Split-level homes, which became popular in the United States in the mid-20th century, are characterized by their offset floors and cozy floor plans. But while these homes reek of retro charm, plenty of Dallas homeowners struggle with dingy designs, cramped kitchens and lackluster exteriors. Sounds like you are going for a split home remodel and you’re not alone! Updating these spaces can unleash their full potential, meshing vintage charm with the comforts of the present day.
In this guide, we will overview everything from exterior makeovers to kitchen transformations that are ideally suited for split-level homes. And we’ll provide reasons why working with a professional team like America’s General Contracting guarantees a seamless, stylish, and long-lasting remodel. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Why Remodel a Split Level Home?
Hartman, like many Dallas neighborhoods, contains a lot of split-level homes, especially those built in the ’70s. Yet their compartmentalized layouts and features that show their age often don’t match up to modern lifestyles. Here’s why split level home remodel is worth your time and money:
- Make the Most of Space: Since many split-level homes feature less-utilized spaces such as sunken living areas or tiny hall entries, A remodel can rearrange these zones to unlock open, airy spaces.
- Boost Home Value: Homeowners place greater value on updated split-level homes. Remodeling Magazine says a kitchen or exterior remodel gives you a 60-70% ROI.
- Upgrade Functionality: Old electrical systems, bad insulation and outdated kitchens can make day-to-day living a drag. A remodel takes your home into the 21st century.
For a 1970’s split level home remodel, this may mean replacing wood paneling with fresh drywall, installing energy efficient windows or opening up previously sectioned off rooms. These modifications maintain the home’s character while modernizing it for the needs of today.
Split Level Home Exterior Remodel Ideas
First impressions matter! Transforming your property with a split level homes exterior remodel is proven to elevate curb appeal and help your home stand out in a competitive housing market like Dallas. Here’s a homeowner’s guide to reinvigorating your home’s facade:
- Update Siding and Trim: Replace dated materials with modern alternatives like fiber-cement siding or vertical shiplap. Trim in contrast colors can make architectural details pop.
- Spice up the Entryway: Split-level homes commonly have small, somewhat dreary entryways. Open up the front porch, put in statement lighting or a dramatic-hued door to make a welcoming statement.
- Landscaping Magic: Use tiered gardens or retaining walls to enhance the home’s split-level structure. Texas native plants such as agave or lantana give it easy beauty.
- Outdoor Lighting: Use LED path lights or uplighting to brighten walkways and showcase landscaping.
Tip for Dallas Homeowners: Choose drought-resistant plants & UV-protective exterior finishes to battle the Texas heat.
Why Hire a Pro? Exterior remodels frequently need permits, structural modifications, and craftsmanship. America’s General Contracting works its magic on split-level exteriors while following the rules of the road and the local building department — making sure your masterpiece is fabulous and functional.
Split Level Home Kitchen Remodel: Heart of the Home
Kitchens are where families spend time together, share meals and create memories. But in split-levels, kitchens are usually small or walled off. A split level home kitchen remodel can transform this functional space into a stylish hub.
Key Strategies for Success:
- Open-Concept Designs: Tear down non-load-bearing walls to open the kitchen up to nearby living or dining areas. This opens sight lines up and allows for better flow.
- Vertical Storage: Utilize tall cabinetry, pull-out pantries, or floating shelves to maximize storage without giving up square footage.
- Lighting Solutions: Use ambient, task, and accent lighting. Pendant lights lacerate islands, and under- cabinet LED strips illuminate tight spaces.
- Modern Appliances: Opt for space-efficient, energy-efficient appliances that work with scaled-down kitchens.
Trying to figure out how to remodel a split entry home kitchen? You begin with traffic patterns. Split-entry kitchens tend to be close to staircases, so moving appliances around or including a kitchen island can help minimize congestion.
Avoid DIY Pitfalls: Electrical rewiring, plumbing updates, and structural changes should be done by professionals. A single slip could mean expensive repairs or dangerous situations.
