Split Level vs. Bi-Level: What’s the Difference in Home Design?

If you are searching for an inspired part of real estate, you can choose from various home types and designs. Bi-level and split-level houses are 2 of the most popular housing kinds. While future buyers sometimes misunderstand these two-house alternates, both provide unique experiences and designs.

A split-level home has several stores. In comparison, a bi-level focusing has only one level. This level has uneven flooring and steps. Though bi-level houses are still typical in the USA, they were enormously collective in the 1970s and 1980s. If you make an offer on the home of your choice, you need to comprehend the difference between split-level vs. bi-level. So, without any further stay, let’s get started!

What Is A Split-Level Home?

Split-level houses, referred to as multi-level houses, started appearing in the middle of the 20th century. These designs grew popular in suburban. These homes differentiate themselves by having floors at different levels resembling stairs or a “split.”

Split-level houses include the following main features:

• Staggered Layout: A split-level design splits the home into many levels, typically 3 or 4. These levels are connected by tiny stairs, giving a sense of separation across living spaces.
• Open Floor Plans: The kitchen, dining area, and living room frequently appear on the main floor of split-level homes, which often have an open floor plan. This allows for simple movement and interaction between various points of interest.
• Bedrooms on Different floors: Bedrooms frequently reside on various levels than the main living areas to offer solitude and seclusion. This layout could be great for families or people looking for separate sleeping rooms.
• Basement or Lower Level: Split-level places often have a basement or lower level that can be used for various purposes, like a family room, home office, or extra bedrooms.
• Garage Location: The garage in a split-level home is usually positioned on one of the lower floors, making it more accessible for homeowners.
• Pros of Split-Level Homes

Split-level homes have multiple benefits over bi-level dwellings, such as the following:

• Non-family apartments allow for many people to live in the dwelling.
• This sort of home gives visual appeal and a more older style feel.
• Makes efficient use of lots with little open space.
• An adaptable alternative for building a house on slopes or hillsides.

Cons of Split-Level Houses

While split-level places come with multiple benefits, a few disadvantages exist before making an offer. These problems include the following:

• The terrain must be leveled in preparation for building.
• These residences are rarely designed with open-floor designs
• Moving from one floor to another can prove tedious due to a few staircases.
• You may need to add a series of stairs along the exterior to enter your property.
• These homes usually have limits to attached garages.

What Is A Bi-Level Home?

Bi-level houses, often split-entry homes, are another popular architectural design, especially in suburban areas. These residences have two peculiar floors, with a small stairway connecting the entry to the higher and lower levels.

The main elements of bi-level dwellings are:

• Two primary Levels: As the name implies, bi-level buildings feature two primary levels: upper and lower. The top level usually houses the main living areas, while the lower level typically houses bedrooms, added living areas, and the garage.
• Symmetrical Design: Bi-level homes often have a symmetrical design, with a central entry rising to a landing from which you can access either the upper or lower level. This design can convey an impression of balance and simplicity.
• Separation of Living Spaces: A bi-level home’s upper level often houses the kitchen, dining room, and living room, giving a more traditional layout than split-level homes’ open designs. This difference could be appealing to people who like distinct living spaces.
• Accessibility: The bottom level of a bi-level home can often be partially above ground, making it more readily available and ideal for use as extra living space, bedrooms, or a home office.
• Garage Integration: In bi-level homes, the garage usually fits into the lower level, providing direct access to the house.

Pros of Bi-Level Houses

The main benefits of bi-level dwellings include the following:

• Affordable Housing Option
• Family houses provide more privacy and usually include completed basements.
• Spacious layout.
• It is possible to have a completely separate garage.

Cons of Bi-Level Houses:

While bi-level homes have many perks, they are not suitable for everyone. The difficulties linked with bi-level homes include the following.

• Large families may fill their area.
• You must utilize stairs regularly even if you don’t have a higher floor.
• These houses are not generally simple to sell.

Split Level vs. Bi-level: Key Design Differences

• Layout: Split-level and bi-level homes differ mainly in their design. Split-level homes include many staggered levels, whereas bi-level homes have only two significant floors.
• Open vs. conventional Design: Split-level places have an open floor plan linking significant living spaces, while bi-level homes have a more traditional layout.
• Bedroom placement: Bedrooms in split-level homes may be on different floors than the living territories, giving greater privacy. In bi-level homes, bedrooms tend to sit on the lower level, closer to the main living spaces.
• Garage Location: Split-level homes often feature a garage on one of the lower levels, whereas bi-level homes integrate the garage into the lower level.

Here’s a table that explains the primary differences between split-level vs bi-level homes:

How Much Do Split-Level vs Bi-Level Homes Cost?

The cost of split- and bi-level homes varies considerably based on location, dimensions, conditions, and other factors.

A split-level home in the USA usually costs between $150,000 and $400,000. Bi-level houses may have similar costs. Prices typically begin at $150,000 but could go over $200,000.

When choosing a split-level vs. bi-level home, estimate your lifestyle, partialities for design, and budget. Split-story homes have the lure of having multiple staggered levels, resulting in distinctive, versatile living spaces—ideal for people who prefer seclusion or numerous usages. In contrast, bi-level homes have a more simplified, classic framework with two significant levels, often resulting in cheaper rates and more straightforward navigation.

Understanding the fundamental differences in layout, usefulness, and cost allows you to confidently decide if the split-level or bi-level design best corresponds to your future home investment.