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Bi-Level Homes For Sale in Calgary

Bi-Level Homes For Sale In Calgary
What is a Bi-Level Home?
All Bi-Level Home Listings
Pros & Cons

Calgary Bi-level Style Homes

Discover all the bi-level homes for sale in Calgary below. Bi-level houses are an excellent choice for those seeking a unique, multi-functional living space. With their split-level design, these homes offer efficient use of space, enhanced natural light, and a cozy yet spacious layout. Perfect for families or investors, bi-level homes in Calgary are available in a variety of styles and price ranges to suit your needs.

Bi-level home ownership provides the perfect blend of modern aesthetics and practicality, ensuring comfort and adaptability for growing families. Browse our listings to find bi-level homes in desirable Calgary neighborhoods. For more details or to schedule a private viewing, contact the Tiwana Team today!

Bilevel in Calgary Quadrants

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West
Northwest
East
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City Centre

All Listings of Bi-level Homes

Are you planning to buy or sell a house in Calgary?

Our local real estate team is here to assist you with the sale of your current bi-level home or the purchase of your next property. As experienced Calgary real estate agents, we understand the unique market trends and opportunities within the Calgary bi-level housing sector. We’re committed to providing you with outstanding service and personalized guidance.

Contact Mal Tiwana with Grand Realty at 403-830-5152 to learn more about our tailored services for buyers and sellers. If you’re preparing to sell your Calgary bi-level home, visit our home evaluation page to receive a free value assessment and discover your property’s worth in today’s market.

Understanding Bi-Level Homes

A Sample Bi Level Home - Bilevel Homes

In Calgary, Alberta, architectural styles reflect the city’s unique blend of modernity, practicality, and heritage, shaped by its geography, climate, and urban growth. One particular style that has gained attention over the years is the bi-level home. This architectural style, while not as common as others like bungalows or two-story houses, has carved out a niche in the city’s residential landscape. But what exactly is a bi-level home, how does it differ from other types of homes, and what are its advantages and disadvantages? In this blog, we’ll take a deep dive into the characteristics of bi-level homes, their structure, the pros and cons of living in one, and why this style might appeal to certain buyers in Calgary.

What is a Bi-Level Home?

A bi-level home, also known as a split-entry home, is a two-story residential design where the main living areas are divided between two levels of the home. However, unlike a typical two-story home where the living areas are stacked one directly on top of the other, a bi-level home has an entryway that is elevated and leads to two separate floors. In essence, a bi-level home’s defining characteristic is the split-level entry, with the front door typically leading to a small landing. From here, you can either ascend a set of stairs to the upper level or descend a set of stairs to the lower level.

Structure of a Bi-Level Home

Upper Level

The upper level contains the main living spaces, including bedrooms, the living room, kitchen, and dining areas. In some designs, this level might also have a few additional rooms such as a family room or den.

Elevated Entry

As mentioned earlier, the front door is typically located about halfway between the upper and lower levels, which gives the home its “split” feel. This is often achieved through a raised foundation, which elevates the main living spaces above ground level.

Lower Level

The lower level often features spaces such as a basement, a recreational room, a laundry room, and additional bedrooms. Many bi-level homes use the lower level for more private or functional spaces.

Large Windows

Bi-level homes tend to have large windows, especially on the lower level, to let in natural light. This is an important design element, as the lower level can feel a bit more enclosed compared to a traditional home.

Open Floor Plans

Many bi-level homes incorporate open floor plans on the upper level to create a sense of space and flow, especially in areas like the living room, kitchen, and dining rooms.

The Appeal of Bi-Level Homes in Calgary

Calgary’s unique geographical and climatic conditions have influenced the types of homes built in the region. As the city grew, particularly in the mid-20th century, homes were constructed with an emphasis on maximizing living space while maintaining energy efficiency and privacy. Bi-level homes were popularized during this time and continue to be favored in certain areas of Calgary for their practicality and cost-efficiency.

The appeal of bi-level homes in Calgary can be attributed to several factors:

Suitable for Sloped Lots

Calgary’s varied topography, with areas of the city situated on hilly or sloping terrain, is ideal for bi-level homes. The split-level design makes the most of uneven or sloped lots by creating a structure that fits naturally with the landscape. Instead of building a conventional home that requires a large flat lot, a bi-level home allows for more creative and functional use of the land.

Natural Light and Views

One of the main drawbacks of traditional basements is that they can feel dark and claustrophobic. The bi-level home addresses this by placing the lower level just below ground, allowing for larger windows and better access to natural light. This creates an airy, open feel and can offer better views of the surrounding environment, particularly in Calgary’s beautiful suburban areas.

