Like most home additions, split-level additions are usually done to add rooms in order to expand the size of the home. In most cases, these additions are for “bonus” type rooms, or non-essential rooms that were not included in the original home design. Split-level additions might also be used to add extra bedrooms for a growing family. Split-level additions are home additions that are either slightly elevated or slightly below the ground level of the original structure, but not to the extent that a full flight of stairs is necessary.
Sometimes buyers purchase homes that are not exactly what they want, but may have an overwhelming quality they find irresistible. For instance, this could apply to a house with the perfect lot and location, but perhaps without the square footage the buyers are looking for. They go ahead and purchase the home with the idea that at a later date, they will add to the size of the house. Most of the time, houses have all the essential rooms, such as living rooms, kitchen, baths, and bedrooms. What they may be lacking are extras such as recreation rooms, dens, or separate dining areas, and these are the types of rooms often constructed later.
Bedrooms are often added as split-level additions. Extra bedrooms could be needed because of a growing family, or simply so that the home can offer a separate guest room. In addition, sometimes children share bedrooms when they are very young, but as they grow older, they may require their own private rooms. For many homeowners, adding these bedrooms makes more sense than going through the aggravation of trying to sell their home and move their family to a larger house.
Sometimes homeowners choose split-level additions purely because they think it will improve or enhance the overall look of their home, but often this type of design is chosen for more practical purposes. In most cases, split-level additions that are elevated are chosen to avoid costly excavation. Depending on the specific building lot, it can sometimes be less expensive to build upward. Homeowners who choose to add on to their existing homes by building downward often do so to have at least one room in the house that is somewhat below ground level. If the home does not have a basement, this addition could serve as a storm safe area for the family.