how to rehab a 1974 split level house

How do you fix a split level house?

My husband and I live in a 1974 split level home on a beautiful piece of property on a lake in the Pacific Northwest. We have plans in which I really like the lakeside new exterior look, but the streetside with garage needs a better design. The whole house is getting renovated hopefully to start by the end of the year.

What is a split-level home?

9 years ago. Here are some pics of our 1974 split level. The lake side deck paint is peeling as you can see. We like a Tuscan exterior look or Traditional coastal/beach look. For the interior I love dark weathered floors, white trimwork, granite countertops and light cabinets. I'd love to hear your thoughts and thank-you for all comments.

Are there any split level House remodel before and after ideas?

Split-level or tri-level house is a residence type that many people still do not find interesting. There are just quite a lot of design problems related to the fact that the land is multi-level. It often results in a lack of convenience and comfortable feel …

Can you convert a split level house to a garage?

Some split-level homes have ample space at the back and on one side. If this fits the bill, you can construct a detached garage at the back and use the space on the side as your driveway. Your old garage can be converted into any living space you want. Renovations are also one of the best times for you to declutter.

How do you update a split-level 1970s?

Consider these split-level home renovations that brighten the entire space:Replace and add windows. Small windows can make a home look dated. ... Add a skylight or solar tubes. Bring in some light from above too! ... Go for custom mirrors. ... Install custom lighting. ... Use light paint colors. ... Remove walls.

How do you modernize a 70's house?

2:3817:20How we Turned our 1970's House into the Farmhouse of our DreamsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipEvery bit of its 50 years though it was all in decent shape and really well cared for it just lookedMoreEvery bit of its 50 years though it was all in decent shape and really well cared for it just looked tired replacing the windows adding some DIY cedar shutters and a stamped concrete porch.

How do I improve my split-level house exterior?

Enlarge the foyer/entry and make it easier to meet and greet guests. Increase the size of the kitchen and make it more open. Improve the exterior appearance of the house, especially the front entry and the flat front. Add windows and more natural light to the kitchen, dining room, entry, bathrooms, and basement.

Can you convert a split-level home?

The unique floor plan and exterior of a split-level home often makes it difficult to make large changes when renovating, but with good planning and flexibility, you can transform your vintage 50s place into a modern-feeling, friendly gathering place.

Are 1970s houses well built?

In the '70s, the average American house topped out at 1,700 square feet. And, as architects who do remodeling work nowadays know, many of those houses were quite “lightly built”—to use the polite term. Even great cars were lightly built back then, with few required safety components.

How do you update an outdated house?

10 Ways to Make an Old Home Feel NewClean or Replace Carpets.Make it Cohesive.Update Outlets, Light Switches and Plates.Repair Walls.Add Light.Paint.Remove Dated Fixtures.New Doors.More items...

Are split levels making a comeback?

Google searches are revealing the split-level home is more in demand. Search interest in split-level homes has been climbing since 2004 and reached an all-time high in January 2017, according to Google data.Oct 21, 2019

Are split-level homes worth less?

Since they seem a little out-dated, split-level homes actually tend to be cheaper since there is less demand in some markets and, since there are many of them following a 1970s building boom, there's ample inventory. It's a particularly smart option for first-time homebuyers.Oct 20, 2019

Is split-level house good?

This can make a split-level home a great starter home option for a young, growing family. Efficient use of space and privacy. For families, a split-level home offers greater separation of space than an open floor plan. This reduces the probability of noise traveling between rooms and allows for more privacy.Feb 25, 2022

How do you get rid of split-level entry?

What can be done? Attack the bearing wall – Open up or eliminate the bearing wall to create spaces that can see out of the front and back of the house. Change the ceiling heights – For instances when the main level does not have space above it, create pop ups in the ceiling for additional ceiling height.Aug 31, 2011

Why do split-level houses exist?

Why did they build split-level homes? Split-level homes gained popularity in the 1960s because they were budget-friendly, trendy and perfect for small, sloped plots of land that were very common in suburbs.Sep 21, 2021

How can I make my flat front house look better?

Here are five fool-proof ideas you can use to boost your flat-front house's curb appeal:Embrace Contrast. ... Bring In Movement with Landscaping. ... Work Miracles with Dimension Lighting. ... Add Texture with Different Types of Siding. ... Build Dimension with a Porch or Pergola.

How many steps are there in a split level house?

One element that commonly exists in many split-level houses is the sets of short stairs that usually consist of five up to six steps in each of the stairways. In most cases, there is also a small empty space left in each level that the stairs reach.

Why is my split level house so bad?

Something like this often makes the residence feel less open and less airy. It can even make the house feel less spacious than it is. All these can make people feel reluctant to buy the kind of residence.

Why are split level homes so dim?

Split-level homes tend to be quite dim due to the lack of windows that allow natural light to enter. To remedy this, you can install more lights all over your home; LED light is always better because it is brighter but doesn’t consume much electricity.

What is a perfectly remodeled home?

A perfectly remodeled home involves not just the inside but also the outside. And for split-level homes, the ideal remodel involves also the sides of the house. This is due to the fact that the sides of this type of home tend to be boringly blank – you’re actually lucky if you even have windows on the sides.

Does a solid paint color make a room look bigger?

Using a solid paint color ended up making the entire room look a lot more spacious than when wallpaper was used. The use of mirrored sliding cabinets not only saved space but it also added to the illusion that the room is bigger than it actually is.

Do split level homes have to be updated?

