Restyle Split Level Home Exteriors

Split level homes rose to prominence in the mid 20th century as an affordable and space-efficient housing option. Characterized by staggered floor levels connected by short staircases, the unique multi-story layout aims to maximize living space within a modest building footprint. While economical, the tiered configuration and abundance of junctions in split foyer architecture can pose design challenges in balancing aesthetics, functionality and maintenance.

As decades pass, many homeowners seek exterior remodels to update the look of aging split entry houses. A "split level exterior makeover" extends beyond superficial facelifts to transform these homes to meet contemporary needs. Strategic renovations refresh cramped, narrow facades to create a welcoming curb appeal showcasing the home's distinctive shape.

Evaluating Split Level House Exteriors

Initiating exterior renovations first involves assessing a split level's infrastructure along with homeowners' objectives. While adding flairs of personal style is tempting, planned changes should align with preserving architectural integrity and functionality.

Identifying Needs and Goals For Outdoor Areas

Review how your household uses outdoor spaces to identify desired improvements. Expanding entertaining space may require extending decks or patios, while enhancing backyard privacy could involve installing tall fences or landscape buffers. Even small upgrades like pathway lighting or porch furnishings can make areas more usable.

Assessing Current Exterior Conditions

A solid inspection helps determine which elements of an aging split level house need repairs versus components to replace for pure aesthetics. While dated siding and roofing materials may still adequately protect from weather, focusing updates on deteriorating fixtures provides longer-lasting enhancements.

Considering Traffic Flow and Privacy

Rearranging entryways, doors or pathways facilitating natural circulation through a split level's tiered floors merits consideration. For instance, converting little-used side doors to main entrances allows better accessibility. Strategically placed landscaping or fences boost seclusion where needed without obstructing sightlines.

Setting Realistic Budget Expectations

Itemizing desired remodels from structural repairs clarifies budgeting, especially when customizing unique split home architecture. Blending essential fixes with affordable facelifts balances cost versus return on investment through sustained enhancements.

Modern Exterior Design Ideas for Split Foyers

Today's prevailing exterior trends emphasize seamless indoor/outdoor living through ample natural light coupled with easy flow between rooms and outdoor areas. These principles guide reimagining split level home exteriors as contemporary, inviting spaces.

Adding Warmth With Natural Wood and Stone

Indigenous wood or stacked stone surfaces infuse organic texture against the rigid lines of multi-level architecture. Mixed material exteriors using brick, wood paneling or timber accents lend a relaxed, welcoming vibe. These naturally sourced finishes withstand weathering, offering low-maintenance durability.

Creating Curb Appeal With Bold Colors

Using an expanded color palette sparks visual interest while modernizing traditional red brick split foyer facades. Contrasting deep hues on siding or architectural detailing gives multi-dimensional effects. Painting formerly forgotten surfaces like the garage door incorporates them as impactful design elements.

Upgrading With Low Maintenance Materials

Vinyl plank wraps on exposed concrete, composite decking or fiber cement siding deliver eye-catching modern styles without ongoing upkeep. These advanced materials resist moisture, impact damage and wear over time. Their cutting-edge look disguises aging structures through sleek, flush finishes.

Blending Indoor/Outdoor Living Spaces

Glass garage doors, multiple patio access points and expanded windows maximize light permeability and access between indoor and outdoor rooms. Flexible layouts allow customizing furnishings to accommodate household needs or match the seasons. Disappearing walls of folding glass doors fully open interiors to tranquil backyard views.

Prioritizing Necessary Split Level Exterior Upgrades

Since split foyers integrate structures on multiple levels, deferred maintenance exponentially compounds into costly restorations. Routinely modernizing critical fixtures maintains curb appeal while preventing irreversible damage from weathering or wear.

Replacing Damaged Siding and Roofing

Preventing leaks and structural instability warrants replacing cracked, missing roof shingles or siding planks allowing water intrusion. Consider resilient vinyl or fiber cement lapsiding along with architectural grade shingles for lasting quality and aesthetic updates.

Improving Energy Efficiency of Doors and Windows

Air leaks waste energy while admitting dust and noise in aging, single pane windows and poorly sealed exterior doors common in older constructions. Replacing these fixtures with energy efficient models better insulates interiors from sound and climate while lowering energy bills.

Securing Exposed Foundations and Structures

Worn masonry on open foundations and landscape structures cracks over seasons of freeze/thaw cycles, allowing moisture seepage. Repointing joints with fresh motar seals bricks while patching and painting extends durability of fences, retaining walls or ornamental landscape designs.

Upgrading Driveways, Walkways and Landscaping

Patching cracked asphalt or concrete contains further root damage from weeds growing in gaps. Powerwashing removes decades of stains from aging concrete while a fresh sealant protects the restored surface. Well-planned greenery softens hard edges of tiered architecture using colors, textures and adjusted sightlines.

Strategic Changes For a Stunning Transformation

Streamlining disparate levels, finishes and rooflines transforms disjoined split foyers into holistic, welcoming facades. Subtle yet impactful enhancements highlight the home's unique style instead of camouflaging unflattering features.

Maximizing Visual Impact With Strategic Paint

Beyond basic color updates, using contrasting hues on distinctive house elements creates cohesion. Painting the recessed notches between levels or lighting roof overhangs draws attention to interesting architectural details. Contrasting garage doors or accent trim completes an integrated update.

Utilizing Multilevel Spaces and Angles

Tiered sides and staggered setbacks inherent to split foyers create opportunities for built-in flowerboxes on railings and balconies to trail cascades of color. Capitalizing on the home's multi-dimensional form adds depth versus masking it under siding.

Accenting Architecture Features and Lines

Emphasizing lines where roof sections join or integrating custom shutters refines awkward angles into clean symmetry. If deck supports, railings or trim haven't been updated since initial building, swapping these for sleeker fixtures refreshes the overall look.

Harmonizing A Cohesive Design Aesthetic

Coordinating outdoor furnishings with exterior paint colors visually enlarges rooms by extending hues from indoor palettes outside through aligned patios or decks. Repeat design elements like accent trim and fixtures establish continuity across the multi-level facade.

Maintaining Your Investment Over Time

Properly caring for upgraded exteriors preserves their integrity and visual appeal while safeguarding homeowners' financial investment. Establish proactive upkeep routines suited to each material protecting your refreshed split ranch house.

Establishing Preventative Maintenance Routines

Annually checking for damaged roofing or siding following severe weather helps seal any minor repairs before leaks form. Catching faded exterior paint before it chips lets you touch up color rather than fully repainting. Checking and lubricating window and door mechanisms reduces wear.

Repairing Damage Quickly

Fixing broken lighting fixtures, cracks in concrete walks or sealing compromised caulking around windows prevents further injury from the elements. Leaving damage unaddressed risks higher restoration expenses later, so make repairs immediately upon noticing issues.

Instead of waiting until floorboards are too far gone to salvage, lay new decking once existing planks show significant wear. Plan ahead to redo the driveway or walkway sealant every 5-7 years based on your climate conditions and usage level.