Remodeling Ideas for a Split-Level Home

Improve the Roof Shape

• Focus on the home's roof lines. Figure out if you will need to add a porch, two-story addition or a sunroom, for example. Changing the roof line will not be cheap, but the roof line determines a lot about the overall architectural design of the home. You can bring a house out of the 1970s if you alter roof angles or add new rooms to improve curbside appeal.

Conduct an Energy Assessment

• Check the home for energy efficiency. Ask someone from the local utilities company to inspect the home's attic, windows and appliances, for example. Plan to investigate replacement windows to incorporate the best energy-efficient windows you can afford. Install new insulation and energy-saving appliances, along with a new water heater or tankless water heater designed to cut costs. Add garage doors in the lower basement area that are designed to close tightly. Ill-fitting garage and walk-out doors can drive heating and cooling costs up.

Improve Curbside Beauty

• Create nice curb appeal to update the home's design. Change the exterior siding, or add stone veneer or stacked stone in places. Paint the home's overhangs in a neutral color, such as cream, and paint the shutters a different accent color in a neutral shade, such as light taupe. Remove old bushes and trees, and install new landscaping. Plan exterior lighting that accents the front of the house and the entrance. Replace the front door in a high-quality door in real wood.

Upgrade Main Living Spaces

• Design a new kitchen and main living space. Open a wall between them, for example, and install premade faux support columns for visual appeal. Paint the walls a light color that unify the living and kitchen space. Use stainless appliances and black granite countertops for an upscale look. Buy black leather sofas for the living space to tie the black kitchen countertops and living room together. Remodel the downstairs family room with bright colors and unusual furnishings to reserve that space for informal activities.

Remodel Bedroom Space

• Add skylights in the bedroom hallway on the upper level. Bring natural light into the bedroom and bathroom areas by installing larger windows if needed. Anything you can achieve to make the upstairs seem roomier will add ambiance. Install crown molding along the ceiling perimeter of each bedroom for an artistic touch. If any bedrooms are tiny, add a wall of mirror tiles to expand the rooms visually.