Split Foyer Renovation

Why were Split Foyers developed?

Split Levels and Split Foyers became popular in the United States in the 1970s.   One reason for its popularity was the competitive cost in comparison to the rancher design being built at that time. The split level or foyer offered a stacking of floors taking a much smaller footprint of land reducing the cost to build a new home.  Many of these homes, built more than 40 years ago, no longer meet the needs of families today.  The various floors with steps leading to each bring about the difficulty for aging homeowners and also for families with small children and homeowners, in general, dislike the chopped up living space.

What is the difference between Split Levels and Split Foyers

Split levels allow for entry into the main floor which usually consists of the kitchen and living or family room and steps to other levels are located to the left or right of the entry. Split foyers, on the other hand, offer entry into two sets of stairs and require someone to ascend or descend to different levels to arrive at the various rooms in the home.  With the advent of the open-floor plan split foyers have become more unappealing to new homebuyers.

So what can a homeowner do when living in a split foyer when in the neighborhood of choice where the family has settled into schools and the community?  The desire to change your split foyer into a more liveable design is not impossible.  Owings Brothers Contracting has been remodeling homes for over 35 years and has renovated several split foyers for clients.

The first floor was completely redesigned and remodeled to offer a sunken front entry by only one step from the main floor.  The exterior was raised from one step to five to access the home foyer.   The floor plan redesign incorporated a two-story addition which included a larger kitchen with a dining area, pantry, a formal dining room, living room guest bedroom, full bath, and powder room.  The expanded kitchen allows for an eat-in area and walk-in pantry giving this growing family the space needed to gather for schoolwork, meals or just sharing conversation as a family.

The second floor was added and now includes four bedrooms (one a master suite) and three bathrooms with attractive dormers on the exterior giving this new remodel much-needed curb appeal.  The interior stairway to the new second floor fits beautifully with the new foyer and main floor showcasing white oak stained hardwood and white semi-gloss trim.  A bedroom and full bath were also added with this first floor rear addition expanding the home from a three bedroom split foyer to a 6 bedroom colonial.

Plenty of room in the lower level for the children’s recreation.    A guest bedroom and full bath for visiting relatives and also an office for quiet study.  This was a whole house renovation as well as two-story addition and is a completely updated home uniquely made for this Baltimore County family.

Take a look at the project in this article and call us with any questions to see what we can do for your family.  To check out another split foyer conversion to a colonial by Owings Brothers Contracting go here.

Split Foyer Conversion Construction Photos

Take a look at the project in this article and call us with any questions to see what we can do for your family.  To check out another split foyer conversion to a colonial by Owings Brothers Contracting go here.

Watch our customer’s testimony regarding this home remodel.