If you are planning to, have already started or just curious about remodeling the exterior of your home, these 100+ ideas can help you get to turn your imagination into reality. Remodeling your home can be easy and hard at the same time. It all depends on how much you are willing to put into the work. That said; check out these ideas, guaranteed to transform your old tired home into an awe-inspiring work of art.

100+ Split Level Exterior Remodel Ideas For Chicago

Light up your front yard with lamps of your choice. You can use halogen, fluorescent or incandescent lamps depending on your preference.

Front Yard

The grass should always be greener on your side of the fence. Start off with knowing your options when setting up green on your front lawn. Planting the right kind of flora that will go through all seasons; warm or cold is the first step.

Lighting

Halogen, LED, Fluorescent and incandescent lights are the best for lighting up the front yard. You will want your neighbors to have a second gaze at the beauty that is your front yard. You can nver go wrong with lamps. If the added energy costs are off-putting to you, you always have the option of solar-powered lamps.

Gardening

This is by far the simplest way to spruce up your front yard. While looking for appropriate flowers and bushes for your front yard, keep in mind the season, the color of your house and the surrounding vegetation. Well manicured gardens stand out from a distance.

Fountains and pillar exterior remodeling ideas

Adding a fountain or sculptures at the front add detail and beauty to your home

 

Flowering and gardening ideas

Summer flowers and green that go together with the color of your house adds the marvel of nature to your front yard

 

Fountains, Sculptures and Garden Statues

Water fountains, carvings, statues, and sculptures can really make your front yard stand out. Did you know that you do not have to dig deep into your pockets to get amazing works of art to your home? While shopping around for these artifacts, don’t go for the extremely rare ones with deep historical significance. You just want things that will add vigor and life to your front yard effortlessly.

Driveway

There is a lot you can do with your driveway apart from getting your car off the street. The driveway is one of the best locations for potted flowers and plants, intimate lighting, imported gravel, pavement or tiles.

Paving your driveway

You want a pavement that is both cost-effective, stylish and durable. Concrete slabs and bitumen-based surfaces are sure options while laying gravel is also an option. When considering your pavement options, the more permanent the better. Gravel does not require regular maintenance, but rigid concrete is prone to cracks and would require maintenance from time to time.

Gravel Remodeling Ideas

Gravel is cheaper and easier to maintain. It is also a great DIY opportunity you can try out

 

Tile your driveway if you prefer a cleaner and more characteristic drive-in experience

 

Alternative Driveway Experience Ideas

Do not limit your imagination. There are cooler ways to build your driveway with the right professionals.

 

However big or small your budget is, you can always find something that works for you. One of the best things about renovating your driveway is that you can actually do most things yourself! You can choose from great DIY options or ideas from experts.

Patio

While most houses have standard two to three steps at the front pouch, you can make the most out of what you already have.

Lighting

Your imagination and exterior design expertise will be needed to make the front pouch a marvelous work of art. If you prefer an open-plan front pouch consider adding potted plants and lamps that complement the color of the paintwork of your pouch. If you want the pouch closed up, allow as much natural light as possible by installing top-bottom windows and glass doors. You can then add lamps for the night, when the moonlight is not enough. Meanwhile, you can ensure your energy options when it comes to lighting the driveway.

Front Pouch Remodeling ideas with lights

Wooden floor front pouches are here to stay. Add some lighting and rocking chairs, you have peace and serenity right at your doorstep

 

Closed Front pouch remodeling ideas

You can turn your front pouch to an extra room with large windows and sliding doors if you prefer a more intimate doorstep experience.

 

Front pouch lighting

Incandescent lights bring a warm feel to your front pouch

 

Hanging pouch swings adds vigor and comfort to your front pouch.

 

If you have enough space, for example, you can add pouch swings, plantation or even lighting for your quiet time moments outside the house. Make your front area stands out with these amazing ideas.

