So, you live in a split-level home and you’re thinking about making some changes? You’re definitely not alone. Many people love the space these homes offer but find the choppy layout a bit challenging for modern living. Learning how to remodel a split level home can turn those frustrations into a space you truly adore.

Hire a general contractor in Bucks County and surrounding area that can help with the entire remodel process. Wolfpack Home Services offers a variety of specialty trade services in the industry to make a complete remodel easy for the homeowner.

These houses, popular from the 1950s through the 70s, have a distinct character often associated with the mid-century split-level style. But that character sometimes includes walls where you wish there were none and transitions that feel a bit abrupt across the multiple levels. The good news is that understanding how to remodel a split level home opens up many possibilities.

What Makes Split-Levels Different?

Before planning your renovation, it helps to appreciate what defines a split-level. Unlike ranches or colonials, these homes feature multiple staggered floor levels connected by short flights of stairs. This design often creates distinct zones for living, sleeping, and utilities.

You might have a split-foyer (or bi-level), where the front door opens onto a landing with stairs immediately going up and down, often making the entry feel cramped. Or maybe it’s a standard split, with a main level usually containing the living room, dining room, and kitchen. From this main living space, short stairs typically lead up to bedrooms and down to a lower-level family room or garage.

These designs were efficient for building on sloped lots and became popular during suburban expansion. However, they often result in compartmentalized rooms that feel disconnected compared to today’s preference for open floor plans. Those short staircases, while minimizing steps between levels, can interrupt visual continuity and light flow.

Popular Goals for a Split-Level Remodel

Most people wanting to update their split-level share similar dreams for their living space. They want to break free from the boxy layout and make the space feel more connected, bright, and current. It’s about transforming the existing structure into something that better supports contemporary lifestyles.

Creating an Open Floor Plan

This is frequently the top priority for remodeling split-level homes. Taking down walls, especially between the kitchen, living room, and dining room areas on the main level, can dramatically alter the home’s atmosphere. It fosters a sense of spaciousness, improves light flow, and makes entertaining and family interaction much easier, often resulting in a desirable great room configuration.

However, achieving an open floor plan often involves significant structural changes. Many interior walls in split-levels are load-bearing walls, meaning they support the structure above. Removing them requires careful structural assessment, engineering calculations, and professional execution.

Simply removing a wall isn’t always straightforward; relocating plumbing, electrical wiring, and HVAC ductwork hidden within those walls adds complexity and cost. Proper planning with an expert team is essential to ensure the structural integrity and safety of your home. Considering the new layout for room furniture placement is also important for functionality.

Modernizing the Entryway

The typical split-foyer entrance can feel tight and unwelcoming. Remodeling this area often involves opening up the staircase, updating railings, improving lighting, or even slightly reconfiguring the entry floor plan. Creating a positive first impression starts the moment someone steps inside.

Sometimes, removing a non-essential closet or part of a wall near the entry can make the space feel bigger. Consider creating a more defined landing area with stylish flooring or a welcoming bench with built-in storage. Upgrading the front door itself can also make a huge impact on both the interior feel and exterior curb appeal.

Improved lighting, such as a striking pendant fixture or recessed lighting, can banish shadows and make the entryway more inviting. Using lighter paint colors and perhaps a strategically placed mirror can further enhance the sense of space. The goal is to make the transition into the home smooth and pleasant.

Improving Flow Between Levels

Making the transitions between the multiple levels feel less jarring is another common objective in split level renovations. This might involve widening staircases where possible, although often limited by structure. More commonly, updating railing styles to something visually lighter (like metal balusters, cable rails, or glass panels) can make a significant difference.

Creating visual connections between levels also helps. Consistent flooring materials used on landings and stairs can visually link adjacent living areas. Strategic lighting design plays a role too, guiding the eye and making movement between floors feel more natural and less like navigating separate boxes.

Sometimes, small architectural changes, like adding an interior window or pass-through between levels, can foster connection without major structural work. The aim is to make the entire home feel cohesive, despite its inherent level changes. This enhances the overall living experience within the home.

