Split level houses often get a bad reputation for no reason. The quad level house can actually be one of the best investments and residence options of any home type. Take a look at some of the most important pros and cons before you commit yourself to a quad-level house investment.
When did the split level/quad level house come into the picture as a legitimate housing structure?
The 1950s saw the launch of the Space Race and many other expansive concepts. Architects picked up on the energy and created the split level home specifically for suburban lots. People’s minds were already open to new and grand ideas because of the Space Race culture, and so the idea was an instant hit. The split level house was a bigger and grander version of the traditional bungalow, and it was still affordable. The owners of suburban lots now had as much living space as people who lived on much bigger ranch properties paying much more overall for the upkeep of that land.
The design is said to have evolved from the horizontal prairie homes of Frank Lloyd Wright. The home was one of the most popular designs for veterans coming home from World War II: Many people used their G.I. Bill benefits to purchasing split level housing. The Brady Bunch solidified the trend in the national consciousness, and the house itself was actually modeled on a home in the San Fernando Valley.
Why do the owners of split level homes like the design?
Like the economy cars of today, the split level home is more than meets the eye, especially in terms of interior spacing. The home looks slightly bigger on the outside, as are today’s cars when compared to their older counterparts. However, upgrades in architecture create incredible amounts of living space when compared to previous design types. For instance, the Cadillac split house of Peter Geiger, offered a cathedral ceiling in the living area and a full bath on the middle level of the home.
Older quad level homes are especially compact and spacious at the same time, with room for many luxury amenities in a space that you would not think they could fit in. Each room is very accessible from anywhere in the house, yet everything has its place even in the open loft-style versions of the architecture.
Attics and basements were also used in a much more central way in the quad house. Attics above bedrooms provided more storage space helping to reserve the bedroom as a luxurious respite, while basements allowed a convenient placement for all of the plumbing and insulation to keep the home running. The result was less maintenance on the infrastructure of the home and easy access to that infrastructure when there was a need for upkeep.
Why did quad level homes fall out of favor in recent years?
The quad-level home had the height of its popularity in the 1970s with the Brady Bunch. After that, the bigger versions of the split home began to lose popularity in the mainstream. There are virtually no new houses being built with this architecture in mind, and the more modest split houses that exist today have trouble finding new owners.
One of the reasons that many people do not like split homes in general and quad splits especially was the degradation of the idea as the concept got older. Quad level architecture in the late 1960s and 1970s became a shell of its previous grandeur: Rooms got smaller, ceilings got lower, and there were many architectural hacks who simply copied from the successful designs of previous generations. As a result, split housing began to seem trite and obsequious.
The design of these new houses did not have much curb appeal either. The small windows and pitch of the roof lining did not do much for the eyes, especially when it was no longer the unique design on the block. The interior of the houses did not allow for much acoustical privacy, as the flights were quite short.
Why would I want a split level house today?
Despite the shortcomings of design and falling from favor, there are still some practical reasons why you might want to invest in a quad-level property. Perhaps you have a growing family that requires more room than you currently have. Young children especially are good candidates for the mid-level bedrooms: They maintain proximity to the parents, the low ceilings do not really matter, and they have their own space within the house as well. Young single hippie types will also purchase split level housing for the irony factor. The split level home is also great for entertaining friends; all of the shortcomings that detract from a day-to-day living space actually enhance a party atmosphere.
The biggest draw for the split level house today is the price tag: In many communities with million-dollar properties, a split may be purchased for $600,000 to $750,000. Many of these houses have also been updated with the newest infrastructure to counter their outdated exteriors, and some of the best properties even have cosmetic upgrades as well. Do not overlook these unique properties if you are looking for luxury on a budget, room for a family, or a little panache in your living space.