Patio Furniture

There are tens of patio furniture out there, it all depends on the size, your preference and the design of the patio. Furniture options include all-weather chaise lounges, hammocks/swings, chairs, sofas and others.

Roofing

There are tens of roofing ideas you can work with during your renovation process. Whether its Asphalt shingles, slate and tile roof shingles, metal or flat floor roofing, there is always something you can work with.

Roofing Options

Asphalt Shingles. Probably the most popular roofing types, asphalt shingles are known for their durability, cost effectiveness and ease of installation. They can withstand extreme weather and have a life expectancy of 40-50 years.

Slate and Tile Shingles. These are expensive but very attractive. They are built with upscale customers in mind. Their luxurious and stylish finishing make them popular with modern houses. They are durable, fade resistant but would require extra maintenance efforts.

Slate and Tile roofing

Slate and Tile Roofing

 

Asphalt roofing

Asphalt shingles roofing

 

Metal Roofs. Metal roofs are inexpensive, easy to maintain but would require expert attention while installing. They come in all sorts of styles and colors, and you can always repaint them if the shine fades. They can withstand adverse weather but have a shorter time-span of 10 to 20 years compared to other roofing options.

Wooden shakes and cedar shingles

 

metal roofs

Metal roofing

 

flat roofing

Flat roofing

 

Flat Roofs. If you require a certain visual appeal, flat roofs are the way to go. These roofs are usually concrete slabs supported by pillars as they tend to be very heavy. You will need to regularly clean out debris and stagnant water. Technology has improved flat roof installation, as more heat resistant options are coming up.

Wood Shakes and Cedar Shingles. These are the ”green roofs” as they are made of environmentally friendly and renewable sources of material. This is because they are a sustainable roofing option, and durable too, with a lifespan of up to 20 years. Fir the environmentally conscious, this is the best roofing type.

 Windows

Windows have that hidden ability to transform the overall look of your house, whether you are looking to flood the interior of your house with natural light or prefer the vintage square framing, there are a lot of options to choose from.

Large windows remodel ideas

Large windows stand out from afar effortlessly

 

Top to bottom windows remodel ideas

Top to bottom windows can make your house look taller, and allow more natural light

 

Tall windows and doors remodel ideas

Sliding doors and windows are a great alternative to traditional framed windows

 

Backyard window remodeling ideas

Add more windows to the back area of your house for that shiny and clear ambience

 

While shopping for window replacements, get to know the types of windows that compliment your home. From transom windows, stationary, bay or bow windows to awning windows, there is always that one type that will give your house an opportunity to stand out from the rest.

Window options

Casement Windows. Casement windows open at the turn of a crank, either outwards or inwards. They are essentially best for the kitchen area as they are huge allowing natural light in.

Awning Windows. They are hinged at the top and open either inwards or outwards. If you value scenery and views, these are your type of windows.

Slider Windows. Slider windows are simple to install and are popular with most types of houses especially split-level.

Stationary Windows. Stationary windows are designed not to open but you can customize their shape to any design. Install stationary windows in contemporary or modern houses for areas of the house that need natural light.

Bay windows split level ideas

Bay windows provide extra space on the inside of the room

Bay/Bow Windows. These windows protrude outwards and can be a great idea for colonial homes, split-level houses and mansions. They provide extra room on the inside of the house and you can show off your drapes with these types of windows.

Exterior Siding

Do not limit yourself to the boring adage brick, concrete or wooden sidings. Add color, décor, and definition to the siding of your home with alternative exterior siding ideas. Sidings highlight the uniqueness and special features of your home.

Stone siding remodeling ideas

Stone siding can be very attractive especially for country houses

 

Siding remodeling ideas

Working with one theme for the whole house, especially for wooden sidings.

 

Brick remodeling ideas

Bricks are durable, attractive and never disappoint. You can also leave the interior bricks exposed

 

Depending on how much you are willing to spend and the scope of renovation you are undertaking, there are tons of siding options to choose from. Check out these siding ideas you and your architect or remodeler can explore.

