WHY so many Bi-levels in NJ?

[njsocks]

Originally Posted by BobKovacs

They're actually two different configurations:

- In a bi-level, you walk up 6 or 7 stairs outside and enter into a small foyer with 1/2 a flight up to the second floor and 1/2 a flight down to the first floor.

- In a split level, you normally enter at grade into a floor that's 1/2 of the total floor plate (usually with the garage, foyer and laundry room). From there you can go down 1/2 a flight into a basement that's 1/2 of the floor plate sf, or up 1/2 a flight to another floor that's usually the living room, dining room, and kitchen. There's another 1/2 flight up from the living room level to the bedrooms. It's like taking a two story house, slicing it in half down the middle, and offsetting one half up 1/2 a flight. Hopefully that's not too hard to follow- if you've ever been in one, you know what I mean.

thank YOU! BOB!!
AND TO EVERYONE ELSE who helped me understand the bi and split level!

[Older&Wiser]

Bi-levels and splits are easy to build with no little cubbly hole areas that you find in colonials. They are much more energy efficient with no two story family rooms, two story enrty foyers, etc.

[stevemorse]

Originally Posted by EEEPNJ

Call me nuts, but you know what I liked and miss... the L or U shaped ranches that seemed popular in the 60's/70's. If updated, I think they are kinda cute.

go to emerson, there are tons behind old hook road, I call it the L neighborhood!!!

[EEEPNJ]

Yes, there are. Paramus has quite a few too. The ones that were NEVER 'touched up are a little scary looking. LOL But the ones that have been restored - not made into McMansions - they are really cute. Probably just reminds me of when I grew up which is comforting on some level too.