Modernizing a 1970’s Split Level Home Remodel: Blending Vintage Charm with Modern Flair
If your split-level home still has the original wood paneling, shag carpet remnants or avocado-green appliances, you’re sitting on a veritable goldmine of potential. 1970s homes have a retro-chic appeal, but they miss the functionality and styling that modern families desire. A 1970’s split level home remodel can celebrate its retro roots while designing a space that’s bright, efficient, and customized to how you live.
Key Updates for 1970’s Split-Level Homes:
- Remove Wood Paneling: Replacing dark, heavy paneling with light-colored drywall or shiplap will instantly brighten up rooms. To pay homage to the past, leave one accent wall reclaimed wood.
- Retire Outdated Flooring: Replace old carpet or linoleum with durable hardwood, luxury vinyl plank or current tile. There’s consistent flooring from one level to another to unify the space.
- Update Lighting: Remove fluorescent ceiling fixtures and install recessed lighting or contemporary pendant lights. Place floor lamps in snug corners for layered warmth.
- Energy Efficiency: Replace with double-pane, low-E models. Dallas summers can be brutal, so you want to make sure the new ones keep hot air out. If you are looking at attics and crawl space areas, then spray foam insulation is a good option.
Dallas Design Tip: Save on cooling costs by choosing heat-reflective roofing and UV-blocking window films—an intelligence choice for Texas homeowners!
Preserving Character While Modernizing:
You don’t need to remove every vestige of the 70s! Add in vintage-inspired touches, like:
- Faceted geometry in backsplashes or throw pillows.
- Furniture with clean lines in the mid-century modern style.
- Brass or matte black fixtures for retro-industrial look.
Case Study Snapshot:
A recent remodel of a 1970’s split level home remodel in Dallas’s Lake Highlands neighborhood opened up a cramped, closed-off layout into an airy open-concept abode. With no load-bearing wall between the kitchen and living room to remove, the home also acquired space and curb appeal by adding energy-efficient windows and updating the exterior with vertical siding, while maintaining original brick fireplace as a centerpiece.
How to Remodel a Split Entry Home: Tackling Layout Challenges
Split-entry homes (a type of split-level) have a staircase that welcomes you as soon as you enter the house, leading to a tight, uncomfortable entryway. Moreover, learning how to remodel a split entry home begins with reinventing this hub.
Dividing Problems in Split Entry:
- Staircase Redesign: Swap out skinny, enclosed stairs for open risers or a floating design to add visual space. You can add built-in storage underneath for shoes, coats, or books.
- Unify Flooring: Apply the same flooring material to the entry level and adjacent rooms to add flow. High traffic spaces do great with porcelain tile or hardwood.
- Mirror Magic: If space allows, hang a large mirror in the entryway to reflect light and create the illusion of more room.
- Vertical Gardens: Wall-mounted planters are a great way to bring in some greenery without giving up square footage.
Structural Considerations:
Check with a professional before taking a sledgehammer to walls or changing out stairs. Split-entry houses tend to have load-bearing walls, HVAC systems and electrical wiring that run through them. America’s General Contracting provides free consultations to discuss your home’s specific needs — so your remodel is both aesthetically pleasing and safe.
Why Hire a Professional for Your Split Home Remodel?
Although DIY projects can be tempting, a split level home remodel consists of complexities that require professional experience. Here’s how turning pro pays dividends:
- Avoid Costly Mistakes: Mistaking a load-bearing wall for a non-load-bearing wall, or misjudging a home’s electrical systems, can lead to safety hazards or failed inspections. Pros know how to maneuver through the permits and codes.
- Tip: The right contractor can bring new ideas to the table that you wouldn’t necessarily have considered, such as repurposing space under the stairs or changing the layout of a kitchen.
- Time Savings: What might take a DIYer weeks can usually be accomplished in days by a professional crew.
- Warranty Protection: Trustworthy companies such as America’s General Contracting will warranty their work, providing assurance.
Real Talk: One Dallas homeowner who tried to DIY their split level home kitchen remodel found outdated wiring—and ended up having to rewire the whole house—double the initial budget. From the beginning, a pro would have saved time, money and stress.