Cost-Efficient Construction

Bi-level homes are often more affordable to build compared to traditional two-story homes. The simpler structure and more compact design can reduce construction costs. This can be appealing to first-time homebuyers or those looking to get more space for their budget.

Privacy

The division of space between two levels offers enhanced privacy. The upper level can be reserved for shared family activities, while the lower level can house more private rooms like a master bedroom or additional bedrooms for children or guests.

Functional Layout

Bi-level homes often feature a functional layout, with the lower level offering extra space for a home office, gym, or recreational area. Many bi-level homes are also equipped with a separate entry into the lower level, making them more versatile for multi-generational living or rental suites.

Pros & Cons

Before purchasing a bi-level home for sale in Calgary, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of this unique property style. Bi-level homes offer features like natural light-filled spaces and efficient layouts, but they may also require considerations for stair usage and space optimization.

Pros

Efficient Use of Space

The bi-level design optimizes the use of available space. In contrast to bungalows, which can feel sprawling and inefficient, bi-level homes stack rooms vertically, making them a better option for smaller or sloped lots. Homeowners can achieve the same square footage as a two-story home but in a more compact layout, with less land taken up by the building footprint.

More Natural Light

Since bi-level homes elevate the lower level above ground, the larger windows allow more natural light into spaces that would typically feel like a basement. This makes bi-level homes feel brighter and more open compared to traditional homes with fully underground basements.

Privacy and Separation of Spaces

The layout of bi-level homes provides a natural separation between public and private spaces. The upper level, where the living room and kitchen are typically located, is separate from the more private lower level, which is ideal for family life and entertaining.

Privacy and Separation of Spaces

The lower level in a bi-level home can be easily converted into multiple functional spaces, such as a home theater, office, gym, or even a rental suite. This flexibility is appealing to people looking to maximize the utility of their living space.

Cost-Effective

Generally, bi-level homes are less expensive to build than traditional two-story homes, primarily due to the simpler design and reduced need for extensive foundation work. This makes bi-level homes an attractive option for first-time buyers, investors, and families on a budget.

Cons

Stair Climbing

One of the most obvious drawbacks of a bi-level home is the requirement for stairs. Climbing up and down the stairs multiple times a day can be inconvenient for people with mobility issues, families with young children, or individuals who prefer a single-level living arrangement.

Limited Outdoor Access

While the upper level often has good access to outdoor spaces such as balconies or patios, the lower level typically has limited or no access to the outdoors. This can be an issue for homeowners who value easy access to a backyard or garden.

Less Efficient Heating

Due to the split-level design, heating can sometimes be less efficient than in a single-story home. The separation between levels means that warm air can accumulate in one area, while other areas might not get as much warmth, leading to uneven heating and higher energy costs during Calgary’s harsh winters.

Privacy vs. Noise

While the separation of the upper and lower levels offers privacy, it can also present challenges. For example, the soundproofing between the floors may not be as effective as in a more traditional home. This can create noise issues if the family is particularly active in one area, especially on the upper level, where foot traffic can be more noticeable.

Potential for Limited Resale Appeal

While bi-level homes are perfect for some buyers, others may not appreciate the layout. Two-story homes or bungalows often have broader appeal in Calgary’s real estate market, especially for families seeking a more conventional design. Bi-level homes may not offer the same aesthetic or layout flexibility as other designs, limiting their resale value in certain markets.

Who Is a Bi-Level Home Ideal For?

Bi-level homes are perfect for young families, first-time homebuyers, people on a budget, and those looking for a low-maintenance, efficient home. They also tend to be favored by those who have sloped lots or are looking for a home with additional space but don’t want the complexity or expense of a traditional two-story design.

The home style is also great for multi-generational families or those who want extra privacy or a potential rental suite in the lower level. Homeowners who enjoy hosting and want a bit more separation between living spaces will appreciate the privacy bi-level homes afford.

Malvinder S. Tiwana, MiCP, PERRE, PGDJMC
Real Estate Associate, Grand Realty, Calgary, AB

With over two decades of experience in selling real estate in Calgary, Alberta, and surrounding areas, including British Columbia, Malvinder S. Tiwana is dedicated to providing exceptional service and expertise in the real estate market.

Contact us today to schedule a viewing of our available bi level homes for sale in Calgary.

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Bi-Level Homes For Sale in Calgary

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