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Split-level


A split-level home (also called a tri-level home) is a style of house in which the floor levels are staggered. There are typically two short sets of stairs, one running upward to a bedroom level, and one going downward toward a basement area. The basement level is usually finished, and often contains additional living areas (most often, a family room, an office and/or a hobby or playroom), as well as frequently laundry facilities and other utilities. The basement level often also features a garage, and is usually level with the driveway. Beneath the main level (downward from the basement level) is usually crawl space, or sometimes additional basement space, which is frequently unfinished.

A sidesplit is where the split level is visible from the front elevation of the home.

A backsplit is where the split level is only visible from the side elevation. The front elevations shows only a single story and the two stories are in the back.

A bi-level includes two short sets of stairs and two levels. The entry is between floors. The front door opens to a landing. One short flight of stairs leads up to the top floor; another short flight of stairs leads down. The top floor tends to be full height ceilings with the living room, dining room, kitchen, bedrooms and bathrooms. The lower floor often has lower ceilings and is partially below ground. However, in many modern split-foyer homes, the lower level is at grade, which necessitates an outdoor staircase to reach the front door. These homes often have very high ceilings on the lower level to accommodate the home's HVAC ducting.

A modified bilevel home has a garage attached at the front of the bilevel, not under it. The front entry is larger with room for groups of people to enter and a closet. (This change addresses the major complaint about the cramped front entry space.) The garage entry also opens into the front entry. The modification is the addition of another level above the garage using a third short flight of steps going up from the great room area to additional bedrooms or a master bedroom with en suite.

The stacked split level has four or five short sets of stairs, and five or six levels. The entry is on a middle floor between two levels. The front door opens into a foyer, and two short sets of stairs typically lead down to a basement and up to a living area (often the kitchen or the living room). Another short set of stairs typically leads to at least one bedroom, located on top of the first living area. Often additional bedrooms are "stacked" on top of the second living area, hence the name "stacked split level". This type of construction is typically used for townhouses.


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