If you have purchased a sloped site you might have already thought about a range of different home designs. Split level homes are one of the most easiest and sustainable ways to build on an uneven ground. The following are some of the advantages and challenges associated with building a split level home.
What exactly are split level homes?
Split level homes refer to buildings which are built on a sloping or an uneven block of land. These kinds of homes are designed to work with the natural layout and have a multiple flooring of living spaces to accommodate the specifications of the home builder.
Home builders have been designing split level homes since 1950s. However these have again become popular the past few years. This can be attributed to the kind of land for building available in Australia.
How to design a split level home?
Before you purchase a piece of land you need to have some idea regarding the different architectural forms which can be built on it. If you are going for a sloped piece of land you may need to understand that it is a complex site which would require a certain kind of construction. It should also be kept in mind that the construction on such a site is more challenging than building on a flat surface area. As a buyer you may have already anticipated the kind of home that you want to be built. However, certain alterations in designs are required if your home is going to be built upon a slope.
You should be on the lookout for a builder who has an idea of building pole homes on sloped sites. They would make sure that the building is cost effective and that they are able to make the most out of the landscape. There are many villages who have improvised a number of designs based on the layout of the slope. However it is still necessary for the builder to visit the site in person so that they are able to understand the complexities of the slope and then think of a proper building which would suit this specific site.
It is essential to find the right kind of design which would fit the existing site. This way the builder is able to minimise the impact on the land and also maximise the amenity of the site. It is also beneficial for the home owner because they would be able to get a sustainable place which allows them to live in comfort.
The advantages of going for a split level design
There are a number of advantages associated with building split level home on sloping plots of land. It not only helps improve the aesthetics of the place but is able to utilise the space in the best possible way and allows for more beautiful views for the home owners.
Experienced builders make sure that split level home should be built on in such a way that the earth work can be minimised. Also these homes are more sustainable because you do not need an ample amount of earth to be removed. Since there is minimal landscaping it can help save time and money as well.
It has also been observed that split level homes are more aesthetically appealing than flat level homes. This is because they adapt naturally to the surrounding environment and adds to its beauty.
Problems associated with building split level homes
One of the biggest problems of building a split level home is associated with the site and the slope on which it is being built. It is best that the site is left unaltered or unchanged, otherwise it is going to be challenging to build upon it. An experienced builder would make sure that they work along the natural landscape so as to minimise any problems associated with building a split level home.
How expensive is building a split level home?
Most people are often torn between going for a split level home or a flat level home. That choice is most frequently based upon the cost of building a home. It should be kept in mind that the cost of a split level home is based on a number of factors. These would include the actual design of the home and the amount of landscaping which is required to build it.
A split level home is more expensive to build because of the structural issues which might occur during the building process. It would however be cheaper in the long run. This is because a flat level home often doesn’t adapt well on a sloping site and can cause the builder to make use of more machinery which increases the cost.
Although majority of people are inclined towards building a flat level home, it is still better to take advice from your builder. And despite the fact that the initial cost of building a flat level home is cheaper it is not going to be sustainable or productive in the long run. This holds especially true if your trying to build on a sloping piece of land. There are certain factors which can actually increase the cost of the building. These would include the use of retaining walls or any other features like building drains and installing pipes. Plus it is also quite expensive to excavate the land which is sloping. It is crucial that you find a builder who would help minimise the cost as well as the structural changes associated with building a split level home. They would make sure that the use proper excavation methods and designs so as to add aesthetic and comfort to the building. For more information on split level home designs contact us today to discuss your needs.