Previous Articles:
Bi-levels
Tri-levels
Previously, we discussed the style of house known as a Bi-Level and Tri-Level. Next up in our Split-level series is the Quad home.
This means that there are four (quatro) distinct living areas. The easiest way to explain a Quad - It's a Tri-level with an extra basement under the main level. Generally speaking, you walk in the front door onto a main ground level floor. The main area generally holds the kitchen, living, and dining just like a Tri. At the back or sides of this level, you have stairs up to the upper story - generally the main bedrooms. You also have stairs down to the 3rd level, which is half below ground. There is typically a family room, bedroom, bath/laundry, just like a tri. The Quad comes into play when you have stairs from the 3rd level, down into a 4th level (underneath the main floor). This level is basement quality - totally underground. Many times this level is unfinished, but when finished it generally holds a rec room/game room, office, or some other similar hideaway. The garage can generally be accessed from the main level, but can also be found occasionally on the 3rd level.
- Pros: Privacy - In addition to the separation of beds/entertainment areas like a tri, you get the additional hideaway of the basement. Lots of hidey holes in a Quad. It's a good style to lose the family in for a while.
- Like a tri, you get a bright View-Out on the lower level.
- You get the benefits of a totally underground basement level for storm shelter and storage.
- The stair-running keeps you in shape, right?! It is at least, less stairs at one time than a Bi.
- Compared to a bi-level, you can at least come home with groceries and go in the door without having to go upstairs.
- Cons: The areas are more broken up - you have to go up to sleep, down to eat, and further down to do laundry, then back up to eat, etc.
- The level that is fully under ground is just as susceptible as normal basements to pressure, shifting, cracking, leaking, etc. Just like a regular ranch basement.
- Generally more stress cracking than a ranch as the different levels and different weights on each side will settle differently, causing cracks around the stairwells, like the other types of splits.
- In the event of a physical handicap or injury, the stairs could limit movement (although unlike a bi, you can at least sleep in the living room!). For this reason, any split level limits the pool of buyers to physically capable folks.
- Quads are typically older homes as they are rarely built anymore. Many were done in the late 50's-early 80's.
How to tell a Quad home from the outside:
This can be tricky. Any that look like a Tri-level, could in fact be a quad because of a basement under the main part. What you'll need to look for - basement windows (those itty bitty dirty ones at the top of many basement walls) underneath the portion of the home where the front door is. Some may not have windows in their 4th level, so look to see if the main level is raised a step or so. Since there's a basement underneath, the main floor level should not look like you could just roll right into it, as in it shouldn't be on a slab at ground level. There should be a step raising it up.
See, many look like tri-level homes. Note the step to the door. could mean just a crawl space, but could mean a basement - 4th level - hence a quad!
Okay Sherlock, here's another Quad, front and back: 
Here's a rough idea of the different levels, seen from front view on one style, and side view on another style.
For a list of Quad Homes currently for sale, look below, or Email me with the specific area you'd like to find a Quad!
That's Mod, let's Buy a Quad!
Here's the full series!
Bis, Tris, and Quads!
More split level info is at www.splitlevel.net
Sheree Wilkerson
Allegiant GMAC Realty
316.461.0575
sheree@ksgreathomes.com
Before Staging