Updating Kitchens and Bathrooms

Naturally, kitchen and bathroom remodels are popular upgrades in any home, including split-levels. The focus here is often on reconfiguring layouts within the existing footprint to improve function and aesthetics. Opening up kitchen walls can allow for better layouts, perhaps incorporating an island or a peninsula with seating, maybe even a small breakfast nook.

Split-level kitchens can sometimes be small or oddly shaped due to the home’s structure. Creative interior design solutions are needed to maximize counter space, storage, and workflow. Choosing appropriate room furniture, like a well-scaled dining set for an eat-in area, is also part of the plan.

Bathrooms, especially those on upper or lower levels, might require updated fixtures, tile, and better layouts to feel less dated and more highly functional. Professional bathroom remodelers can help optimize small spaces. Sometimes, borrowing square footage from an adjacent closet or unused area allows for a larger shower, double vanity, or more storage.

Adding Living Space

Split-levels often have underutilized lower levels or basement areas that are ideal for finishing. Converting this space into a comfortable family room, home office, gym, or guest suite is a popular way of adding space and value. Ensuring these lower living areas have adequate light, proper insulation, and comfortable finishes is crucial for making them truly usable.

For safety and building code compliance, adding bedrooms in a basement requires proper egress windows. Improving natural light overall can be achieved if you add windows or enlarge existing ones. Good artificial lighting design is also essential to make the lower level feel welcoming.

Depending on your property lines and local zoning laws, expanding the footprint might be an option. This could involve a modest bump-out to enlarge a specific room or a more substantial addition creating a new living area. Seamlessly integrating an addition with the existing multiple levels requires careful architectural planning.

Getting Started: Planning Your Project

A successful split-level remodel depends heavily on thorough planning. Rushing into demolition without a clear floor plan and budget can lead to costly mistakes and prolonged disruption. Invest time upfront to define your goals and understand the process.

Define Your Needs and Wants

Begin by making two lists. First, list the absolute must-haves – the aspects of your current home that cause the most frustration or dysfunction. Second, list your wishes – the features or changes you’d love to incorporate if the budget and feasibility allow.

Think critically about how you and your family use the home daily and how you envision using it after the remodel. Consider traffic patterns between living areas, storage requirements (think built-in storage solutions.), entertaining needs, and dedicated zones for activities like work or hobbies. This detailed thinking helps prioritize elements of your guide interior remodel plan.

Set a Realistic Budget

Home remodeling costs can fluctuate significantly based on project scope, material quality, location, and labor rates. Research typical project costs in your area; resources like online remodeling magazines often publish a cost guide or installation cost guide for common upgrades. However, these are averages, so getting personalized quotes is necessary.

Always incorporate a contingency fund, generally 10-20% of your estimated project cost, into your budget. This buffer covers unforeseen issues like hidden structural problems, outdated wiring requiring upgrades, or material price increases. Major structural changes, like removing load-bearing walls or adding space, will have a much higher installation cost than cosmetic updates.

Be forthright about your financial limits with designers and contractors. Understanding the budget early helps steer design decisions and material selections. Explore financing options if needed, such as home equity loans or lines of credit.

Here’s a simplified look at potential cost factors:

Factor	Impact on Cost	Example
Project Scope	High	Removing load-bearing walls vs. painting interior walls.
Material Quality	Medium-High	Luxury vinyl tile vs. imported marble flooring.
Structural Changes	High	Adding beams, altering rooflines, foundation work for additions.
Location	Medium	Labor and material costs vary geographically.
Age of Home	Medium	Potential for asbestos, lead paint, outdated plumbing/electrical requiring upgrades.
Professional Fees	Medium	Architects, designers, engineers, general contractors.

Remember, this table provides a general overview. Actual installation cost will depend on the specifics of your project.

Research and Inspiration

Gather ideas for your split-level transformation. Browse online platforms like Houzz and Pinterest, specifically searching for split-level remodels. Save images that resonate with you, noting specific layouts, finishes, color palettes, and interior design elements you appreciate.

If possible, visit open houses featuring remodeled split-levels in your area. Seeing transformations in person can provide valuable insights and help you visualize the potential for your own living space. Consider the overall interior design style you aim for – modern, traditional, transitional, farmhouse, or something else entirely.

