Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

What is the difference between a modern house and a contemporary house?

In terms of interior design, contemporary homes combine elements of modernism and minimalism, allowing for more freedom and versatility in style. In contrast, modern design is characterized by crisp lines, warm neutral tones, and balance in the overall design.

What are 3 characteristics of contemporary interior design?

Defined by clean lines, decorated minimalism, and current trends, contemporary interiors are distinctly of-the-moment—even when the moment changes.

Can you raise a step down living room?

In general, you'll need to fill in the subflooring, possibly add ventilation and concrete fill, add or move electrical outlets, top off with finished flooring, and possibly repaint the walls and trim.

How do you make a step down safer?

If you have carpeted stairs, apply high visibility strips to the nosing of each step. If your stairs are made of a smooth material (wood, painted, tile, etc), affix three long strips of non-skid contrasting tape on each step. Other options include rubber stair treads or coated, skid-resistant surface treatment.

How much does it cost to fill a sunken living room with concrete?

Fortunately you can actually fill in your sunken living room for a reasonable investment. The price tag is approximately $5,000 +/- depending on your actual square footage.

What is a step down in a house?

Step Downs are not safe features in a home unless designed well. They are random steps from one room to another that create a multi-level feel in one-story homes. These are very common in most older Florida Homes.

How much does it cost to raise a sunken living room?

Between $5,000 and $25,000

You can remove that risk by raising your living room up to floor level, which costs between $5,000 and $25,000 or more depending on the size of the room and how you go about the remodel.

How do you modernize a split-level entry?

Try these split-level entry ideas:

1. Get a glass front door. If you're wondering how to modernize your split-level home without a lot of effort, this is a bright solution.
2. Move the front door.
3. Add a small porch.
4. Build storage into the foyer wall.
5. Update the interior flooring.

How to remodel an open concept kitchen?

Try a Lighter Color Palette

When remodeling a kitchen, especially one that is smaller, using lighter colors will help create an open feeling. Light colored paint on the walls and light toned wood will make a room feel open and not as crowded. If wood cabinets are not your thing, try cabinets painted a light color.

What is the first thing to do when remodeling a kitchen?

Here's our step-by-step guide to remodeling your kitchen.

1. Step 1: Create a Plan.
2. Step 2: Demo and/or Prep Your Kitchen.
3. Step 3: Plumbing and Electrical.
4. Step 4: Hang Your Drywall.
5. Step 5: Paint Your New Walls.
6. Step 6: Cabinets and Flooring.
7. Step 7: Order and Install Countertops.
8. Step 8: Install the Backsplash.

Can you add on to a split-level home?

Good news—you don't need to move from your split-level home to create enough space for your family. Second-story additions are a great way to enhance your living space with valuable square footage and extra bedrooms.

Can you remodel a split-level?

As you can imagine, remodeling a split-level home can be somewhat tricky. But, if done correctly, it can make for a beautiful and unique space that is tailored specifically to your needs and wants.

How to redo the facade of a split level home

Redo the lower façade in a new material like cedar clapboard or stone. Or keep rocking it, and just add landscaping to complement the existing materials 

