How many stories in a split level?

[Jim Onderisin]

Most appraisers call it a 1.5 story. Why? I don't know. It's a one-story split level with partial or full basement. I call it what most appraisers call it.

 

[Mike Dzurick]

Split entry, 3 level split, 4 level split, ranch, rambler, are all 1 story homes as stated above with full or partial basements......in my world anyway.....I guess you can state splits anyway you want as long as your consistent in your report.

 

[Marcia Langley]

I like to use the term 'multilevel' in the '# of stories" field when the various levels are offset rather than above/below.

This does not describe the number of levels, however, that information is found elsewhere in the report.

I also use '1.5' for any house where the upper story is not the same size as the lower story. This is obviously not exactly true, but like you say, the field asks the wrong question.

I dislike that the new form omitted the room/level grid, I thought that was good poop. If I feel the need to describe it, it takes a lot of writing.

 

[Bearslide]

Where form asks for number of stories, I type 2 or 3 LEVELS, described it as a split-level and do the floor sketch labeling each level (Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, finished basement and unfinished or sub-basement. Have never had a question on this, even on an ERC appraisal.

For our area, 1.5 story would denote a cape COD type style.

 

[Atlanta CG]

If you consider it 2 stories and the lower level is totally unfinished except perhaps for the hall & laundry, then you must have functional obsolescence since you are considering it 2 stories of finished space and much of the 1st floor is unfinished. IMO, 1 story & basement, particularly in the databases when we need to compare the finished areas of the lower level to the subject and often the quality of this finished space can differ significantly affecting the adjustment.

 

[CANative]

I don't have any rules. I enter a number based on what seems most logical at the time. I explain if necessary. Next to Design (style) I enter Split Level.

Mel... try "right clicking" the cell and see if a pop-up comes up allowing you to change the rounding rules.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

I don't have any rules.

perhaps if there were rules, it would be called a "bi-level" or a "tri-level" which are terms I have seen used.

 

[CANative]

perhaps if there were rules, it would be called a "bi-level" or a "tri-level" which are terms I have seen used.

I'll used those if there is enough space in the intermediate levels to reasonably be considered rooms or living space.

 

[Ross (CO)]

....and how's this for picky ?....

I'll call it "1.5-story" only if....that upper level truly has <50% of the sq.ftg. of the main level (the one with the front entry door) below.

If the main has 1000sf, and the upper has 700sf......it's a 2-story !

 

[Kevin Mc]

I use 2 Story......

even if it is 3 or 4 levels above grade(typically 3 in my area)....it may be 4 levels but going by area building codes height wise it rarely exceeds what is considered 2 storys....I've seen it done many ways when reviewing...its all about being consistent. In my market a level isn't necessarily a story. We have homes called Splanches(Split,Hi Ranch,Colonial hybird) that are often 4 levels but not more than 30' above grade.