Understanding the Unique Challenges of Updating Split Level Home Exteriors
Split-level homes, by their nature, present specific design challenges when it comes to exterior updates. Unlike traditional two-story or ranch homes, the varying rooflines, multiple entry points (often front and lower levels), and the visual separation of the levels can make the facade appear busy or unbalanced. The materials originally used might also contribute to a dated look, such as dated siding, small windows, or utilitarian entryways.
One of the primary goals when updating split level home exterior is to unify the different levels and create a more harmonious composition. This often involves strategic use of materials, color, and architectural elements to draw the eye across the entire structure rather than focusing on isolated areas. The goal is to minimize the impression of stacked boxes and instead present a more integrated, welcoming home.
Key Areas for Updating Your Split Level Home Exterior
Focusing on the major visual components of the exterior is crucial when planning a renovation. Changes to these elements have the most significant impact on the home’s overall aesthetic and structural integrity. Addressing these key areas is fundamental to a successful project focused on updating split level home exterior.
Revitalizing Siding and Cladding
The siding is arguably the largest surface area on your home’s exterior, making its condition and style hugely influential on curb appeal. Many older split levels feature vinyl or aluminum siding that may be faded, damaged, or simply out of style. Replacing or updating the siding is a major step in modernizing the look.
Options range from classic fiber cement siding, known for its durability and versatility in mimicking wood grain or smooth finishes, to modern metal panels or traditional wood siding like cedar shakes or clapboard. Using different materials or textures on different levels can help break up the massing and add visual interest. For example, a stone or brick veneer on the lower level paired with horizontal siding on the upper level can add depth and sophistication. When updating split level home exterior, selecting the right siding is key to defining the home’s new identity.
Upgrading Windows and Doors
Windows and doors are not just functional openings; they are critical design elements that impact both aesthetics and energy efficiency. Old, single-pane windows can detract from the home’s look and lead to significant energy loss. Replacing them with modern, energy-efficient windows improves comfort, reduces utility bills, and enhances the facade.
Consider larger windows or different styles to better suit the home’s proportions and interior layouts. For doors, especially the front door, choose styles and colors that make a statement. The front door is often a focal point, and a modern, stylish door can dramatically improve the entry experience. When updating split level home exterior, new windows and doors provide both form and function.
Enhancing the Roofing
While often overlooked in favor of siding or paint, the roof is a significant part of the exterior visual. Its color, material, and condition contribute significantly to the home’s overall appearance and protection. A new roof can provide not only structural integrity but also an opportunity to update the home’s color palette.
Asphalt shingles are common and come in a wide variety of colors and styles. Metal roofing is another durable option that offers a modern look. Consider the roof color in relation to the siding and trim to create a cohesive look. A strategically chosen roof color can tie together the different levels and materials used when updating split level home exterior.
Design Strategies for a Modern Split Level Exterior
Beyond individual components, the overall design strategy is what truly transforms a split-level exterior. Thinking about how different elements work together to create a unified and appealing presentation is vital. Successful strategies for updating split level home exterior often involve addressing the home’s inherent challenges through smart design choices.
Crafting a Cohesive Color Palette
Color is a powerful tool in exterior design. For split levels, a well-thought-out color scheme can help visually connect the different levels and create a more balanced look. Using a primary color for the main body, a complementary color for trim and accents, and perhaps a third color or material texture for the lower level or specific features can break up the facade effectively.
Consider using darker colors on the lower levels to ground the house and lighter colors or brighter accents on the upper levels or around the entryway to draw the eye. Alternatively, using a single color or a limited palette across all levels with varied textures (like combining smooth siding with stone veneer) can create a sophisticated, unified look. When updating split level home exterior, testing color samples on different parts of the house is highly recommended before committing.
Dramatically Enhancing the Entryway
The front entryway of many split levels can feel understated or located in a less prominent position. Making the entrance more welcoming and visually significant is a key strategy for improving curb appeal. This involves focusing on everything from the front door itself to the surrounding elements that guide visitors.
Making the entrance more prominent can involve adding or expanding a porch or overhang, improving lighting, and creating a defined walkway that leads directly to the main entry. This draws attention to the correct entrance and makes the home feel more inviting. Updating split level home exterior significantly benefits from making the front door area a clear and attractive focal point.
