New Level Addition for a side split house in Berkeley Heights, NJ
BH2021
5 years ago
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BH2021
5 years agoRelated Discussions
Help for Tired Split Level
Comments (10)I think it's a good-looking house, with good proportions. I wouldn't call it "chopped up" looking at all. The mushroom-colored siding and white trim don't do anything for each other. I'd paint the siding (first and second floors both) something like the brick color you're testing in the photo of the front door, but with a bit more orange, and a few shades lighter than the brickwork. Paint the garage door the same color. That should give the house more unity than it currently has, de-emphasize the garage, and solve the "chopped up" issue. Consider painting the lower part of the downspout the brick color as well. I wouldn't use that color for the front doors, though, since you think the doors aren't noticeable enough. White or black would work, as you're already using them for accent colors (and both colors appear in the used brick). Or keep the doors blue. Wait to decide about shutters for the large window until after you've painted the siding. If it bothers you, install shutters; if not, save your money. [Another factor in this decision is the landscaping on either side of the window; will there be shrubs to cover the shutter area? and do you know what the hollies are? Since you're removed most of the shrubs, an updated photo would help.] While shutters are optional, I think a window box under the large window is a definite 'No.' The window is too low. Plant 2-3 evergreens in front of the window instead, and grow flowers in front of them in the warm season. I don't think changing the columns would draw more attention to the front doors, since the columns are in four different locations across more than half of the building. What will help is keeping shrubbery from concealing the area around the entrance. If whatever climbs the trellis will hide the front doors, then move the trellis elsewhere. I wouldn't put anything taller than a foot or a foot and a half in the area in front of the doors. If you want more color in that area, consider adding a narrow bed on the other side of the walkway for some flowering annuals or perennials. How narrow is the narrow bed? Does the porch run the whole distance to the driveway? Am I seeing a walkway in front of the narrow bed, or is that snow? Can you tell us what zone you're in? It will help with the shrub and tree recommendations. If you don't know your zone, you can use your zip code to find out: http://www.garden.org/zipzone/index.php...See More'60s Split-level Rebuild: Feedback on Elevation and Floor Plan
Comments (20)NostalgicFarm, I'm not sure about how accurate it would be. Maybe I could go ask the contractor that suggested getting the rough professional drawings first if the set I have is enough for a proper estimate. I'd rather get estimates for having all the work done professionally as that would be preferable to me. Only if costs need to be cut later would I then consider doing some painting or small jobs myself. ***** Carol, thanks for the good wishes. It sounds as if you are in the thick of things where the enthusiasm of starting a great new project has worn off and the finish line isn't in sight yet. I am encouraged to hear that so far you've been able to stick close to budget. I imagine that finishing will feel like such an accomplishment, you and your family will love the new space. Best of luck to you, too! ***** Zone4Newby, we've thought about the obstacle those couple of stairs could pose. One of the issues is that no matter how we arrange it, the powder room isn't big enough for a wheelchair, and if we change the back stairs so they go straight down and there is no landing, it's too narrow to open the door or fit a door to the outside. We had the powder room where the workshop was originally, and no one really liked that arrangement, so I don't know where else to put it. The back stairs are not necessary, but are preferred right now for a few reasons: 1. The main is that my mother who will have the laundry level bedroom is an avid gardener and liked the idea of having a 'mud room' and powder room near a door so she did not have to lug her dirty stuff all through the house or change at the door to run in to use the rest room (which becomes a bigger issue as she ages). 2. One of the major complaints with the house right now is that the hallways feel very congested. Even some of the contractors we talked to earlier were stopping to measure them and surprised they were standard width because they don't feel like it. Having two sets of stairs enhances the flow and reduces the congested feel. 3. Having the laundry open to a lit area also substitutes for not having a window. We intend to install a light tube, which helps with light, but doesn't make one feel less trapped in the laundry room the way a window or second door/opening to light can. The noise from the laundry is a concern, which is why the drawing includes a pocket door. I am hoping the combination of a newer, quieter washing machine/dryer, the walls in that section actually being outside walls, and the direction the opening is facing will help with noise reduction. ***** Bpathome, I love the idea of a "I like my split" support group! Splits are not uncommon here, but they are not the most popular either and architects and contractors often thumb their noses up at opportunities to remodel them (example). It's actually unpopular enough that there are a couple of contractors who advertise that they do split level remodels because some GC's won't. I have looked at hundreds of homes over the years/decades since my family used to do open house tours as a Sunday activity (I know, crazy!) and although some updates like paint and swapping out fixtures were common, almost none had actual additions or major changes. If you have suggestions on how to reconfigure the existing master, I am interested. The current master is actually a pleasant size, but we ran into a few problems trying to keep it and rearrange the existing bathroom space: 1. If we give that master a true master bathroom, we need to create a second bathroom on that floor for the other bedroom. 2. Figuring out where to place the door to the master. It currently is on an angle and so small a standard size door can't be put in that space. 3. We lose the back stairs that my mother is very fond of. ***** Robotropolis, split entries or split foyers are lower on many people's lists. You sometimes have to go up stairs to get inside, and then guests are always confronted with the obligatory, "up or down?" question and tend to mill in the foyer. Split-foyers also tend to live more like a less convenient rambler with people living mostly on one floor, but still using stairs all the time to enter the house. Like with Caben, our 'public' space (living, dining, kitchen) for guests is all on the main floor, and there are no stairs to enter the house. It's not for everyone, but it works for us. Many people who don't like this style before buying are surprised that how well it works for them after living in one for awhile. ***** Caben, thanks for sharing. I like the new arrangement, especially the expanded kitchen and the new laundry room location. Combining the family room and formal living room looks like a smart idea, too. Despite your regrets, it looks like you'll have a great place to live when you are done....See MoreReady for a challenge? Split-level needs you (so do I)
Comments (22)You guys have been busy, overnight! Thank you for continuing to help me think this through. GauchoGordo - I am not into a full open concept for this house. At night, when you look in from the outside, passersby can see straight into the LR/DR (one reason I would rather move the LR space to the back -- I can move around in my PJ's) To answer your question about keeping a LR, I would like room for a few comfy chairs/love seat + chair and a coffee table -- sort of a "landing" area for when guests first arrive. Laughable -- I like your 2nd plan. And removing or adding windows is acceptable to me. Something I feel I will have to do, anyway. Williamsem and Junco -- this reminds me of Breezy's plan (which I love). No room for an island in the K, right? Bpathome -- Those windows are pretty awesome -- because they are in the LR, and I don't spend much time there, I don't get to enjoy them or the wonderful light that comes from them. The front left corner of the center wall is supporting the roof on that side of the house, but I wouldn't mind burying it in the ceiling.... Sena01 -- I've never thought of adding a wall there! Interesting idea that I need to spend some time digesting. You all are goooood! I'm loving your creativity. Thanks (and I'd love to see more!)...See MoreDesigners! need help coming up with ideas to update Split level exter
Comments (13)Thank you to everyone's suggestions thus far! I really appreciate it. I agree with everyone that a good deal of landscaping in front is a must and would go a long way towards adding curb appeal to the front of the home. Beverly- what if I have the budget to change the entire level of the roof over the single story part of the home? I was thinking I could do a dramatic higher A-pitch style roof to add visual interest and also enable the addition of a long front porch? We just keep envisioning a french country exterior and we will do what we can (within reason- not going the entire value of the house) to get that look. Changing the roof line (to either an A pitch or a multiple "peak" look) would also give the appearance of a larger home and also allow us to raise the ceiling heights in the main living area of the home - i.e., opening up the entire kitchen and living room to each other as well). I did get an estimate to move the AC unit and it was around $1500 so not cost prohibitive for what we want to do....See MoreBH2021
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