Split level homes built between the 1960s and 1980s are prized for their unique multi-level floorplans which elegantly separate public living spaces from private bedrooms. However, their exterior aesthetics frequently read as dated and uninspired. Tired siding, small windows, and lack of decorative details fail to reflect the spacious interiors within.
With strategic upgrades to key facade features, you can radically transform the entire outward appearance. Follow our tips to enhance curb appeal, functionality and home value while staying true to your property’s distinct architectural spirit.
Develop a Unified Vision for Curb Appeal Enhancements
Careful planning forms the core of a cohesive, on-brand exterior renovation. Thoroughly analyze how your split level fits within surrounding home styles. Note which areas require priority fixes to meet neighborhood norms. Then dream big about your ideal upgrades within budget limitations.
Consider Architectural Context and Home Style
A split level makeover must balance personal preferences with community aesthetics so the home blends nicely when complete. Drive around your neighborhood and photograph houses with appealing exteriors. Identify common themes like color schemes, materials, massing and detailing that influence overall harmony. References will help communiciate vision to contractors if hiring out work.
Decide on a Color Palette and Materials
Color profoundly affects mood and curb appeal. Select hues that complement architectural qualities and coordinate across surface materials for cohesion. Neutral paint colors like warm grays, taupes and whites enhance traditional split level lines while allowing accent colors to pop. Building materials also impact styling; stone veneer or brick contrasts nicely with painted siding and black window frames. Determine a consistent materials language.
Outline a Phased Budget and Schedule
Bok total costs into must-have improvements versus nice-to-have additions. Then break into budget phases spanning 1-3 years. Phase 1 could focus on front facade changes like door/window replacements and exterior paint for most visible impact. Phase 2 then addresses functional issues like garage and backyard access. Phase 3 finishes drives and landscaping.
Modernize Windows and Doors for Striking Contrast
Nothing modernizes a split level faster than updating windows and doors. Enlarging openings instantly alleviates dated diminutive styles. Choose durable, energy-efficient replacements then paint black for contemporary pop.
Experiment with Size and Layouts
Most split entry window openings fall smaller than current standards. Opening them to styles better balancing wall space instantly provides cleaner sightlines. Strategically placed new additions like accent windows or egress windows maintain balance while introducing light.
| – Casement | – Double hung |
| – Awning | – Fixed picture |
| – Sliding | – Bay and bow |
Layout new windows to enhance interior spaces as well. Picture windows frame alluring views while bathroom skylights add natural light.
Select Energy Efficient and Low Maintenance Materials
Vinyl remains top choice for its durability and insulation properties, while composite materials offer sleek lines. Search for ENERGY STAR certified options to lower heating/cooling costs through improved air sealing, reflective coatings and layered panes.
Coat Window Frames and Doors in Black for Modern Edge
Black window frames paired with white trim gives split levels a coveted high contrast look. If full frame replacement proves too costly, consider painting existing frames using specifically formulated exterior paint. This applies to doors too – a black front door with nickel hardware makes an impressive statement.
Often easing backyard access proves equally important. French doors invite outdoor enjoyment while slider styles enable flexible entertaining.
Utilize Exterior Siding and Accents for Alluring Contrasts
Replace weathered or ageing siding across upper and lower levels using an integrated mix of materials. Faux stone or brick veneers anchor the base while contrasting panels or board + batten siding lighten above.
Rely on a Combination of Siding Styles
Single siding materials date facades. Instead, get creative, blending horizontal, vertical and decorative options. For example, use shakes or panels on upper floors with a brick skirt below. Wood-look planks on top with a stone veneer foundation proves equally stunning. Contrast styles and textures for modern dimensionality over cladding entirely in one material.
Incorporate Trending Faux Finishes
Faux stone and brick veneers affordably mimic the stately look of true masonry and stonework. When strategically incorporated, they transform split levels from mundane to magnificent seemingly overnight.
Finish With Inspiring Exterior Details
Complete your siding facelift by enhancing trim, lighting and hardware. Crisp white window header and corner trim frames facades. Sconces illuminate entries while satin nickel house numbers and fixtures resist tarnish.
Soften Landscaping to Compliment Architectural Focus
Yard spaces anchor exteriors alongside “hardscape” structures. Soften landscaping with designer plants and eye-catching details to enhance split level renovations holistically from top to bottom.
Strategically Place Greenery for Balance
Gardens sculpted with plants, flowers and trees represent “softscape”, providing contrast to architectural lines. Place foliage to frame home’s form without obscuring. Accent the entryway, edges and corners to tie nature with structure cohesively.
Incorporate Hardscaping Elements Like Patios
Of equal importance is “hardscaping” – non-plant materials adding function. Weave patios, walkways, fences and benches in harmoniously. Retaining walls, privacy fences and pergolas extend living space outdoors.
Construct Multi-functional Areas
Taken further, hardscapes become outdoor living environments themselves when designed with custom amenities. Kitchens, fireplaces, water features and lighting schemes elevate backyards into entertaining oases. Even minimal changes like benches surrounding lush garden beds create backyard sanctuaries. Seamlessly blend soft and hard together.
Work With Specialized Split Level Contractors
Implementing major exterior renovations on a split level home presents unique structural considerations normal contractors may overlook. Prioritize those experienced working specifically on split style properties at the consultation stage.
Verify Load Bearing Limitations
Modifying window and door placements challenges load bearing conditions between a split level’s staggered floors. Professionals well-versed in distributed weight testing ensure structural soundness is never compromised.
Adapt Upgrades to Work Within Existing Footprints
Unlike single story homes, expanding a split level’s footprint proves prohibitive due to poured concrete foundation walls and supports. Savvy split level contractors skillfully modernize facades within given space limitations through creative material and lighting illusions.
Improve Integration Across All Exterior Levels
Staggered layouts present unique cohesion challenges. The strongest renovations seamlessly bridge upper and lower levels using unified design themes. Contractors specifically targeting split level homes excel at homogenously blending additions across jarring planes.
Add Personality Through Custom Architectural Details
Even utilizing the same base selection of renovations, custom embellishments infuse personality into cookie-cutter split level homes. Enhance standard upgrades with special accents reflecting the homeowner’s unique essence and style.
Make Grand Entrances
Welcome guests with striking covered front porches and sweeping overhead porticos. Design entrances reaching two or three stories to match a split level’s commanding height. Accent with charming finishing touches like potted plants, charming benches or welcome mats.
Highlight Facades
Strategically highlight split level faces by framing with vertical columns, dormered windows or board+batten shutters. Paint columns and trim in contrasting accent shades for striking dimensionality against neutral wall colors. Columns visually support extended entrance overhangs and second-floor dormers.
Infuse Whimsy
Finally, add playful customizations that spark joy like a brightly painted front door, unique house numbers or a weathervane roof accent. Even a custom mailbox or quirky stepping stone pathway leading to the front door evokes personality.
Upgrading lackluster split level exteriors is doable. Begin the rewarding process by envisioning your home’s highest potential then craft a phased roadmap for actualizing that vision. Though structural constraints limit some options, the stalwart split level form inherently supports creativity through contrast. Ultimately even small changes make dramatically outsized impacts. Soon you’ll have the most enviable home on the block!