Choosing the Right Front Door
The front door is the visual and literal threshold of your home. Its style, color, and material should complement the overall exterior design. Options range from solid steel doors with clean lines for a modern look, to fiberglass doors that mimic wood grain, or classic wood doors.
Adding sidelights or a transom window can bring more light into the foyer and make the entry feel grander. A bold color for the door can serve as a vibrant accent against a more neutral siding palette, instantly boosting curb appeal and providing a clear visual marker for the entrance when updating split level home exterior.
Designing or Enhancing the Porch or Overhang
Many split levels have minimal or no covered entry. Adding a small porch or simply an architectural overhang above the front door provides shelter from the elements and adds depth and dimension to the facade. The style of the porch or overhang should align with the overall architectural direction you’re taking for the update.
A shed-style roof overhang can offer a simple, modern look, while a small gable or hip roof porch can add a more traditional touch. Materials for columns and railings (wood, metal, stone) also contribute to the style. This addition helps define the entry space and integrate it more effectively with the rest of the house, crucial for a successful project focused on updating split level home exterior.
Adding the Finishing Touches: Lighting, Landscaping & Details
Once the major components like siding, windows, and the entryway are addressed, focusing on the smaller details can complete the transformation. These finishing touches significantly enhance the home’s appeal both day and night. Paying attention to these details is vital when updating split level home exterior.
Exterior lighting serves both functional and aesthetic purposes. Proper lighting improves safety and security, while also highlighting architectural features and landscaping at night. Consider layered lighting: pathway lights to guide visitors, uplights to showcase interesting textures or trees, and sconces or pendants around the entry and garage doors.
Modern exterior light fixtures can dramatically change the evening appearance of your home. Strategically placed lighting can emphasize the new materials or design elements you’ve introduced while updating split level home exterior, adding depth and visual interest after dark.
Landscaping plays a crucial role in softening the lines of a split-level home and integrating it into its site. Thoughtful planting can direct visitors to the entry, add color and texture, and screen less attractive elements. Using varying heights of plants can help transition between the different levels of the house and the yard.
Consider foundation plantings that complement the home’s architecture, árboles strategically placed to provide shade and visual weight, and colorful perennial beds to add seasonal interest. Hardscaping elements like updated walkways, retaining walls, or a small patio can also significantly enhance the overall exterior appeal and functionality of a split level home being updated.
Other details like a new garage door (which often occupies a large visual space), updated house numbers and mailbox, and fresh exterior hardware can tie the whole look together. Replacing an old, flat garage door with one that has windows or architectural details can make a big difference. Even practical elements like stylish gutters and downspouts can quietly contribute to the improved aesthetic when updating split level home exterior.
Planning and Budgeting for Your Exterior Update
Before diving into extensive renovations, it’s crucial to develop a comprehensive plan and budget. Updating split level home exterior can range from purely cosmetic changes to significant structural modifications. Clearly defining your goals and understanding the potential costs involved is the first step.
Start by assessing the current condition of your exterior components. Are there structural issues, water damage, or significant wear and tear? Prioritize necessary repairs before focusing solely on aesthetics. Then, decide on the extent of the update. Are you replacing everything, or focusing on a few key areas like siding and the entryway? Getting estimates from multiple contractors for different phases or components of the project will help build a realistic budget. Consider the return on investment for different updates; things like siding replacement and adding a new door often offer high ROI for curb appeal enhancements. Phasing the project over time is also an option if budget is a constraint, allowing you to tackle the most impactful updates first. This strategic approach ensures that your efforts in updating split level home exterior are both aesthetically pleasing and financially sound.
Conclusion
Updating split level home exterior offers a fantastic opportunity to transform a potentially dated house into a modern, appealing, and energy-efficient home. By understanding the unique architectural challenges of this style and applying thoughtful design strategies, homeowners can significantly enhance curb appeal and increase property value. Focusing on key areas such as siding, windows, roofing, and especially the entryway, while paying attention to finishing details like lighting and landscaping, can create a cohesive and welcoming facade. Whether undertaking a full renovation or strategic updates, the effort put into revitalizing a split level’s exterior is a worthwhile investment that pays dividends in both aesthetics and function.