All ,,,,,,Ina recent discussion the pro’s and con’s of crawl and full basement caused me to think about bilevels. About 15 or 20 yrs ago it seemed like every other house we built was a bilevel ( block 4ft 2×6 knee wall 4ft on top of block). I’ve done cost compareasons on the three and bilevels give the biggest bang for the buck.
I don’t think I have ever seen one with a front elevation that look quite right , allways seemed to be out of ballance,especially cantalevered 2nd level. The entry door ,no matter what style ,or the windows never seemed to have much curb appeal. Maybe in your experience you could comment on them or are they “passe” and nobody builds them any more. Thanks.
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At first I was thinking that you ment split level or tri-level.
But now I am thinking that you are meaning raised ranch with split level entrance. From the front door you go up 1/2 flight to the main level or down 1/2 flight to the "basement".
And if the terain allowed 1/2 of the basement was at ground level and the garage.
BTW, I am starting a new thread on updated 50-6070's homes.
Thanks Bill ....You got exactly what I was talking about , I think "bilevel" is just a regional term. Looking foward to your new post's response's.
I live in one, built it a few years ago, am about to build another. You're right, it is the best bang for the buck. You only have to dig a 4 ft. hole, pour a 4 ft. fnd wall. With exception of the stair, the cost is that of a simple ranch, but you end up with double the living space. The lower floor is the basement , but feels less cofined because the windows are at a standard ht. You also have the option a built in 2 car garage on one side of the basement and all it costs you is the price of the overhead doors.
I know that the Raised Ranch has that subdivision, track house reputation about it , but I just could not ignore the obvious saving in cost per sq. ft. of living area. The next one will include a front porch designed to elliminate that awkward front door delema.
They're called bilevels here in Dayton, OH. Exactly as you described. A fiend has one, with the scissors truss stomped ceiling, fake baseboard etc typical of the era. Not really my style, but I like the way the back deck is set up high off the ground. They are nice family houses. And the front entry is a nightmare. I like the porch idea much better.
Hi Jay. ........I have thought about the front elevation being changed to incorporate cantalevered truss's with columns under them the full height from ground to overhang. Also the entry door 's steps up , in a half circle , all most southern style, ( can't remember the technical name/style)
Most of the roofs were4/12 from left to right on front elev. ,you got any ideas on dormers ,pitches etc. or grages in gable ends. I have a real interest in your new home design , please keep me in mind as you build.
I used 6 pitch roof with no dormers, the great rm. [28ft. x 26 ft. which includes the kitchen] is a cathedral cieling framed with true rafters rather than scissor trusses so that the rm. has quite a height to it [14ft or so ].the ceiling is finished in t&g pine.
I did put a 2 car garage in the gable end and it works fine as iether a garage or small shop[ I of course have it set up as a shop.]
I don't like the look of columns in the front and on the next one will use a covered porch designed to visually lower that front facade at the front door.
They are not built much anymore because they are ugly and have gone out of style.
W...Kind of like me , I don't build much any more because I'm because I am ugly and gone out of style. :)