Case Study: A Dallas Split Level Home Remodel Done Right
So, how about putting theory into practice with a practical example? Earlier this year, America’s General Contracting made over this dated 1970s split-level residence in the historic Preston Hollow neighborhood of Dallas. The homeowners loved their home’s character, but contended with a dark, closed-off kitchen, an inefficient layout and an exterior that felt stuck in time. Here’s how we approached the project:
The Challenges:
- A small, dark kitchen with closed-up cabinetry.
- An exterior clad in faded brick and scraggly shrubs.
- Small, choppy rooms that made family gatherings difficult.
The Solutions:
Open-Concept Kitchen Remodel:
- Tore down a non-load-bearing wall to open up the kitchen to the dining area.
- Built-in floor-to-ceiling cabinets with pull-out shelves for storage.
- The quartz waterfall island has seating for four, providing an informal dining area.
- Renovated with energy-efficient stainless steel appliances and under-cabinet LED lighting.
Exterior Transformation:
- Repainted the brick a warm greige and added black shutters for contrast.
- Replaced a worn front door with a steel-and-glass pivot design.
- Planted with drought-tolerant plants, such as yucca and ornamental grasses.
Layout Optimization:
- Transformed a little-used lower-level den into a guest suite with a bathroom ensuite.
- Light oak hardwood flooring throughout for visual continuity.
The Result:
The value of the home soared by 35 percent, and the family now has a functional, light-filled space that’s ideal for entertaining. This project is a case study of how a split level home remodel can respect a home’s history while also making space for modern life — no avocado-green appliances needed!
Budgeting for Your Split Home Remodel: Smart Tips for Dallas Homeowners
The remodeling of a split-level home isn’t simply cosmetic—it’s a return on investment. Here’s how to get started planning a budget that meets your goals:
Prioritize High-ROI Projects:
Tackle kitchens, bathrooms, and exteriors first. Remodeling Magazine ranks these projects as the best returns. For example:
- Minor kitchen remodel: 70-80 percent ROI.
- Exterior upgrades (siding, windows): 75% ROI.
Factor in Hidden Costs:
Older split-level homes may have surprises like asbestos, antiquated wiring or plumbing woes. Allocate 10-15% of your budget as a contingency.
Choose Materials Wisely:
- Dallas-Proof Exteriors: Choose fiber cement siding (which stands up to heat and humidity) or metal roofing (tough and energy-conscious).
- Flooring: For Texas temperature swings, the luxury vinyl plank (LVP) option mimics hardwood but is more practical.
Phased Renovations:
Can’t work on it all at the same time? Break your split level home remodel project into stages:
- Phase 1: Kitchen + main living spaces
- Phase 2: Outside + landscaping.
- Phase 3: Bedrooms on lower levels (or basement).
Pro Tip: Find a contractor that has transparency with their cost. America’s General Contracting offers upfront detailed quotes, meaning you will never see surprise charges.
Balancing Trends with Timeless Design
It may be tempting to chase every design trend, but split-level homes lean into balance. Here’s the way to blend contemporary flair with timeless style:
Do’s:
Neutral Bases: For walls and large furniture, use warm whites, soft grays or beige. These shades create the illusion of bigger space and won’t compete with future decor.
Statement Lighting: Sculptural chandeliers and industrial pendants bring personality without overwhelming the room.
Mixed Materials: Combine natural wood (a reference to the home’s 70s roots) and polished metals like brass or matte black.
Don’ts:
Overdo Open Shelving: A few open shelves in the kitchen? Chic. Wall-to-wall? Dusty.
Flow: Your design choices (for example, flooring or wall colors) must complement each other across split levels.
Dallas Design Trend Alert:
Local owners are turning to modern rustic — reclaimed wood accents, stone fireplaces, expansive windows that capture the natural beauty of Texas. That goes wonderfully with split-level architecture!
Why Dallas Homeowners Trust Professionals for Split Level Remodels
Let’s face it: Split-level homes are complicated. The staggered floors and load-bearing walls, not to mention the years of deferred maintenance, present their own challenges. Here’s how America’s General Contracting works for Dallas Residents:
Local Expertise: We know Dallas’s climate, building codes and neighborhood looks.
