What Is a Sidesplit House? Layout, Pros, Cons and What to Check

A sidesplit house is a split-level home where the levels step up and down across the width of the house, so you can see the split from the street. One side usually holds the main living area at ground level. The other side stacks a bedroom level above a lower family room or garage, connected by short half-flights of stairs.

How a sidesplit layout works

Look at a sidesplit from the street and you will see two distinct sections. One is a single-storey wing. The other is taller, with windows at two heights.

Typical four-level sidesplit

1. Main level: the front door, living room, dining room and kitchen in the single-storey wing.
2. Upper level: up a half-flight, the bedrooms and main bathroom.
3. Lower level: down a half-flight, a family room, sometimes a bedroom or den, a bathroom and often the garage or a side door.
4. Basement: another half-flight down, with laundry, utilities and storage.

Some sidesplits have three levels, and a few have five. Builders across Ontario used the style widely in the 1960s and 1970s.

Sidesplit vs. backsplit: what’s the difference?

Both are split-level homes with half-flights of stairs. The difference is which way the levels run.

Feature	Sidesplit	Backsplit
Direction of the split	Side to side	Front to back
Visible from the street	Yes, clearly	No, looks like a bungalow
Typical lot	Wider frontage	Narrower, often deeper or sloping
Garage	Often on the lower side	Varies
Curb appeal	Larger, more varied front	Lower, bungalow-like front

For the front-to-back version, see our guide to backsplit houses.

Sidesplit pros and cons

Pros

• Wide lots with room for gardens and parking.
• Clear separation between bedrooms and family spaces.
• Bright lower family room with above-grade windows.
• Attached garage with interior access in many homes.
• Lots of living area for the footprint.

Cons

• Stairs between every level.
• Bedrooms over the garage can feel colder in winter.
• Uneven heating and cooling across levels.
• Older layouts can be closed off and dark in the centre.
• Harder to adapt for mobility needs.

Who should consider a sidesplit?

Sidesplits suit families who want space and separation on a wider lot. The bedrooms feel private, and the lower family room gives kids or teens their own zone.

They are also a good fit for buyers who want an attached garage and a bigger yard than many newer homes offer. If anyone in the household has trouble with stairs, though, a single-level bungalow is a better long-term choice.

What to inspect before buying a sidesplit

Most sidesplits are several decades old. Book a full home inspection and pay special attention to:

1. Foundation and settling: look for cracks where the split levels meet.
2. Garage ceiling: check insulation and fire separation under bedrooms.
3. Lower-level moisture: look at window wells, grading and downspouts.
4. Roof: sidesplits have several roof sections and valleys where leaks can start.
5. Electrical and plumbing: ask about updates to older wiring and pipes.
6. Permits: confirm any opened walls or additions were permitted.

Popular sidesplit updates

Sidesplits respond well to renovation. Common projects include:

• Opening the kitchen to the living and dining rooms.
• Replacing solid stair walls with open railings to bring in light.
• Updating the front with new siding, stone, a modern door and bigger windows.
• Adding a full second storey over the single-storey wing.
• Converting the lower level into an in-law suite with a side entrance.

Adding a storey or a second unit needs permits, and often a structural engineer and a zoning review. A second unit must also meet building and fire code requirements. Our guide on adding to a bungalow covers additions in more detail.

Sidesplit resale and value

Much of a sidesplit’s value sits in its lot. A wide frontage in an established neighbourhood appeals to families, renovators and builders alike. In some areas, buyers see an older sidesplit as a chance to renovate heavily or rebuild.

When you sell, updates that open up the main level and modernize the front tend to show best. Before you invest in big projects, ask your Realtor which updates buyers in your area actually pay for. You can also get a free home evaluation to see where your sidesplit stands today.

Frequently asked questions

Is a sidesplit the same as a split-level?

A sidesplit is one type of split-level home. The term split-level covers both sidesplits and backsplits, which differ in the direction the levels run.

Are sidesplits good family homes?

Yes, many families like them. They offer separated bedrooms, a lower family room and usually a wider lot with an attached garage.

Can you add a second storey to a sidesplit?

Often, yes, over the single-storey wing. You will need a structural review, a building permit and a check of local zoning rules on height and setbacks.

The bottom line on sidesplits

A sidesplit gives you a wide lot, separated living zones and plenty of space, with half-flights of stairs as the trade-off. With smart updates, it can feel as modern as a newer home.

Browse sidesplit homes for sale, and set up new listing alerts so you catch them as soon as they come up.