A split level floor plan is an interesting approach to new home construction in St. Cloud. There are usually three tiers in a split level home, but instead of stacking them on top of each other like pancakes, the sections are staggered next to each other. In many homes of this type, there is a raised porch that leads up to the main entrance, often opening into a large family room and sharing the level with the kitchen.
From here, there are two short stair cases-one leading up and one leading down. Below, many split-level homes descend into a formal living room, while above leads to the hallway where all of the bedrooms and the bathroom are.
Split Level Homes: Are They for You?
“Why,” you may ask yourself, “would I want such a zig-zag blueprint?”
Versatile Efficiency
The casual eye may find a split level floor plan confused or divided, but there can actually be a good reason for the design. If the plot of land that the new home construction is built on isn’t very big, split level home can help save you some yard. Split level homes are also ideal for severely sloped or un-graded land.
The use of space is very economical with several smaller stories instead of full-sized floors. Building a ranch home is usually the choice of people wanting to build small, but a split level home gives you the efficiency of a ranch with the elegance of a two story. The construction cost is also usually slightly cheaper when compared to a full two-story home.
Potential Options
Up to this point, we have discussed the typical three-way split level home, but other layouts and additional space that fall into the split-level category:
Bi-level: This layout has only two levels. The front door usually opens into a foyer between the two stories, with two staircases leading to the different levels.
The Four-Way: Similar in basic design as the 3-way split, with the addition of a partially excavated basement. This feature can be ideal in some of the high water table areas in Minnesota.
Raised Ranch: Imagine a regular ranch home where half of the house is lifted above the other side. This layout is most frequently used on severely graded land.
The “Ups and Downs”
The unique look of a split level home gives the homeowner several distinct advantages, but there are also some cons to be aware of. In one sense, the split-level gives you the best of both worlds in terms of openness. When standing in the kitchen, you can see practically the whole house. Yet, once in a family room, you can easily establish a cozy focus. Instead of one large staircase leading to the upper floor, there are several smaller ones. This can be good news for elderly people who may have an easier time taking only three or four steps up or down.
A split level home can be a wonderful solution to your new home construction project. A homeowner that can appreciate the versatility of the space can create a wonderful new home, with the help of a qualified St. Cloud general contractor.
~~~
Craig at Schoenberg Construction is one of the best General Contractors in St Cloud and Central Minnesota. He always gives honest, fair bids with no lowball, fake pricing. And there’s no sales pressure, EVER! He never uses cheap materials and never engages in sloppy workmanship. Plus, his company is known as one of the top construction and remodeling companies in the Saint Cloud MN area because he always insists on doing every job exactly right.
Give him a call today at 320-252-0911 for your no-obligation consultation.
Why Work With Schoenberg Construction
What We Value
- Honesty
- Integrity
- Trust
- Satisfaction
What We Do
- Specific, Accurate Pricing
- Highly Skilled Carpenters
- Reliable, Skilled, and Valued Subcontractors
- Top, Quality Materials
- Unbeatable Customer Service
What You Get
- 75+ Years of Combined Custom Construction Experience
- The Project of Your Dreams for the Price You Were Promised
