A split-level home features multiple floors that are staggered at half-story intervals. These homes became popular in the 1950s and 60s, but many now look dated from the outside.
I know how frustrating it feels when your home doesn’t match your style anymore.
Maybe you drive up and wish the exterior looked more current. Or perhaps you’re preparing to sell and want buyers to feel excited at first glance.
Updating your split-level’s exterior can raise your home’s value and reflect who you are. This guide shares real ideas that work.
Let’s get your home looking the way you’ve always wanted it to.
Why Modernizing a Split-Level Home Exterior Matters
Your home’s exterior is the first thing people notice. A fresh look makes your property stand out in the neighborhood and creates a welcoming feel for guests.
Modern updates can increase your home’s resale value significantly. Buyers pay more for homes that look well-maintained and current.
Split-level homes often have design features from decades ago that feel out of place today.
Updating these elements brings your home into the present while keeping its original character intact.
15 Ways to Modernize a Split-Level Home Exterior
These practical updates range from simple paint changes to major renovations. Pick what fits your budget and style goals.
1. Update the Siding Material
Replace old siding with fiber cement, natural wood, or high-quality vinyl. Fiber cement lasts longer and resists weather damage. Wood adds warmth and texture.
Modern vinyl comes in realistic finishes that look like wood or stone. These materials give your home a clean, current appearance that holds up over time.
2. Add Stone or Brick Accents
Stone or brick adds texture and makes your home feel grounded. These materials work well on split-levels because they break up large wall sections.
Real stone costs more but lasts forever. Manufactured stone looks authentic at half the price. Brick veneer is thinner and easier to install than full brick.
3. Install Modern Windows
Old windows make your entire home look outdated. Larger windows bring in more natural light and make interiors feel spacious. Black frames create a contemporary edge.
Energy-efficient glass lowers heating and cooling costs. New windows also improve your home’s comfort and reduce outside noise significantly.
4. Refresh the Roof
Your roof covers a large visual area on a split-level home. Worn shingles make everything look tired. Modern architectural shingles come in varied colors and textures.
Metal roofing lasts 50 years and reflects heat. Flat sections on split-levels can use membrane roofing for a contemporary look.
5. Paint for a Contemporary Look
Paint is the fastest and most affordable way to modernize your home. Fresh paint covers dated colors and protects your siding.
Choose one main color and limit accent colors to two. Test samples on your house before committing. Paint fades over time, so pick quality exterior paint that lasts.
6. Upgrade the Front Door
Your front door is a natural focal point. A new door changes your home’s entire personality. Solid wood feels substantial and high-end.
Fiberglass resists weather and needs less maintenance. Steel offers security and energy efficiency. Add glass inserts to bring light into your entryway.
7. Incorporate Modern Lighting
Good lighting makes your home safer and more inviting after dark. It also highlights your best features. LED fixtures use less energy and last years longer than old bulbs.
Modern fixtures have simple shapes without ornate details. Layer different types of lighting for the best effect.
8. Add a Modern Garage Door
Garage doors take up significant wall space on most split-levels. An outdated door drags down your whole exterior. Modern doors use clean lines and quality materials.
They improve insulation and operate more quietly. A new garage door offers one of the highest returns on investment.
9. Create a Minimalist Landscaping Plan
Overgrown or dated landscaping hides your home’s architecture. Minimalist design uses fewer plants but places them intentionally.
This approach requires less maintenance and water. Focus on structure and form instead of color. Keep sightlines open to show off your updated exterior.
10. Add a Front Porch or Entryway Overhang
Split-levels often lack a defined entrance. A small porch or overhang creates a welcoming transition space.
It protects you from weather while you fumble for keys. This addition adds architectural interest to flat facades. Even a small overhang makes a big visual difference.
11. Install Contemporary Railings
Old wood railings with thick posts look heavy and dated. Modern railings are sleeker and let more light through.
They improve safety without blocking views. Quality railings last decades with minimal maintenance. This change is especially noticeable on split-level stairs and balconies.
12. Incorporate Natural Elements
Natural materials age well and connect your home to its surroundings. Wood and stone never feel trendy or dated.
These elements add texture and warmth to contemporary designs. They balance harder materials like metal and concrete. Using natural materials creates a grounded, lasting look.
13. Modernize the Exterior Trim
Trim includes the boards around windows, doors, corners, and rooflines. Heavy or ornate trim feels old-fashioned. Simplified trim creates cleaner lines and a more current look.
Trim color creates contrast that defines your home’s shape. Fresh trim paint makes everything look maintained and intentional.
14. Use Horizontal or Vertical Paneling
Paneling adds dimension and breaks up large wall expanses. It creates shadow lines that change throughout the day.
This technique works especially well on split-levels with multiple levels to define. Paneling can cover old siding without full replacement. It also hides problem areas cost-effectively.
15. Add Architectural Lighting and Accents
Strategic lighting shows off your home’s best features after sunset. It creates depth and drama that daytime can’t achieve. Uplighting highlights textures and materials.
Downlighting creates welcoming pools of light. Good lighting makes your property safer and more secure at night.
Tips for a Cohesive Modern Exterior
- Stick to 2-3 main colors throughout your exterior. Use one for siding, one for trim, and an accent for the door.
- Mix no more than 3 materials on your facade. Pair smooth siding with stone and wood for contrast without clutter.
- Match all metal finishes, including light fixtures, house numbers, mailboxes, and door hardware. Stay consistent with black, bronze, or brushed nickel.
- Create visual flow by repeating elements between levels. Use the same stone or wood accent in multiple areas.
- Install lighting at the same color temperature throughout. Warm white (2700-3000K) feels welcoming, while cool white (4000K+) looks contemporary.
Conclusion
Modernizing your split-level exterior isn’t just about looks. It’s about creating a home you feel proud of every time you pull into the driveway.
Combine several of these ideas for the best results. Paint pairs well with new lighting. Fresh siding looks even better with modern windows. Each upgrade builds on the others.
These changes also protect your investment. Better materials last longer and need less maintenance. Your home stays comfortable and costs less to run.
Start with one project that excites you most. Then build from there as your budget allows.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to modernize a split-level home exterior?
Costs vary widely based on which projects you choose. Simple updates like paint and lighting can cost $3,000-$8,000, while full siding replacement and windows can run $25,000-$60,000 or more.
What is the best siding for a split-level home?
Fiber cement siding works best for most homeowners because it’s durable and low-maintenance. It resists weather damage, doesn’t rot, and comes in many styles that suit modern designs.
Can I modernize my split-level exterior on a budget?
Yes, start with paint, new lighting fixtures, and updated landscaping. Add bigger projects like windows or siding as your budget grows over time.
How long does an exterior renovation take?
A full exterior renovation typically takes 2-6 weeks depending on the scope. Painting might take 3-5 days, while new siding or windows can take 2-3 weeks with good weather.
Do I need permits to update my home’s exterior?
Most cosmetic changes like paint and landscaping don’t require permits. Structural work like new windows, doors, porches, or siding often does, so check with your local building department first.
