Pros and Cons of Owning a Split Level Home in Warrensburg, MO And Whiteman AFB

Hi there, pals and gals! In this article, I want to talk about the pros and cons of owning a split-level home in Warrensburg, Missouri near Whiteman AFB.

But first, let’s dive into the details about this style of house, including what it costs and what it looks like.

What Is A Split-Level Home?

First, what is a split-level? It’s a style of house consisting of at least three levels - the main floor, an upstairs floor, and a basement. It’s cheap and is easy to build, which is why you commonly see it in subdivisions.

The low cost of the materials and putting it all together translates to a lower price for a split-level than for other house styles. For this reason, it appeals to a large pool of homebuyers, especially families looking for a starter home.

How Much Does A Split-Level Home Cost?

New split-level homes in Warrensburg, MO typically go for around $250,000 to $350,000. Older ones that are more than a decade old might cost somewhere between $150,000 and $190,000. In either case, that’s a great price!

What Does A Split-Level Home Look Like?

An easy way to tell if the home you’re looking at is a split-level is to see where the front door is. It’s usually located at the top of a short flight of stairs, and it lines up between the upper and lower windows on the same side of the house.

When you walk into the house, you’ll see two stairs. One goes upstairs to the main living area, dining room, kitchen, and bedrooms, while the other goes down to a living area in the basement. The basement level is also where the garage is located.

Pros Of Owning A Split-Level Home

What do people like about living in a split-level home? Let’s find out.

1. It’s Affordable And Readily Available

Split-levels offer a lot of space for very little money compared to other types of homes, particularly in Warrensburg. And because they’re economical to build, they’re usually readily available whenever you’re ready to purchase one.

2. The Low Cost Allows You To Get Nicer Finishes

Since you’re not having to pay as much for the house itself, that allows you to install nicer finishes. Who wouldn’t love to be able to get a beautiful granite countertop and stainless steel appliances for their new home?

3. The Mortgage Is Comparable (Sometimes Less) Than A Rental Payment

Your mortgage bill for a three-bedroom (or less) split-level is comparable to the payment you would make on a rental home of the same size. But why rent when you can own a lovely home and turn it into equity? That’s music to my ears!

Cons Of Owning A Split-Level Home

Life in a split-level home is not all rosy. Here are three major complaints that some homeowners have after living in one for a while.

1. Too Many Stairs

There are so many stairs in a split-level house! For a lot of people, it’s simply too many. And it’s easy to see why. Imagine yourself hauling groceries, furniture, and kids up all those steps. I, for one, completely understand why some homeowners find this to be a huge drawback.

2. Basement Living Area Is Small

The garage takes up a significant portion of the basement level. So, while you may think you’re getting a huge living area underneath the house, you are actually only able to use a fraction of that space.

3. Cookie Cutter Design

Finally, split levels tend to all look exactly the same. If you want a home with more individuality and character, this is not the style you’re looking for.