Pros and Cons of Buying a Split-Level House

Split-level houses are commonly found in urban cities. These staggered houses have multiple levels separated through short staircases. If you are used to traditional two-story houses, moving to a split-level place can be a dramatic change. To avoid making a rushed choice you might regret, it’s vital to understand the positive and negative features of split-level homes. Today, we will help you compare the pros and cons of split-level homes so you can make the right choice.

Pros of Purchasing a Split-Level House

Split-level homes offer various perks and features you won’t find in traditional two-story homes. This includes:

They Have a Versatile Layout

Split-level houses typically have a versatile layout with multiple distinct living spaces. They provide you with the flexibility to arrange your home in unique ways. For instance, you can arrange the main floor for bedrooms and the living room. The upper story can be used as a guest room, while the basement can be turned into an entertainment center.

The ability to turn your home into a multigenerational living space makes split-level homes ideal for many families. You can check various property listings to pick one that offers you more versatility.

They Are Cost-Effective

An important factor that makes split-level properties better than traditional homes is their cost-effectiveness. When you buy a two-story home, you must pay more considering the construction of two independent floors. Moreover, additional costs jump into the equation like extensive interior decorations and furnishing expenses.

On the other hand, split-level homes are constructed in a different way. They have staggered floors, making them less costly in terms of construction and furnishing.

They Allow Natural Light

Split-level living arrangements allow more space for natural light to enter the house. When you have a single-story home, bedrooms, and other areas may be constructed wall-to-wall. Such arrangements leave minimal space for natural light and ventilation. With a split-level construction, you can have sufficient space for lighting.

Staggering living areas can help you add more windows in rooms. Moreover, you can play around with the interior design with more incoming natural light.

They Offer Privacy

Another important benefit of split-level homes is privacy. When living in a large family, maintaining your privacy can be challenging. A single-story home may not accommodate all members effectively. On the other hand, buying a double-story house may cost you more. With a split-level living arrangement, you can utilize each floor effectively.

For instance, you can set the basement for one set of family members, the ground floor for another set, and the upper story for the rest.

They Have Fewer Stairs

A common challenge for people living in double-story homes is staircases. When you have seniors at home, they may not be able to move up and down comfortably. Such constraints lead to living problems with larger families due to accommodation issues. With split-level houses, you can let go of such worries.

These places typically have fewer stairs, making it easy for seniors and people with disabilities to move between floors.

Cons of Purchasing a Split-Level House

Despite the various benefits of split-level residences, there are a few cons you should keep in the loop, too. We have covered them below for your reference.

They Are Difficult to Customize

While split-level living arrangements are great, they can be fairly difficult to customize. Such houses are constructed in a limited space as compared to traditional double-story homes. You may not be able to experiment with a lot of changes on each floor.

For instance, making extensive changes like floor plans can be tricky in split-level settings. If necessary, you must undergo major construction changes to revamp your home.

They Have Accessibility Issues

Split-level homes typically divide the construction of a single story into multiple floors. This means that you must take the stairs multiple times throughout the day to access different rooms. This arrangement makes it challenging for some people to handle the accessibility part. Plus, you may not be able to organize each room on the same floor due to limited space.

Accessibility issues can be especially concerning for senior citizens. They may not be able to move around in the house too easily.

They May Require Frequent Repairs

Split-level constructions may require more frequent repairs as compared to single- or double-story homes. They have complex rooflines, multiple exterior walls, and added levels. Such a construction can be difficult to alter and repair, making it costly for homeowners. Moreover, a single problem may require additional repairs due to the complexity of the construction plan.

If you need a home that is easy to maintain and costs less in terms of repairs, traditional single- or two-story homes may suit you more.

They Have Uneven Temperatures

When living in split-level houses, the temperature on each floor may be inconsistent. These houses require a more complex heating and cooling system. If you have an air conditioner on the ground floor, it may not be good enough for the floor above or below. Similarly, keeping the whole house warm in winter can be challenging.

As a result, maintaining consistent indoor temperatures can cost you more in split-level arrangements.

They Can Be Noisy

Split-level constructions may not suit you if you need a noise-free living space. These homes have separate floors with a few stairs, making them partially dependent. Excess noise in the basement or top floor can also cause disturbances on the ground floor. This is especially true for bedrooms located near staircases.

Moreover, the noise factor also impacts the property’s value in the competitive market. For this reason, split-level houses are less appealing to certain buyers.

Final Thoughts

The above details highlight the pros and cons of buying split-level houses. When moving from a traditional two-story house to a split-level residence, understanding these factors can help you choose wisely. Despite various cons they come with, split-level houses can serve as cozy living spaces for your loved ones.

If you want to buy a split-level house in your desired area, Fetcharate can help. We offer a free service to help you compare real offers for buying a home. Explore our website today to get started!