Split level homes, also known as bi or tri-level houses, are homes with staggered floor arrangements. They typically have two or three compact levels, with one or two short sets of stairs. Split level homes were popularized in the 1950s, after the end of the Second World War. They were constructed to be efficient, functional, and cheap enough for middle-class American families who are looking to move to the suburbs. In this post, we cover practical, low-cost renovations to modernize your split level home that you can carry out on your homes to give it a more modern look and feel.
The Steps should take when you decide to modernize your split level home are as follows ;
Start with a fresh coat of paint
One of the cheapest and most efficient ways to modernize your split level home is slapping a fresh coat of paint on its weathered drab exterior and interior walls. Giving a house, any house for that matter, a fresh coat of paint can dramatically improve its appearance and feel.
Split level homes were designed to be plain and efficient, so they were typically painted with drab muted colors like brown and white. Swapping out the dull colors with vibrant, engaging colors can lend your home more personality, thus making it more modern.
Renovate the stairs, steps, walkway, and pathways
Most Split homes walkways, stairs, steps, and walkways were constructed using plain cement and wood. You can modernize your split house and make it feel homier, by replacing the bland construction materials with modern ones. Swap out your old steps for modern wooden ones with an eye-catching design. You could also replace your cement walkway with a pebbled pathway or a layered brick pathway.
Update the façade of your home
The weathered Bricks and sidings of a split level homes are the most obvious tells of its age. If you really want to give your home a more modern appearance, you have to start from the exterior or façade.
Replacing the sidings of your home is a great and cheap place to start. You should also replace your garage door, maybe get a new roof, and update the lower façade of your home.
Redo your floors, doors window
You can also modernize your house by changing the doors, windows, and flooring. Most split houses come with hardwood flooring. Those floors are probably old and outdated now. You can start your interior renovations by replacing the finish of your wooden floors or replacing it altogether. While you are at it, you could also swap out the old door and window frames for something modern.
Other major and minor changes you can make that could make your house more modern
Here are a few other small and major changes you can make to your home to make it look and feel like it was from this century. Add a small porch
- Add more windows
- Get custom lighting
- Knockdown non-load bearing walls
- Install smoke detector
- Update the kitchen ventilation
- Install home security measures.