Tri Level Home Renovation Designs and Upgrades

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Posted Oct 31, 2024

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Renovating a tri-level home can be a fantastic way to breathe new life into your living space. By upgrading the design and layout of each level, you can create a functional and beautiful home that meets your needs.

One of the most popular tri-level home renovation designs is the open-concept living area, which can be achieved by removing walls and installing large windows. This design allows for a seamless flow between the kitchen, dining, and living areas.

A well-designed tri-level home renovation can also incorporate smart storage solutions, such as built-in shelves and cabinets. These can be designed to fit the unique shape and size of each level.

Consider adding a spacious master bedroom retreat on the top level, complete with a large walk-in closet and an en-suite bathroom. This can be a game-changer for relaxation and rejuvenation.

What Is a Tri-Level Home?

A tri-level home is essentially a multi-story house with living spaces on two to four different levels. It's characterized by a unique layout that's often reminiscent of the iconic Brady Bunch house.

Credit: youtube.com, Tri-Level Home Gets Warm, Minimalist Remodel | Unsellable Houses | HGTV

The main living areas are typically found on the single-story level, which is built on a slab and contains the kitchen, dining, and living rooms. This level often opens up to an outdoor patio.

One of the defining features of a tri-level home is the front entry, which is usually located at the center of the house. There are two short staircases, one leading up to the bedrooms and bathrooms, and the other pointing down to the garden level area.

The garden level area features additional living space, a laundry room, playroom, or family room, and is often attached to the garage. This level is also known as the half-basement, which offers several advantages.

The half-basement is less expensive to dig, allows for taller windows making for brighter bedrooms, and feels more like a part of the house, rather than a separate basement.

Design Ideas

The tri-level home is a variation of the split-level, which originated in the Chicago area during the 1930s. This style has a unique layout that can be both functional and beautiful.

Credit: youtube.com, Mid Century Tri-Level - Full Renovation

To create a harmonious design, consider the "prairie style" home, which was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright to blend into its natural surroundings. This style can be a great inspiration for tri-level home renovation.

The tri-level home's low-slung design can be a great opportunity to bring the outdoors in. By using large windows and sliding glass doors, you can create a seamless transition between indoors and outdoors.

The tri-level home's layout can also be a great way to create separate living areas. Consider using the different levels to create distinct spaces for different activities, such as a living room on one level and a home office on another.

By incorporating elements of the "prairie style" home, you can create a tri-level home that feels connected to the natural world. This can be especially effective when designing the exterior of your home.

A unique perspective: Craftsman Home Renovation

Exterior Changes

Making exterior changes to your tri-level home can greatly improve its curb appeal and value. Updating the exterior can make a big difference.

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Credit: youtube.com, Exterior Remodeling Ideas For Split Level Houses

Replacing the garage door with a more modern style is a great place to start. Adding texture, such as stone to the "basement" level facade, can also make a big impact. Opening the entryway with sidelights can bring more light into the foyer of the home.

Extending the roofline over the front entrance and adding columns can create a beautiful front porch area. This can shift focus away from the garage door and make the front entry area a new visual focal point.

Replacing the roof shingles with a darker color or a metal seamed roof can give your tri-level a more modern, sleeker look. Adding modern, energy-efficient double-pane windows can also improve the exterior of your home.

Some other exterior changes to consider include:

  • Replacing the garage door with a more modern style
  • Adding texture, such as stone to the "basement" level facade
  • Opening the entryway with sidelights
  • Extending the roofline over the front entrance and adding columns
  • Replacing the roof shingles with a darker color or a metal seamed roof
  • Adding modern, energy-efficient double-pane windows

Updating the Interior

Updating the interior of a tri-level home can be a game-changer. The entry foyer is often a small, cramped space that can be enlarged to make it easier to greet guests.

Credit: youtube.com, Ideas For Remodeling Split Level Home

Typically, tri-level homes have a more open floor plan, but the kitchen and living room are often segregated by partial walls. Removing walls and installing a header beam can connect these spaces and provide better sightlines.

