Tri-levels and split-levels are the most challenging to remodel. Functions are separated by levels, which can be limiting. Any addition to these multi-level homes needs to coordinate and relate to the existing levels. If you live in one of these homes, you’d better not mind stairs!

PROBLEM

This single female homeowner has already had 18 good years in her tri-level home in Ann Arbor. She determined that she plans to stay perhaps another 18 years and decided to make some changes. The size of the house is fine and the bedroom level suits her well, but it was more than time for a new kitchen and some updating to make the house feel more open, with added natural light. Like many of the other houses in the neighborhood, her house was built without a garage. Sometime before she purchased her home a garage (A) was added. It was a one and half garage, with the half (B) stacked behind the one. The door (C) into the kitchen (D) was abrupt, with no elements of a family entry. The only coat closet (E) was through the living room (F) by the front entry (G). The only eating area (H) was in the kitchen, and adjacent to the door to the deck (I). Three bedrooms and a bathroom were upstairs (not shown). The lower level had a spacious family room (J) with a fireplace (K). This room also doubled as a guest room, however, guests had to use the half bath (L) located in the room that housed the laundry and the furnace. The primary request was for a new kitchen. She hoped that we could combine the living room with the kitchen and make it look right. Secondarily, she wanted some sort of family entry with a “To Go” shelf. The last request was to make the lower level half-bath into a three-quarter bath - all this without building an addition or even a bump out. I added a challenge for myself by trying not to move/change any existing windows in this brick home, primarily to save money.

SOLUTION

I have had greater challenges, so I rolled up my sleeves and looked for space to steal. The most obvious available space was the back end of the garage. (B). we claimed this space to create a new laundry/family entry room (N), complete with a large coat closet and a recessed “To Go” shelf. This room was perfect with the windows that were there, and the door out to the deck. I did have to change the door into the kitchen (C), but that change also improved the new kitchen (O) layout. The sink counter is streamlined by eliminating the corner. The refrigerator is tucked behind what remained of the center wall when we removed most of it, adding a flush beam. The island is a great spot to hang out on and use as a serving counter. The eating space (P) stayed the same but made more interesting. The kitchen level was one story. The addition of four square skylights in both the kitchen and lounge (Q) areas distributed natural light throughout the newly expanded room. We improved the bathroom situation in the lower level in a most functional and practical way. There wasn’t enough space to make a separate enclosed ¾ bath, so we enclosed only the toilet room. With the laundry equipment gone, we were able to add a shower and a sink with vanity along the established plumbing wall. We semi obscured the furnace equipment with a wall with shelves (T), and lined the remaining walls with cabinets (U) to conceal storage. The changes made to this house were cost effective and yet substantial in feel and function Marcia Lyon is a professional remodeling designer and freelance writer, producing projects locally and several other areas across the United States and Canada. Her new E-book on remodeling design is available on her web site www.creatingspaces.net. Reach her at Marcia@creatingspaces.net or at 515-991-8880