer modern homes while others prefer conventional style, and one such design is split-level ranch homes. Many people tend to get confused between split-level ranch layouts, raised ranch homes, and several other layouts. In this article, we discuss split-level ranches, their types, features, and other aspects in depth to avoid confusion. Split-level ranchs gained popularity in the mid-1900s. These homes became popular with a growing demand for more space due to the addition of family members and the privacy of all the members. These homes are designed in ways that extend privacy to all the family members. Let's glance through the different aspects of a split-level ranch.
Know More About Split-Level Ranch Homes
As the name suggests, split level ranch homes are split into separate parts to ensure more privacy and for a feel of a bigger house because these homes are spread horizontally on a larger land area. Split-level homes have multiple stories that are spread rather than stacked one above the other. These houses expand horizontally, so the floors don't run full length but rather in different parts or levels.
Split level ranch homes open on the ground floor from where stairs go up and down. The main entrance takes you to the living room and kitchen, half-flight stairs going up take you to the bedroom, and stairs down take you to the garage or basement. These homes can vary in shape and size, but most of the split homes have three stories. A split foyer is another common feature of all the split homes that takes you up and down to different parts of the house.
History of the Split-Level Ranch House
The origin of split-level ranch homes dates back to the 1950s and 1960s in the American suburbs when architects tried to fill more land areas into small and affordable lots, which attracted more middle-class families. During those old days, people preferred open and spacious floors to breathe fresh air when compared to small and compact apartments.
In the 1960s and 1970s, people preferred split-level homes, thinking that it would protect the privacy of all generations living under the same roof. However, the perception of homeowners changed with time, and so did their choice of homes. They started appreciating the open-concept layout to access all the rooms on the same floor rather than shuffling between split levels. Split level homes are still built, especially in the mountainous regions where it is constructed directly on the bedrock rather than leveling the land, but the preference has gone down.
Internal and External Features
There are certain features that define the characteristics of these homes. Let's glance through them.
External Features
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Asymmetrical silhouettes (the protruding section containing the upper level).
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Roofs are low-pitched.
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It has mixed mixed-material facade, mostly made of brick, wood, or stone.
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It has a couple of exterior steps leading to the front door.
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A garage is attached to the house.
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The main level has a bay window or a large picture window.
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Minimal or no ornamentation, which means it has a simple exterior.
Internal Features
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It has three to five levels.
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It has half a flight of stairs.
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It has an open-floor concept.
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It has a vaulted ceiling.
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A large glass sliding door from the main floor takes you to the back patio.
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It has a finished basement on the lower level or an attached garage.
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It has many attics and storage space.
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Minimum beautification.
Types of Split-Level Ranch Homes
Split-level houses are divided into different levels that define the house and its name. Here are the various types of split-level homes.
Standard Split House
A standard split house has an entrance on the ground level where staircases divide the level of the house. Some stairs take you down to the garage, basement, den, or family room, while the other stairs take you to the upper part of the house to the living room, kitchen, and laundry. The stairs in the living room go further to the bedroom.
Side Split House
It is one of the most popular choices for homeowners. The split-level houses can be seen clearly from the outside. One side of the split house is a single story that has a living room and kitchen. The other side is split into upper and lower floors; the upper floor has the bedroom, while the lower floor goes to the basement or a garage.
Back Split House
The back split looks similar to the side split but rotated 90 degrees. It has a single story and a double story split into three to five levels. Single story open in the front and double story open at the back. These homes are mostly built in hilly areas. These houses have two entrances, one on the ground floor and the other on the basement.
Stacked Split-Level House
As the name suggests, these houses are stacked one above another into a minimum of four floors.
These homes have multiple flights of stairs for better privacy, which at times cause hassle to the family members. The entrance of stacked split-level houses opens between the basement and upper living room or kitchen, which further goes up to the bedrooms. In a nutshell, the first living room is split into a second living room with a bedroom stacked above it.
How Much Do Split-Level Ranch Homes Cost?
Split level ranch homes are more affordable compared to traditional two-story homes due to less use of materials in construction and less labor cost due to lesser requirement of labor. The average cost to build a split-level house is around $100 per square foot, which may increase with additional features. On resale of these homes, you can expect a hike of 10% on the construction cost. If you plan to buy a split-level house, you need around $600,000 - $ 750,000.
Pros and Cons of Split-Level Ranch House
Just like any other homes, these homes too have their advantages and disadvantages, which we discuss below.
Pros
Spacious: These homes feel more spacious than they actually are due to the layout.
Better Privacy: These homes have higher levels of privacy, and the distance between rooms ensures a peaceful atmosphere, too.
Perfect for Big-Size Families: These are more suitable for big-size families where all the members need their breathing space, which is provided by different levels of the home.
Affordable: Above all other advantages, it's more affordable than other homes.
Cons
Not suitable for people with mobility issues or small kids: The short flight of stairs can be a hassle for people with mobility issues, small children, or old people. Fear always prevails.
Difficulty in Remodeling: It's difficult to remodel such homes because the layout is such that adding an extra part is a tough nut to crack.
Limited Natural Light: These homes have limited natural light owing to their layout. If you are claustrophobic, you may feel uncomfortable.
Resell Challenge: Reselling these homes can be a challenge because many people consider split level homes as an obsolete design and don't prefer to buy. These homes are not much in demand as modern homes have replaced these styles.
Conclusion
Split-level ranch homes can be a good option if your priority is privacy and space for all the family members. Consider all the pros and cons and conclude if such homes are suitable for you. If you work from home and need a separate home-office set-up a peaceful ambiance for elderly parents while providing playing space for kids, these homes can be a better choice. However, if you have a small family, then explore other options too.