ANSI Standard question

[kkapp]

Should a Bi-level house still be called a Bi-level if the lower level is below grade? Should it be called a raised ranch instead?

 

[Tom D]

i would call it a ranch if all the bedrooms were on the 1st level with the l.r. & kitchen. but then what do the agent call them in your area?

 

[kkapp]

Thanks for your response Tom.
They all still call it a BiLevel. I suppose that's technically still the style of the home, however, just seems it would be confusing to reader to see 1 level (in # of stories) and Bilevel style home (clearly meaning two levels). Most Bilevel style homes, in my market area, have first levels which have areas/rooms which are partially below grade. With the new ANSI standards, this lower level now becomes a finished basement.

 

[alebrewer]

Seems to me the ANSI measurement requirements wouldn't change the style of the home... that said, if you're concerned about being misleading - you might just add a comment about what bi-level means, and how we are required to measure to ANSI standards...

 

[Dublin ohio]

Should a Bi-level house still be called a Bi-level if the lower level is below grade? Should it be called a raised ranch instead?

Around here there is a difference between a Bi level and raised ranch. Bi level has split entry. Raised ranch has entry on upper level.

 

[Tom D]

the real issue isn't what you call it, it's what you call the comps which may, or may not, be the same style. that split entry is a sign of a bi level. bi level is more of a functional name to denote the interior set up. i also guess it depends on how much of the 1st level is below ground, or what part of it is below ground level.

 

[Fernando]

Never heard of Bilevel. You can call it what you want. ANSI doesn't care.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

Should it be called a raised ranch instead?

That term does not even exist here...ANSI is quite clear as is Fannie Mae.

Here it is a one story house with walk out basement. ANSI explains what "below grade" means and only a portion of a level is necessary to call it "below grade". And it does not matter if it is 'finished area' or not.
Fannie says -

"the appraiser should report the basement or other partially belowgrade areas separately and make appropriate adjustments for them on the Basement & Finished Rooms Below- Grade line in the Sales Comparison Approach adjustment grid."​

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[Fernando]

You can call whatever you want for style name. Fannie doesn't care as long as it's not too unreasonable. Be creative but not too silly.
Bilevel.... what is that? Could be one level with basement or 2 storied home.

 

[Elliott]

I believe the correct term now is trans-level.