Think about how different finishes and materials contribute to the overall feel. For example, light-colored flooring can make spaces feel bigger, while strategic use of wood tones can add warmth. Creating a mood board can help consolidate your ideas and communicate your vision to professionals.

Hiring the Right Professionals

Unless you’re only planning minor cosmetic updates, you’ll likely need professional assistance from an expert team. An architect or experienced interior designer can help reimagine the floor plan, create detailed drawings, and guide material selections, especially if structural changes are involved. Reputable general contractors or specialized remodeling companies are crucial for managing the construction process, coordinating subcontractors (like electricians, plumbers, and bathroom remodelers), and ensuring quality workmanship.

Seek professionals with documented experience in remodeling split-level homes. They will be familiar with the common structural configurations and potential challenges these homes present. Obtain recommendations from friends or neighbors, check online reviews, verify licenses and insurance, and review portfolios and references before signing any contracts, a step emphasized by consumer protection agencies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Clearly communicate your budget, goals, and timeline from the outset. Good communication and a clear contract are foundational to a smooth remodeling experience. Discuss how unforeseen issues will be handled and ensure measures are in place to protect visitors and occupants during construction if you plan to live in the house during the work.

How to Remodel a Split Level Home: Key Areas

Let’s explore some specific areas and common strategies involved in how to remodel a split level home. Addressing these key areas often yields the most significant improvements. Success here transforms how the house lives and feels.

Opening Up Walls: The Structural Side

Creating an open concept is often transformative for split-levels, but it demands careful execution. Before any interior walls come down, it’s absolutely essential to determine if they are load-bearing. Only qualified general contractors or a structural engineer should make this determination.

If a wall carries structural load, removing it requires installing an appropriately sized beam (often Laminated Veneer Lumber – LVL, steel, or glulam) to distribute the weight previously supported by the wall. This process involves temporarily supporting the ceiling/floor above, demolishing the wall, precisely installing the new beam, and then finishing the surrounding surfaces (drywall, flooring, trim). This complex task requires permits and professional expertise.

Improperly removing load-bearing walls can compromise your home’s structural integrity, leading to sagging floors, cracked drywall, or worse. Ensure the beam calculations account for the span distance and the load it must support. This is a critical step for safety and longevity.

Revamping the Foyer Experience

Improving the entryway makes a substantial difference in how welcoming split-level homes feel. For split-foyers, replacing solid or outdated railings with visually lighter options like horizontal bars, cable systems, or glass panels can dramatically open the view. Enhancing lighting with a stylish ceiling fixture, wall sconces, or recessed lights creates a brighter, more inviting atmosphere and can serve as a focal point.

While widening the actual stairs is often structurally complex, removing adjacent closets or non-load-bearing walls can significantly enlarge the landing area. Consider practical additions like built-in storage benches or sleek console tables. Using light paint colors and large mirrors helps reflect light and makes a small foyer feel bigger.

Upgrading the flooring material in the entry can also define the space and improve durability. Think about materials that can withstand foot traffic while complementing the style of the adjoining living areas. The goal is a gracious and functional entry.

Integrating the Kitchen

Split-level kitchens frequently feel isolated from the main living areas. Removing or partially removing walls between the kitchen dining room area and the living room creates the connected feel many homeowners desire. Incorporating an island or peninsula can provide valuable counter space, informal seating (replacing or supplementing a breakfast nook), and a natural demarcation of the kitchen zone within the larger open space.

Integrating the kitchen often necessitates rerouting plumbing supply lines and drains, electrical circuits, and HVAC ductwork that may be housed in the removed walls. Factor these complexities into your planning and budget. Careful consideration of appliance placement within the new layout is vital for creating a highly functional kitchen workflow.

Using consistent flooring that flows from the kitchen into the adjacent living room and dining room enhances the sense of unity. Proper lighting, including task lighting under cabinets, pendant lights over an island, and general ambient lighting, is crucial in the redesigned kitchen space. Thoughtful placement of room furniture in the adjoining areas completes the integrated design.