Most split-level homes that have never been updated retain the retro vibe from more than half a century ago – it makes the entire house look like it should have stayed on that era. Updating the look and feel of your home, including the appliances like those in the kitchen above, will dramatically change the interiors.

Is it hard to update a split level home?

Updating a split-level home is hard. Even designers will readily admit that remodeling this type of home is challenging for them. Give them the option of fixing up a six-story home or a split-level home, and they will more than likely choose to work on the six-story home instead.

When were split level homes popular?

By Mary Cockrill. Split-level homes were in vogue during the 1970s -- not so much today. With a little remodeling, you can transform your outdated, split-level home into a place where you'll love to spend time.

How to brighten a split level home?

Natural light can help to brighten a dark, split-level home. These homes were typically built without any windows on the ends. Adding windows to both sides of a corner brightens up the interior spaces. You can also remove small windows and modify the existing window openings to accommodate larger replacement windows. Bigger windows allow more natural light to stream inside, making an interior seem more open and cheery. Installing ceiling skylights and solar tubes also helps to brighten interior spaces with more natural light. Apply a fresh coat of paint in a light color -- soft white, light gray, barely beige -- to interior walls, resulting in updated rooms with a stylish, neutral background. Lighter paint colors tend to reflect more natural and artificial light to help brighten interior spaces.

Who is Mary Cockrill?

Cockrill has been a top design consultant for a renowned home store and is the owner of Starwood Home & Gifts, LLC, an interior design, decorating and home staging business.

What is a split level home?

Split-level homes, also known as bi-level or divided-entry homes, are a very American home style. They first became popular in the 1940s and 50s as soldiers returned home and demand for suburban houses was high. Split-level homes tend to be small, in terms of square footage, and lend themselves to hilly or narrow lots.

What is split level architecture?

The original split-level design was based on Frank Lloyd Wright's Arts and Crafts style architecture. Simple, comfortable, and open. Because split-levels were designed to be lower cost homes, the design was intended to blend form and function and blend with nature.

What is colonial style?

Many are often “colonial” style featuring grids that divide the window into small “lites.”. Upgrading windows to a more contemporary look, for example, using casements, or horizontal sliders can modernize the look. Roof color and material can go a long way towards updating the look of your home as well.

What is the phone number for Degnan Design Build Remodel?

If you're planning on remodeling your split level home in the greater Madison, Wisconsin area, give the experts at Degnan Design-Build-Remodel a call at (608) 846-5963. We're always happy to answer any questions and ready to help you create your dream home!

Why is roof color important?

Roof color is an important feature when it comes to modern home design. It's an important design element that can make your exterior remodel really pop. Some roof colors simply don't work with a contemporary design and an old shingle roof doesn't often provide clean, smooth lines.

How to Paint Wall Stripes

This easy DIY will show you How to Paint Wall Stripes that will transform any room in your home. I can't believe what a difference it made.

21 Apartment Organization and Storage Tips: A Room-by-Room Guide

Put a power strip in the top drawer of your nightstand to charge and hide your electronics. Check out more ways to organize your apartment room by room! #organization #DIY

Simple Ideas That Are Borderline Genius - 30 Pics

genius ideas (8) If memory serves, many homes used to do this....until about the late 60s... ?

DIY Dumbwaiter

Watch this video to find out how an inexpensive DIY dumbwaiter made from a garage door opener can be used to carry groceries up and recycling down in your home.

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Wall mounted wood stove from Ruegg

The straight lines of steel covered Ruegg KLEE project crude yet elegant design. This wall mounted wood stove opens up for you a perfect view Read More

When did split level homes start?

Split level homes, with their three staggered floors, began appearing in American suburbs in the 1950s and reached peak popularity in the late ‘60s before slowly falling out of favor.

What is a split level home?

Split level homes are a great fit for steep and sloping lots. On rugged, hilly terrain, staggering the floors is often the best option for building a house. This allows the contractor to adjust the foundation to suit the lot rather than having to excavate through bedrock to construct an entire basement on a single level.

Why do you need a split level?

For night shift workers who need to sleep during the day, or for parents of infants who are easily awakened by a noise, the split level can be beneficial . A sleeping family member is less likely to be awakened by the sounds of meal preparation in the kitchen or play activities in the basement recreation room.

How many steps are there in a split level home?

The number of steps ranges from two to eight or more , each additional step meaning more of a challenge to remove snow and ice in winter.

What is split level construction?

Split level construction is still commonly seen today where it’s necessary to build a home on the side of a hill. In this case, the floor plan is often designed by an architect to fit the individual lot topography. The end effect can lend the appearance of the house being built into the hill.

Is split level a good starter home?

Because split levels are still seen as unfashionable, there’s a lower demand for them, and they usually sell for less than ranch-style homes of the same age and square footage. If you can get beyond the downsides explained above, you can often get a fully functional house at a discount price. This makes the split level a good starter home, but be aware that when you’re ready to sell and move up, the same rule will likely apply, and the house will bring a lower price than others of a similar size and vintage.

Do you have to go to step aerobics in a split level home?

No need to attend step aerobics class when you live in a split level! With the kitchen, dining room, and living room on the main level, family members must go up and down the stairs every time they want to use a different part of the house. This staggered floor plan usually isn’t optimal for the elderly, so split level homes (like standard to two-story homes) are more apt to appeal to younger families who don’t mind traversing all three levels repeatedly when cleaning, carrying laundry baskets (usually to appliances on the lowest level), and simply looking for other family members elsewhere on the premises.