Opening up the floor plan can increase natural light and give kitchen users more views while working. A kitchen island can define the space, add storage, and provide additional seating for guests.

Adding windows on the sides of the house can increase natural light, and a window on the second wall on the corner can dramatically improve the quality of the space.

Stairs are a defining element of a tri-level home, but rather than making changes to them, consider creating transition spaces at the landings.

Master Suite Addition

A master suite addition can be a game-changer for a tri-level home renovation. This type of addition can provide much-needed extra space for a master bedroom suite and a home office on the second floor.

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Credit: youtube.com, Master Suite Addition

The large footprint over the garage provides plenty of space for this type of addition. In fact, a recent project in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, made the most of this space, incorporating a master bedroom suite and a home office into the design.

John and Amy, the homeowners, needed to address several issues with their existing home. Their master bedroom was outdated and impractical, and their young children were sharing bedrooms and a bathroom.

A second-story addition can be a great way to add space to a tri-level home. By building up, homeowners can create a seamless addition to their existing home, as was done in the Sun Prairie project.

John needed a private home office, and the shared space they had wasn't working for his job. A master suite addition can provide a dedicated space for work, study, or relaxation.

Here's an interesting read: Home Renovation Project Manager

Design Creation

The tri-level home style originated in the Chicago area during the 1930s. This home style is a variation of the split-level and is related to architect Frank Lloyd Wright's low-slung, "prairie style" home.

A man in a plaid shirt and face mask stands indoors holding a level tool.
Credit: pexels.com, A man in a plaid shirt and face mask stands indoors holding a level tool.

Designing a tri-level home renovation requires careful consideration of the space and functionality. Our team at Degnan Design-Build-Remodel has experience working with clients to create the perfect design for their needs.

The process of creating a design for a tri-level home renovation often involves several iterations and meetings with the homeowner. This is what happened with John and Amy, who worked with our team to design a master suite addition.

A well-designed master suite addition can incorporate a large, bright bedroom space, an open-concept closet, and a space-saving pocket door. This was the case with John and Amy's design, which also included a compact home office.

The key to a successful tri-level home renovation is finding a design that meets the homeowner's needs, style, and lifestyle. Our team is happy to help with this process and can take your home to the next level of comfort, design, and function.

Additional reading: Home Renovation Plans

Adult Bathroom

A private bathroom space just for adults is a game-changer. It provides a quiet retreat where you can get ready in the morning without the chaos of the kids.

Credit: youtube.com, ARE TRI-LEVELS THE NEW THING? Full House Tour!

The handcrafted Amish custom double vanity with a tower cabinet in alder wood is a beautiful feature that adds a touch of elegance to the space. Stained Carbon Gray, it matches the custom alder wood framed mirrors that complete the vanity.

The contrasting Linnstone Quartz Calcutta pattern countertop brightens the space and ties in visually with the elegant tile work in the spacious walk-in shower. This thoughtful design element makes the room feel larger and more inviting.

21st Century Tile 12x24 floor-to-ceiling tiles in Tivoli Silver give the room a bright and modern feel. The low entry shower makes entering the shower safe and easy.

A helpful niche in the shower for shampoo and other toiletries is a practical touch that makes the space feel more functional. For contrast, a beautiful hexagon mosaic accent tile adds visual interest.

The glass doors give the space an open feel, making it bright and inviting. The Arbor Hills luxury vinyl plank flooring in timber adds a warm feel, giving the room a natural look with the benefit of waterproof LVP.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a tri-level home look like?

A tri-level home typically features a main floor with a kitchen, living room, and dining room, connected to upper and lower levels by short staircases. The upper level usually includes bedrooms and a bathroom, while the lower level may contain additional living spaces or storage.

Ella Paolini

Writer

Ella Paolini is a seasoned writer and blogger with a passion for sharing her expertise on various topics, from lifestyle to travel. With over five years of experience in the industry, she has honed her writing skills and developed a unique voice that resonates with readers. As an avid traveler, Ella has explored many parts of the world, immersing herself in new cultures and experiences.

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