Siding Options and Ideas

Wood Sidings. Wood sidings are popular with classic and colonial homes and can be a warmer alternative to concrete. They are however high maintenance as wood tends to wear out with time.

Fiber-Cement Sidings. The latest development in exterior siding, cement fiber sidings are made of recyclable material, are easy to install and maintain, are durable and very attractive. Cement fiber sidings are not as expensive and you can experiment with different shapes and sizes.

 

fiber cement

Fiber Cement Siding

 

Vinyl siding

Vinyl sidings. Vinyl sidings are both strong and durable. They mimic wood-grain sidings but you can straight away know they are not made of wood once you feel the texture and weight. Of course the upside with Vinyl is that you will not have to repair or maintain it for the next 20 years. The downside is that they cost $2-$7 per square foot, making them considerably costly to install in large houses.

Synthetic Stone Sidings. Synthetic stone is a fusion of cement, sand and aggregate. With technology, manufacturers have been able to develop synthetic stone siding to resemble most stone types including gemstone and limestone. What you have in return is a beautiful stone-like finish for your siding. Synthetic stone is very durable, customization is limitless and they are strong. the only downside is that they are fairly more expensive than most types of sidings.

Garage Area

If your garage area is part and parcel of your renovation process, there are several ideas you can take up to transform the look entirely. The garage door is perhaps one of the few stand-out installations that can transform the overall look of your house’s exterior.

Garage door remodeling ideas

Over the years, designers have come up with alternative garage door ideas. Explore your options before settling one

Wallpaper garage door design ideas

Wallpapers for your garage door are a great way to make heads turn

Your imagination is your limit. If you love contemporary artwork, try wallpapers instead of the adage garage door painting

 

Garage door remodeling ideas

Sliding garage doors save on space and can be more attractive than alternative garage doors

 

Get to know about what’s new in the market when it comes to garage doors and pavements. You can actually select a theme that will go along with your house’s look. Check out these garage area remodel ideas you can use as inspiration.

Balcony

The balcony is perhaps one of the most exciting features of a split-level home. You can explore your options while remodeling the balcony area to maximize the limited but invaluable space. The balcony can be a great relaxation point especially if you are living upcountry.

Balcony remodeling ideas

Your balcony is your relaxation area. Add furniture and potted plants for comfort and tranquility above ground

Balcony remodel ideas forchicago

If you love nature, the balcony is one of the best places to set up a small garden above ground

Or just a simple balcony area for scenery and tranquility day or night

 

Enjoy the view and a royal sensation as you enjoy the scenery from one or two floors above ground. With the right professional assistance, you can get to know your options and actually know if you can create one, if not several balcony areas if you do not have one.

Backyard

You do not have to blow your budget while remodeling your backyard. For example, you can work with what you already have to create an awesome backyard. Depending on the space, you can stretch the limits of your imagination with these backyard renovation ideas to complement the needs of your household.

Bakyard remodeling ideas

Why not keep the cold away with a chimney area in your back yard

Cottages at the backyard are an amazing way to transform the backyard for intimate family moments

Backyard remodeling ideas

A barbecue area, fountain and clay brick surfacing for your backyard

Backyard remodeling ideas

Artificial fountains can be magical and should add life to your remodeled backyard

Pool area remodeling ideas

There is so much you can do with a pool area at the backyard besides just leaving it squared off and isolated

Whether you want to create a great barbecuing spot for friends and family; a playing ground for your kids or even a pool area, these ideas should inspire your journey of backyard transformation!

And Finally

Always consult professionals before you start remodeling to avoid costly mistakes along the way. That said, there is always that voice at the back of your head that tells you to consult someone with the right expertise and experience. With the right professionals, You can transform your house into an unimaginable and blissful home you and your family will live to admire for years.

 

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