Replies

1. 
   aimless | Aug 30, 2005 07:33pm | #1

   Wendy,

     No real suggestions, just a fellow Utahn curious as to whether you are at Big Cottonwood or Little Cottonwood?

     For all their ugliness, split entry homes sell OK around here (not great, but they do sell).  I think if you want to turn it into a rambler or 2 story you might have to tear down and start over. A structural change that major is often more expensive than a complete rebuild. If you are truly at the mouth of the canyon then the land is more valuable than the house anyway.

   Good luck. 

2. 
   Enid | Sep 06, 2005 05:25pm | #2

   In Issue 2 of Inspired House we mentioned a book in the Finds department that addresses exactly this problem. It's called "Split Visions: A Planbook of Remodeling Ideas for Split-Level and Split-Entry Houses," by Robert Gerloff and Jeremiah Battles. Go to the Web site to find out more: http://www.split-level.com. Good luck!

   Enid Johnson
   Senior Copy Editor

1. 
   coyotewildwoman | Sep 06, 2005 09:40pm | #3

   Thanks so much- I will check it out. If we do a remodel, maybe we will send it in as a conversion from the world's ugliest home to the most beautiful!Wendy

1. 
   Enid | Sep 06, 2005 09:56pm | #4

   We look forward to it. We love befores and afters.

3. 
   MartinB | Sep 08, 2005 09:37pm | #5

   Skylights, bigger windows and knock out the walls on those ghastly split level staircases.

4. 
   damondesign | Sep 09, 2005 03:09am | #6

   I think much of the negative aspects from Split-Levels come from the awkward proportions of the entry configuration-usually very small in floor yet overly tall, with identical sized staircases presented to you.

   If you can enlarge the area in some way, and add a light, gridded ceiling element to create better proportions and then widen (even by just a foot or so) the staircase to the main level-keeping the one going down as it is- that can create a bit of ceremony and hierchy to orient one to the space. Also continue the feeling of foyer or entry at the top of the stairs with maybe a lowered ceiling, beams or an art wall to organize the circulation as you arrive up to the main level and also to present the main living spaces better.

   I know much of this might be expensive or just plain impossible but that is where I would at least begin the process

   I'm an architectural designer not a builder so do not have as much practical advice on the veneering of elements.

   BTW first reply, just discovered the site/discussion forums and am excited to begin learning from everyone.

   T

1. 
   msm | Sep 09, 2005 05:14am | #7

   i've only been in one house like that, in nashville TN, but i agree it's off-putting for an entry. you feel like you've gone in through the servant's quarters LOL. my fantasy fix for our friends' nashville house was to increase their outside front porch and enclose it. as someone above mentioned, this would enlarge the entryway. then, add more porch- he he he

1. 
   pamilyn | Sep 10, 2005 12:33am | #9

   Our architecht (sp) came up with building a tower sort of to the outside entry which adds a foyer. Than at the top of the stair he took out the coat closet which added two feet to the top entrance. We are then moving the closet a little further down the hall. It will be a smaller closet but worth the entrance "Feel"..good luck...PamilynThe purpose of Art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls

1. 
   ravz | Sep 29, 2005 08:18pm | #10

   before and after pictures??

2. 
   sheilatorres | Oct 10, 2005 04:41pm | #13

   Hi Pamilyn,

   Your changes sound beautiful and creative. I would love to see pictures. Would you mind posting them?

   Sheila Torres

1. 
   pamilyn | Oct 10, 2005 06:51pm | #14

   In a year or so I can!! LOL PamilynThe purpose of Art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls

5. 
   pamilyn | Sep 10, 2005 12:28am | #8

   Try http://www.splitlevel.com  We just bought a butt ugly one ourselves..but....it is on a beautiful pond. Hope we can fix it!!! Good luck on yours...Pamilyn

   The purpose of Art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls

6. 
   sheilatorres | Sep 30, 2005 12:05am | #11

   Hi coyotewildwoman,

   Issue 3 of Inspired House includes information about a book that deals with this very topic. It's called, Split Visions: A Planbook of Remodeling Ideas for Split Level and Split Entry Houses by Robert Gerloff and Jermiah Batteles of Robert Gerloff Residential Architects.

   You can even go the website that the architects set up when they were working on this book  http://www.split-levels.com and get a free pdf and additional information.

   I hope this helps!

   Sheila Torres

   Editorial Assistant

   Inspired House 

    

    

    

    

    

1. 
   pamilyn | Oct 10, 2005 12:07am | #12

   We were away on vacation. Has anyone come up with any more ideas? We were thinking large window boxes will help alot. PamilynThe purpose of Art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls