Why Split Level Homes Suck

Split level homes are a common style of home in the US and the Seattle region is no exception. Follow along as we discuss the worst parts of split level homes and how to fix them.

WHO AM I:
My name is Ryan McGhie and I'm a real estate agent working and living in Seattle Washington. I'd love to help you buy or sell a house!

Drawn to the dynamic nature of real estate, I’ve amassed over $73 million in sales since 2015. Born and raised in Cupertino, CA, I spent a decade in Hawaii before trading in the palm trees for evergreens and making the move to Seattle. I quickly fell in love with North Sound, immersing myself in the culture and becoming a neighborhood expert.

Feel free to email me or reach out via YouTube!

[jayso]

I own a split level but a big one. I have none of these complaints; so size makes a huge difference. My kitchen is still divided and I had no problem hosting 40+ people a month ago. I guess you can say the hall gets dark.

[aliciamarana]

I agree whole heartedly (as I sit in my split level home) lol We bought a split level that already had the kitchen opened up. It makes a huge difference 👏❤️

[HawkGTboy]

I own one of these and if I could get away with burning it down and taking the insurance money I totally would. We bought this thing a year ago, my wife wanted it, I hated it, and she talked me into it. They’re awful.

A few things you left out:

- No basement.
- Those stupid overhangs lose a ton of heat in the winter. Freezing floors.
- additions are difficult because you either have to dig a new lower level or put the addition on posts.
- Tiny bedrooms
- Tiny kitchen footprint, usually like 10’x10’.

To anyone considering one of these… DON’T! Spent the money and get a true 2-story house.

[hihellosolares]

We just bought a split level home a year and a half ago. My biggest complaint is the crowded entryway. I just really wish there was a way to fix this.

[turnne]

Not sure I agree here..Many( all) of his downsides would apply to any older home. Even the older colonials he is describing. A person that likes older homes is not looking for an open concept

[All_Animals]

My grandmother moved into a split level house in 1979 and still lives in it today. The problem in our entry way wasnt a staircase in the way but a closet that stuck out in the way. She removed the closet and changed the staircase that goes upstairs and it looks good. She changed it before i was born and it still looks good to this day

[charger]

Oh man…so awesome seeing you as a YT star now!

[Channel-cmyc]

We call these split foyers where I’m from. These are no more than a raised ranch configuration. The definition of split level to me is a side to side split where a common wall divides the home in half and one of those halves is a different level. A front to back split also another variant. Basements under both types are limited to the lower half in its dimensions.

[timothymull]

In Maryland these are called split foyers. A split level looks like the Brady Bunch's house.

[MarkWestbrook-uw]

Very informative and a spot on analysis. I’m not a fan of split levels either, but these ideas could certainly improve a fair share of them. Great stuff Ryan!

[Kevinb]

I loved growing up in a home like that but for the single bathroom setup. I remember many times as a kid needed to go to the bathroom but there’s 5 people sharing a single bath

[Libby_izzy]

I love my split level I have plenty of light my ONLY complaint is my lower level is always cold and for me that is where I spend most of my time.

[GarageDoorGuy]

I disagree! My house is split level and actually there are lots of windows that let in so much light. I’ve lived in that house my entire life, since 1994. No complaints, except that the snow sometimes (always) makes it miserable to get out of the car to open the garage door. An electric garage door opener fixed all of that. The basement can be a bit of a dungeon sometimes at night but there are many windows so during the day lots of light gets in there. This house was built in 1962.

[christelmiller]

Great video Ryan! You are already nailing it- a well-paced video with snappy editing that kept my attention, concise information delivered in an entertaining manner, and yes of course you're spot on. We love the split level you sold us but in some ways it totally sucks😂 Absolutely took your 3rd piece of advice though and blew out the kitchen in 2017. Makes an incredible difference and allows me to say I love at least half of my home😅 Keep up the great work, you're the best!

[LoveShopNow]

Split level is my favorite type of house

[jasminestocks]

Why isn’t this video blown up more!?!? This was actually entertaining and informative! Film quality was awesome! I’m subscribing and sharing!

[CaseyBruner-itnt]

It’s all about preference! I’ve lived in many different styles of homes and loved each one for different reasons. I personally hate open concept and can’t wait for the trend to die. It robs you of square footage and I don’t need all those people in in my business when I’m cooking dinner lol I also don’t want people stepping directly into my living room from the street and love a foyer for separation… even if it is tiny. I think splits are kind of the best of both worlds

[alphacentauri]

Modern split level is definitely not like that (i own split level house)

[Theonlykykal]

This is a raised ranch. Not a split level.