Tips for Living in a Tri-level Home
Then I’d go on to vow I’d never live in a two-story house – much less one with three levels. Well, I had to eat my words as I now live in a tri-level home atop a mountain in North Georgia, just as my folks did.
However, much to my surprise I love it, although there are days when I find it challenging, such as when I have to lug heavy grocery bags up the steps to the kitchen. And, just when I’m on the top level, remembering I left an item in the basement, I can get frustrated.
Also called multi-level (as well as split-level, and/or split foyer), tri-level homes are sometimes described as decked houses or acorn homes as the levels are stacked on top on one another. Although popular in semi-urban communities, they’re most often seen in hilly and/or mountainous settings to make use of a small piece of flat land. If you live in a home of more than one level, there are both advantages and disadvantages. You just have to determine what’s best for you and your lifestyle.
Advantages of Tri-Level Homes
Takes up less space – If you have a narrow lot, you can have more square footage without taking up more land. They’re excellent as they can be built over areas with unusual slopes. These homes are also good on land where the water table is typically higher. Floor plans are usually more compact, taking up less space.
Privacy – Tri-level homes are great for people who want to shut out the rest of the house when they work on business and/or on craft projects
Beauty – Looking out at singing birds on tree limbs and down unto the road, you can gaze at all the beauty around and beneath you. It’s also fun as you feel like you’re living in a tree house.
Quieter – Since your main level is on the second floor, it’s not as noisy. When we lived in a split-level raised ranch in suburban Hartford, Connecticut, I didn’t mind the school age children playing on my block, even if I was an empty-nester.
Good exercise – You’ll burn more calories and keep your legs in shape with all that walking you do up and down two dozen stairs each day.
Economical – Because the home is divided into three levels, you can also divided up heating and air-conditioning zones, saving on your electric, gas or oil bill.
Disadvantages
It’s only fair to be balanced, citing the obvious disadvantages of three story living…
Too many steps – Climbing up and down two sets of stairs can be exhausting. . On the other hand, some tri-level homes are partially flighted, so there aren’t as many stairs.
Lugging items to the main floor – This can be a pain, unless your main floor is your finished basement.
Not handicap friendly – At least now, at age 58, I’m able to walk the steps. But if something happens where I can’t walk up and down stairs, we’ll have to move.
Hard to entertain – It’s hard to host parties, entertaining a large group of people. You may have a lot of square footage, but it’s just that it’s spread out on three levels. On the other hand, small gatherings are fine. However, if you have a good-sized deck or patio you can always use that, weather permitting.
Practical Tips for Tri-level Living
Position baskets on each floor – Have baskets on each floor where you can place items to be carried either upstairs or downstairs. This helps cut down the number of trips you make each day. I’ve found plastic laundry baskets work great.
Station vacuum cleaners/mops/broom and other cleaning supplies on each level – I learned this tip from my mom. When you consider all the lifting you have to do transferring one vacuum cleaner for all levels, you may be convinced it’s worth the money of investing in another vacuum cleaner.
Reserve top floor for guests – Most tri-level homes have the master bedroom on the main floor (2nd level). By having your guests on the top floor you can get up and do your morning routine without worrying about disturbing them. In other words, it affords more privacy for both of you and your overnight company.
Finally, make the most with what you have. Even if your tri-level home isn’t as roomy as you like it to be, you can still choose to focus on its many advantages rather than griping about all those steps you climb each day. It’s all in your attitude.
