What is a back split house
Robert Spencer
Published Apr 24, 2026
Similar to a side-split, the back-split-style home is divided into multiple levels, but it looks different from the outside. Unlike a side-split house, the split levels of a back-split house can be viewed only from the side, and only one story is visible from the front, while two stories are visible from the back.
What is the purpose of a split level house?
The split-level blueprint allows for more separation between downstairs and upstairs than other home designs and is great for those who want to have an office, gym, or hobby space downstairs. The money-savvy might even rent out a downstairs bedroom to a roommate.
Does a split-level home have a basement?
Yes, split-level homes do have basements and garages. Upon entering a split-level home, you’ll usually see one staircase leading up to bedroom levels, and another staircase leading down to the basement level. The basement floor is level with the driveway, and often features a laundry room or living area.
What is the advantage of a split level house?
This can make a split-level home a great starter home option for a young, growing family. Efficient use of space and privacy. For families, a split-level home offers greater separation of space than an open floor plan. This reduces the probability of noise traveling between rooms and allows for more privacy.Are split levels making a comeback?
In light of what we discussed in this article, it is easy to see that split level houses are making a strong comeback. Putting up a split level home for rent or investing for appreciation are highly recommended approaches if you want to capitalize on this trend.
Is it more expensive to build a split level home?
A common question we receive: are split level homes more expensive to build. On average, sloping blocks are cheaper than standard flat blocks. This comes down to demand for level building sites and the ease of building on a level surface.
Why are raised ranches popular?
It was born in the 1950s and 1960s when growing families needed more room to expand than a single story ranch home and became a popular choice because they saved costs when building.
What is a front to back split house?
Usually the basement level is “walk out”. A split entry has a different look than a raised ranch from the outside as the front entry door lines up to the front windows differently. A variation of the split entry is called the “front to back split” in which there are two upper levels.What makes a house a bungalow?
A bungalow is a style of house or cottage that is typically either a single story or has a second, half, or partial story, that is built into a sloped roof. Bungalows are typically small in terms of size and square footage and often are distinguished by the presence of dormer windows and verandas.
What is the difference between split level and 2 story?A split-level home design incorporates aspects of both a two-story design and a ranch home. In a typical split-level design, a conventional two-story section of the home is connected to a single-story section, with the single-story section meeting the two-story section at a level halfway between the two floors.
Article first time published onWhat type of foundation does a split level home have?
In a split level home, part of the foundation is typically a slab or crawl space, and part is a full height basement – often, a daylight basement. Leave Automatically Rebuild Foundation unchecked. Select Walls With Footings as the Foundation Type.
What is a 2 story house?
A traditional 2 story house plan presents the main living spaces (living room, kitchen, etc) on the main level, while all bedrooms reside upstairs. A more modern two story house plan features its master bedroom on the main level, while the kid/guest rooms remain upstairs.
What is a split ranch?
Split Level Ranch house plans are a variation of the Ranch genre, designed to get a little more space in the typically modest footprint of a true Ranch home. … A half-flight up you’ll find a basic ranch plan, with living areas, kitchen, and bedrooms all on one level.
What is a quad level home?
A quad house is a house attached on 2 consecutive or perpendicular sides to 2 other houses, each one with private and direct entrance via their front or side garden. When facing any of the four sides of the group, they appear to be semi-detached houses. Quad pretty clearly describes the style.
What is the point of a raised ranch?
A raised ranch is a ranch-style house that’s been set on a foundation that allows living space below the main level, usually in the form of a basement halfway below grade with a bathroom and/or laundry room, and sometimes a garage.
When were raised ranches built?
The Raised Ranch style gained popularity in the mid-to-late 1950s and 1960s. Growing families needed more space than the typical Ranch house could provide.
Who invented the raised ranch?
Clifford May, a self-taught architect in San Diego, is considered the father of Ranch houses, as many architectural historians trace the birth of the style to a house he designed and built in 1931. May told The New York Times in the 1980s: “’I rebelled against the boxy houses being built then.
Are split level homes energy efficient?
Energy use is also inefficient in split level homes. Though levels are separated, they are still open, preventing the control of energy usage on unused levels.
Can you build a split level home on a flat block?
The majority of builders – especially project home builders – just don’t accommodate split level home designs. They offer only pre-designed plans for flat, or nearly flat, blocks. Split level home designs have more factors to consider in the design than a standard home.
How do you build a split level house?
- Replace and add windows. Small windows can make a home look dated. …
- Add a skylight or solar tubes. Bring in some light from above too! …
- Go for custom mirrors. …
- Install custom lighting. …
- Use light paint colors. …
- Remove walls.
Why are bungalows so expensive?
Many people ask why are bungalows so expensive, and it is simply down to the space per plot. Naturally with just one floor, you will get far less living space and therefore pay more per square foot for your home. This explains why bungalows are more expensive than houses.
What is a bungalow vs Ranch?
First, ranch homes tend to be bigger and more rectangular, with long hallways separating living areas from sleeping areas, while bungalows are generally more square with living areas closer to bedrooms. They also tend to have attached garages, which is not a common trait of bungalows.
What is the difference between a bungalow and cottage?
As nouns the difference between cottage and bungalow is that cottage is a small house; a cot; a hut while bungalow is a small house or cottage usually having a single story.
What is a bilevel?
A bilevel (or bi-level) house is a one-storey house much like a raised bungalow, but spun around 180 degress. The front door opens onto a landing that leads both up stairs to the main floor or down stairs to the basement.
How tall is a 2 story house?
What is the average height of a two story house? The average height of a two story house varies, but the minimum height is often around 16 feet. Many two story houses range between 20 and 25 feet high.
Why do people not like split-level homes?
While split-level houses are preferred by some homeowners, they can be unattractive to others, making them harder to sell. Some of the features that might make a split-level house hard to sell are having too many stairs, limited natural light, a floor plan that feels choppy, feeling outdated or having no curb appeal.
Is it cheaper to build a 1 story or 2 story house?
Per square foot, a one-story house is more costly to build than a two-story home. There is a larger footprint, meaning more foundation building and more roofing materials. … Two-story homes, on average, command higher prices, because the demand among families is higher.
Is a maisonette a flat?
A maisonette would traditionally refer to a self-contained flat with its own front door directly off the street, most commonly over two floors. This distinguishes it from flats on one floor only, which are typically accessed via a shared entrance and internal common parts.
What is a 2.5 story house?
A 2.5 story is a residence with three levels of living area characterized by a steep roof slope and dormers (which project from the roof and have windows on their fronts). Because of the roof design, the area of the third floor is usually 40% to 70% of the ground floor area.
What is a stacked ranch house?
Stacked split-level house have at least four floors; think of it like side split, but with another story built over the living room. These houses have a main stairway that connects each of the staggered levels with short sets of steps.
Are split-level homes harder to sell?
Split-level homes are harder to sell because of a combination of the age of their owners and the age of the actual houses. A large older population trying to sell many split-level homes creates abundant supply, while their dated decor combined with wear and tear lowers demand.