Comprehensive Services: You only have to work with us; we take care of the design, permits, and construction.
Stress-Free Process: Our team member will reach out daily, so you never have to think, “What’s next?”
Fun Fact: Open kitchens were the hallmark of 89% of our split-level remodels in 2023, proving Dallas families thrive on connected, light-filled spaces!
FAQs: Your Split Home Remodel Questions, Answered
Before you go swinging that sledgehammer, let’s address some common questions Dallas homeowners have about split home remodels:
1. What’s the average cost of a split level home remodel?
The costs will depend on scope, but here’s a rough breakdown for Dallas:
- Minor Updates (Paint, Flooring, Lighting): 15,000-15,000-30,000
- Kitchen remodel: 25k–25,000–50k.
- Full exterior remodel (siding, roofing, landscaping): 30,000–30,000–70,000.
- Structural alterations (knocking down walls, adding rooms): 50,000–50,000–150,000+.
Tip: Be sure to obtain a quote specific to your home. America’s General Contracting provides free and no-pressure estimates to begin planning.
2. How long does a split entry home remodel take?
Timelines depend on the degree of complexity:
- Cosmetic updates: 4–8 weeks.
- Full renovation (kitchen + exterior + layout changes): 3–6 months
Hiccups can come from permit approvals or unanticipated issues (like old wiring). An experienced contractor will keep your project on schedule.
3. Can you modernize a 1970’s split level home without losing its charm?
Absolutely! The trick is keeping the balance between old and new:
- Preserve original elements like brick fireplaces, vaulted ceilings, or mid-century railings.
- Mix them with modern finishes — like quartz countertops, matte black fixtures.
- Use grey paint colors to allow architectural details to pop while requiring less light to brighten rooms.
4. Should I DIY my split level home remodel?
If painting or putting in shelves can be DIYed, top jobs like split level home kitchen remodels or structural rework need pros. New wiring, plumbing, or removing load-bearing walls will set you back thousands. Save yourself the headache — hire a licensed contractor.
Final Tips for a Successful Split Home Remodel
Start with a Vision (But Stay Flexible):
Gather inspiration from sites like Pinterest or Houzz, but allow your contractor to be your guide on what’s possible given your home’s structure and your budget.
Focus on Flow:
Split-levels rely on interconnected spaces. Bring your levels together with seamless flooring, complementary color palettes and purposeful lighting.
Don’t Neglect the Outdoors:
Your outside is what guests (and potential buyers) see first. Choose durable materials that can stand up to heat/storms typical in Dallas.
Plan for the Future:
You want to age in place: During your remodel, please add a main-level bedroom or curbless shower.
Ready to Transform Your Split Level Home? Let’s Talk!
A split home remodel isn’t merely a matter of tearing down walls or choosing paint hues — it’s about designing a space that suits your lifestyle. Whether you want an open-concept kitchen, a modern exterior or a layout that simply makes sense, the team from America’s General Contracting is here to meet your needs.
Why Choose Us?
- Local Knowledge: We know local permits, weather conditions, architectural styles inside-out.
- Transparent process: From design through to cleanup, you are informed every step of the way
- Quality Guaranteed: We use top-tier materials and stand behind our work with industry-leading warranties.
Conclusion: Your Dream Split Level Home Awaits
Split-level houses are diamonds in the rough — they just need a bit of polishing to sparkle. With careful evolutions of the kitchen, exterior and layout, your home could have the best of both worlds: retro atmosphere and contemporary comfort. And keep in mind that you don’t have to go through this journey alone.
Whether you’re retrofitting a time capsule from the 1970s or repurposing a split-entry layout, hiring a professional will ensure that your remodel is done properly. So why wait? Dust off those blueprints, by the way, pour yourself a new mug of coffee and let’s make your split-level house the home of your dreams.
Final Call to Action:
“Ready to begin your split home remodel? Get in touch with America’s General Contracting today and receive your free consultation. Proudly serving Dallas homeowners since 2010 where vision meets craftsmanship!”
