Ideas for funky looking split level
Mil DiBa
2 years ago
last modified: last year
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Split Level & Converting Garage - Design ideas...
Comments (17)I know this is an older post but I am completing a garage conversion so I thought maybe I could help and hop off what others have mentioned. #1 DO YOUR RESEARCH!! Our garage conversion has taken over a year because of zoning and permit nightmares. As someone else has mentioned this is not an easy transition and not only is it costly up front, if you are thinking of selling within the next 10-15 years you may be better off relocating instead of renovating.....also for sanity purposes! If you are eliminating a garage it's a good idea to think about how you will replace it. We built a 32x24 pole barn in the corner of our back yard and are putting in a driveway next year. However, you have to look at the blue print of your lot and zoning. For example, we have a decent size corner lot but we still have to abide by the 60/40 rule for greenscape: we cannot build on more than 40% of our "greenscape" on our lot. In addition, the structure had to be so far behind the house so when any of our neighbors stood on their front porch they wouldn't be able to see it. Because split levels are laid out so awkwardly and we have 4 kids and another on the way we decided to make our oversize 2 car garage a kitchen, living room, and dining room so all the bedrooms are upstairs and living space is downstairs. When it comes to the entryway it seems silly to get rid of the driveway since the main entrance is still in the front. You don't want to give up off street parking. Even if you build a garage in the back and have a sidewalk leading to the front door think about walking groceries all that way....that's what a buyer would think: too confusing. I agree with what others have mentioned about the windows. You want to create a seamless look in the front so definitely try to keep the same style windows. Adding some flower boxes along the front or some sort of retainer wall that matches the current style leading to the door could work just be sure there's room for proper grading so you don't end up with water or rot around the base of your new structure. The floor inside will have to be leveled and a new footer installed for that same purpose but best not to add any unnecessary obstacles. If I were you I would consider hiring an architect to go over what you're thinking in terms of design inside and out. It's worth the extra couple hundred dollars to pay someone with experience and knowledge of zoning for your area to lay it out for you. Best of luck!!!!!...See MoreFunky Older Tri-level in need of remodel Ideas
Comments (7)The kitchen is small and closed off. It is dark and you can’t see the amazing view. The pantry is really the hall closet. The cabinets are horrible! Here are some pictures of the kitchen. The wall with the hutch near the stone is the one I want to take down. The budget we are thinking is around 50k. I’m not sure if I have floor plans. I think it could be so amazing. But now it’s just kind of dated and worn out....See MoreDesigners! need help coming up with ideas to update Split level exter
Comments (13)Thank you to everyone's suggestions thus far! I really appreciate it. I agree with everyone that a good deal of landscaping in front is a must and would go a long way towards adding curb appeal to the front of the home. Beverly- what if I have the budget to change the entire level of the roof over the single story part of the home? I was thinking I could do a dramatic higher A-pitch style roof to add visual interest and also enable the addition of a long front porch? We just keep envisioning a french country exterior and we will do what we can (within reason- not going the entire value of the house) to get that look. Changing the roof line (to either an A pitch or a multiple "peak" look) would also give the appearance of a larger home and also allow us to raise the ceiling heights in the main living area of the home - i.e., opening up the entire kitchen and living room to each other as well). I did get an estimate to move the AC unit and it was around $1500 so not cost prohibitive for what we want to do....See More1970 split level breezeway ideas
Comments (3)Hi, Emily, It's an awkward space to be sure, but I wouldn't throw in the towel just yet. Right now, it appears the space functions as a connection from your home to the outdoors and a poorly performing mud room/catch-all storage area. I don't ever see this area as an inviting area to sit and relax so I'd ditch the furniture. I'd suggest you consider sub-dividing the space into two spaces--a proper mud room with storage for coats, boots, umbrellas, dog gear, etc. and a bench where you can sit down and put shoes and boots on/off. The other space could be a potting shed/greenhouse (albeit without much natural light) optimized for plants....See MoreMil DiBa
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