Renovation Solutions: One family's experience with remodeling a split-level home

This is the gathering space that the Smiths added off their kitchen and previous informal dining area.

Kevin Bunnell, Renovation Design Group

Last week we discussed the common issues of remodeling a split-level or split-entry house. The Smiths found that common thread of a love/hate feeling toward their house and their situation. They loved the neighborhood, the lot and the view. Their split-level had appeal, and with a little tweaking of the floor plan, they knew they could stay there for a long time.

This is a good real life example of last weeks suggestions for addressing the common issues of a split-level house, which are the lack of details/curb appeal, the division of rooms and functions (i.e. lack of gathering space near the kitchen) and a tight, awkward entry and porch.

When the Smiths decided it was time to remodel, they knew they wanted a better gathering space. With their six children still at home, they understood that even when they eventually fly the coop, their family would grow again by way of future spouses and grandchildren. A comfortable and convenient gathering place would be useful both in the present and in the future.

When they created the master plan, they decided to divide the project into phases. Phase one was an addition to enlarge the family room, and phase two was to relocate and enlarge the kitchen. Phase three was to update the exterior curb appeal of the front of the house, and phase four involved renovating the master suite. They ended up blending phase one and phase two once they got into the construction process. "I couldn't imagine stopping and starting again down the road," Tiffany Smith said. "We just wanted that part of the house finished."

The addition created 400 additional square feet on the main floor, and they duplicated the space in the basement. On the main floor, they used the space to create a great room, which included relocating the original kitchen.

The old kitchen was a galley layout, but it unfortunately also served as the hallway, which was the only access to the family room that had been previously added onto the rear of the home. Any time the dishwasher or the refrigerator was open, there was a major road block.

"Now there is a dedicated pathway to the great room," Smith said. "We don't have to have the company come through the kitchen to get to the gathering area."

Prior to the remodel, the laundry room and the pantry were combined. "Before, the kids would throw all their dirty clothes on the washer, just inches away from all of our food," Smith said. "I didn't realize how weird that was until now that they are separated. I love it."

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Renovation Solutions: One family's experience with remodeling a split-level home