How to extend a split level house

What are the stages of interior renovation?	Whether it's a full home addition or remodeling a room in your home, there are five distinct stages you can expect to go through: planning, budgeting, demolition, construction and cleanup.
How do I plan an interior remodel?	10 Tips for Planning a Major Home Renovation Project Create Your Renovation Wishlist. Set Your Renovation Budget. Do Your Research. Hire a Reputable Contractor. Understand Neighborhood Bylaws & Permitting. Understand Your Timeline. Pack Up and Declutter. Protect Kids and Pets.
What are typical steps for a home remodeling project?	As you look to begin your whole home remodel, here's the general order of operations: Planning and Design. Demolition. Rebuilding/Framing. Mechanicals/Plumbing/HVAC/Electrical. Walls. Flooring. Cabinets. Appliances.
What is the best way to approach a renovation?	Here's a checklist for renovating your home: Ask yourself: Why are you remodeling? Decide what you're remodeling. Apply for permits. Find inspiration from styles and trends that appeal to you. Determine your budget. Determine the scope of your project. Choose to hire a contractor or DIY. Pick out materials.
What are the 5 stages of remodeling?	The new master bath and hall bath replaces the small rear bedroom. Stage 1: Planning. You want to stay extremely organized when you begin a remodeling project or home addition. Stage 2: Budgeting. Stage 3: Demolition. Stage 4: Construction. Stage 5: Cleanup.
Can you remodel a split-level house?	As you can imagine, remodeling a split-level home can be somewhat tricky. But, if done correctly, it can make for a beautiful and unique space that is tailored specifically to your needs and wants.
How do you make a split-level home look modern?	Try these split-level entry ideas: Get a glass front door. If you're wondering how to modernize your split-level home without a lot of effort, this is a bright solution. Move the front door. Add a small porch. Build storage into the foyer wall. Update the interior flooring.
How do you update the exterior of a split-level house?	Other simple updates to modernizing a split-level house exterior would be to paint the exterior, add faux stone on the lower portion of the front (the basement portion), consider a new roof color or even update garage doors!
What is a good feature of a split-level home?	Common features of split-level homes are low-pitched roofs, integrated garages, large living areas, multiple attics with space for storage, double-hung windows with a large picture window and the use of minimal decorations and natural materials.
How to modernize a 70s split-level home?	Try these split-level entry ideas: Get a glass front door. If you're wondering how to modernize your split-level home without a lot of effort, this is a bright solution. Move the front door. Add a small porch. Build storage into the foyer wall. Update the interior flooring.
How do you modernize the exterior of a split-level?	How to Modernize a Split-Level Home Exterior Swap Out the Siding. Accentuate the Levels with Colors and Textures. Update the Front Porch. Consider Non-Traditional Trim Colorways. Upgrade the Garage Doors. Visualize Your Alterations with the HOVER App.
How to update 1970s house exterior?	Updating a 1970s House Exterior Update the Lighting Fixtures. Reclaim Stone Elements with More Natural Allure. Add Brackets and Trim. Refresh the Exterior with Crisp, Modern Color Contrast. Similar Siding Styles, Smarter Fabrication.
What was the split-level in the 1970s?	In the 1970s, most split-level floor plans simply stuffed the kitchens in a dark corner toward the back of the house, away from the other main rooms. This blocked any flow between the kitchen, dining room, family room, and living area, making dinner parties or family gatherings nearly impossible.

• How do you make a split-level house look good?
  • Consider these split-level home renovations that brighten the entire space:
    1. Replace and add windows. Small windows can make a home look dated.
    2. Add a skylight or solar tubes. Bring in some natural light from above!
    3. Go for custom mirrors.
    4. Install custom lighting.
    5. Use light paint colors.
• What is a typical split-level floor plan?

  • A typical split-level home has three or more distinct areas of living space, each sep- arated by a half level. For example, the garage and family room are on the lower level, with the private bedroom area directly above it.

• Can you add another floor to a split-level home?

  • Good news—you don't need to move from your split-level home to create enough space for your family. Second-story additions are a great way to enhance your living space with valuable square footage and extra bedrooms.

• What is the best exterior color for a split level house?

  • Comprehensive Cool Tones

    Steely blues and grays are wildly popular because of their fresh and contemporary feel. Sticking within a single color family, like gray-blue, can help homeowners modernize a split-level home exterior, since steel blue is about as modern as you can get!

• How do you expand a bi-level home?
  • Knocking down a wall or two can provide the extra space you need for a larger bedroom, complete with a walk-in closet and bathroom, but you can also add a master suite addition so you can take advantage of the existing square footage in your home and accommodate other needs, such as entertainment space.

• What is the difference between split-level and bi-level?

  • Split-level houses and bi-level homes are often confused – and there is a lot of overlap between the two styles. Both styles have multiple floors separated by short staircases, but the main difference between them is that split-level homes have three or more levels or floors while bi-level homes only have two.

• How do you paint the interior of a split-level house?

  • Since the rooms of a split-level house flow into each other, it is very necessary to keep in mind your decor preferences before choosing the colors that will be painted on the walls. The rooms can have a variety of colors to create diversity but they should have a common element to give them a unifying factor.

• Are bi-level homes desirable?

  • It's not all bad news, though: Some buyers will love the unique layout a bi-level house offers. “Bi-level and split-level homes can be an excellent choice for families because of the privacy opportunities the multiple levels offer,” Pasquella says. “A little separation between the spaces of a home can go a long way.”

• How do you modernize a split-level?
  • Try these split-level entry ideas:
    1. Get a glass front door. If you're wondering how to modernize your split-level home without a lot of effort, this is a bright solution.
    2. Move the front door.
    3. Add a small porch.
    4. Build storage into the foyer wall.
    5. Update the interior flooring.
• How do you add value to a split-level house?
  • Open Up the Floor Plan in a Split-Level Home

    A tricky home addition to pull off in a split-level home that can make a huge difference on how functional the home is on the inside is to open up the floor plan by knocking down walls and creating larger shared communal areas inside the home.

• Can you put an addition on a split-level homes?

  • Good news—you don't need to move from your split-level home to create enough space for your family. Second-story additions are a great way to enhance your living space with valuable square footage and extra bedrooms.

• What is the hardest part of the kitchen remodel?

  • The most challenging part of a kitchen remodel project is ensuring that all the cabinets are installed in the right place and blend in with the existing woodwork seamlessly.