How to Remodel a Bilevel Home

Measure all space to begin the design work. Look at ways to make the upper level and lower level appear larger. Plan to install a large wall of glass blocks at the end of an upstairs hallway, for example. Take out a wall between two rooms or use light paint to create roominess. Draw the design for redoing both levels in detail, and transfer the final drawings to graph paper.

Address electrical and plumbing issues, plus repairs first. Figure out how to route electrical wiring to new outlets you will need on the second level, for example. Look at ways to run water pipes from a downstairs bathroom to an upstairs bathroom. Fix any weak subflooring, bad tile work or roof leaks before doing cosmetic upgrades whatsoever. Add a new breaker box or work on installing a new heat pump and venting early in the remodel as well.

Redo the upper floor first. Install new bath fixtures, and paint the walls and woodwork. Start with back bedrooms and work toward the staircase, for example. Add closet systems and new closet doors, if needed, in each space. Replace flooring tiles and carpet last so that they won't get scratched.

Paint and remodel the lower level to harmonize with the upstairs. Use the same paint colors, flooring or artwork frames in certain areas on both levels, for example. Use pale yellow paint in the kitchen and upstairs bathrooms, as a possible option. Install crown molding in the bedrooms upstairs and living room downstairs. Use light fixtures on both levels in hallways and main living areas that are similar in design. Do not make each house level look totally independent of the other, or this will likely devalue the home.

Buy some furnishings and artwork that are similar for both levels. Purchase a leather sofa for the living room downstairs and a leather ottoman for a bedroom chair upstairs. Hang prints of outdoor scenes in dark brown wood frames in an upstairs hallway and a downstairs entry, for example. Purchase lamps for bedrooms and living areas that fit a similar design as another way to unite the bilevel spaces.