Previously, we discussed the style of house known as a Bi-Level. Next up in our Split-level series is the Tri-level home.
This means that there are three (tri) distinct living areas. Typically, you walk in the door onto a main living area at ground level that contains the kitchen, dining, and living room area. Either in the rear of this level or off to one side, will be stairs going both up and down, a half flight each.
Upstairs is usually the main bedrooms, and downstairs generally has a family room, possibly another bedroom/office, laundry and/or bath. The bottom level is usually half below ground level - like a view-out basement. The garage is accessed off the main level in some and the bottom level in others.
- Pros: Privacy for the lower level - Works well for someone living separately on the lower level, and also works great for separating a home office, or keeping the overflowing toy/family room from being seen by guests.
- The lower level generally has view-out or daylight windows as it is raised up higher than a finished basement on a traditional ranch. So it is more of a bright living space similar to being totally above-ground.
- Like bi-levels, the lowest level is only part below ground so the ground pressure against the basement-type walls is usually less.
- The stair-running keeps you in shape, right?! It is at least, less stairs at one time than a Bi.
- Compared to a bi-level, you can at least come home with groceries and go in the door without having to go upstairs.
- Cons: The areas are more broken up - you have to go up to sleep, down to eat, and further down to do laundry, then back up to eat, etc. A bi-level at least once your upstairs everything's up there!
- The main portion of the home may be on a slab foundation, leaving that portion more susceptible to flooring problems and cracking.
- Generally more stress cracking where the home goes from a 1 story to a 2 story (around the stairwells).
- In the event of a physical handicap or injury, the stairs could limit movement (although unlike a bi, you can at least sleep in the living room!). For this reason, any split level limits the pool of buyers to physically capable folks.
- Tri-levels are typically older homes as they are rarely built anymore. Many were done in the late 50's-early 80's.
How to tell a tri-level home from the outside:
If one side of the house appears to be bi-secting the other part. Forms a T on its side, so to speak. You'll see two rows of windows on one side of the door, and 1 row on the other side. Others look like ranches from the front, but you'll notice the roof peak goes way up, and from the side you may see a staggered window arrangement like the one below: 
A deceiving Tri- looks like a ranch in the front but you can tell from the rear shot that it's a tri:
Here's a rough idea of the different levels, seen from front view on one style, and side view on another style. 
For a list of Tri-Level Homes currently for sale, look below, or Email me with the specific area you'd like to find a Tri!
Buy a Tri! Click Here!
And to learn about Quad level homes, continue the series by clicking here!
More split level home info can be found at www.splitlevel.net
Sheree Wilkerson
Allegiant GMAC Realty
316.461.0575
My first home was a tri-level.... :)
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