Making Lower Levels Feel Brighter

The lower levels or basements in split-level homes can sometimes feel dark, damp, or disconnected from the rest of the house. Maximizing natural light is paramount to making these spaces inviting. Explore opportunities to add windows or enlarge existing ones; window wells can significantly increase light penetration.

If the lower level has walk-out potential, consider adding glass patio doors. For basement bedrooms, installing code-compliant egress windows is mandatory for safety and greatly improves light and ventilation. Strategies to optimize natural light are key.

Supplement natural light with a well-designed artificial lighting plan. Use layers of light: recessed ceiling fixtures for general illumination, task lighting for specific areas like desks or craft tables, and floor or table lamps for ambiance. Light paint colors on walls and ceilings, along with mirrors or glossy finishes, help reflect light and make the space feel bigger and brighter, similar to successful basement remodeling approaches.

Exterior Updates

Enhancing curb appeal boosts your enjoyment and the home’s resale value. New siding, energy-efficient upgrade windows, and a modern front door can completely transform the exterior appearance of the split-level style. Sometimes altering window sizes or adding new ones can also improve the facade’s balance and optimize natural light inside.

A fresh coat of paint is one of the most cost-effective ways to achieve a huge impact. Consider a color scheme that complements the home’s architecture and surroundings. Updated garage doors can also significantly improve the look, especially if the garage is prominent on the front elevation.

Engaging a landscape contractor can make a world of difference. Thoughtful landscaping, including creating defined pathways, adding attractive plantings, and incorporating outdoor lighting, can soften the often-angular lines of a split-level and enhance its connection to the site. More ambitious exterior changes, like modifying rooflines, adding dormers, or building a front porch, are possible but represent a greater investment.

What Will Your Split-Level Remodel Cost?

The inevitable question revolves around cost. The expense of remodeling a split-level home varies widely, influenced by the project’s scope, chosen materials, your geographic location, and the professionals you hire. There’s no single answer, but understanding the components helps in planning.

Minor cosmetic updates, such as painting interior walls, replacing light fixtures, or updating cabinet hardware, might cost a few thousand dollars. A mid-range kitchen or bathroom remodel typically ranges from $25,000 to $75,000 or more, depending heavily on size, layout changes, appliance choices, and finish quality. Consult specific bathroom remodelers for accurate bath estimates.

Major structural work, like removing load-bearing walls, reconfiguring multiple levels, adding space through an addition, or significant exterior modifications, will drive costs substantially higher, potentially well into the six-figure range. Obtain a detailed installation cost guide or breakdown from prospective general contractors or remodeling companies.

Several factors influence the final price tag detailed in any cost guide. The age of your home might necessitate bringing plumbing or electrical systems up to current code, or potentially dealing with hazardous materials like asbestos or lead paint. Permit fees, architectural or engineering fees, and the specific rates of your chosen expert team all contribute to the total installation cost.

Always get detailed, written quotes from several qualified and vetted contractors. Compare the scope of work included in each quote carefully, not just the bottom line price. And don’t forget that contingency fund – it’s essential protection against budget overruns caused by the unexpected discoveries common in remodeling older homes.

Consider the potential return on investment (ROI) as well. Well-executed kitchen and bathroom remodels generally offer a solid return. Projects that enhance curb appeal (like new siding or landscaping by a landscape contractor) or add functional living space (like finishing a basement or adding a great room) are also typically seen as valuable investments, according to real estate sources like the National Association of Realtors.

Conclusion

Remodeling a split-level home involves addressing specific architectural challenges, but the potential rewards are significant. By tackling the often-segmented layout and updating dated features, you can create a home that flows seamlessly and feels perfectly suited to contemporary living. Thorough planning, realistic budgeting, and collaboration with experienced professionals are fundamental to success.

Understanding the possibilities, potential costs, and common approaches for how to remodel a split level home empowers you to make informed decisions. It’s about transforming a potentially awkward structure into your ideal living space, connecting the multiple levels into a cohesive whole. With thoughtful interior design and smart structural modifications, your split-level can become wonderfully open, highly functional, and truly inviting.