Expert: Ted Barnhill (Principal, Design45 LLC) - 11/17/2007

Question
I have a split entry home which has been remodeled, however the entry really bothers me.  The entrance is at ground level(you walk right into the house (no exterior steps) but then have a very small foyer with 5 steps leading upstairs and 5 leading downstairs.  Can the interior steps be removed and exterior steps added to the outside of the house?  Would this even make sense?  The small foyer just annoys me to no end.

Answer
Evelyn,

Split entry homes are efficient in some ways, but I agree that entering on a stair landing isn't very graceful.

You can certainly remodel your entry to be more accommodating, but it is not a small project.  Depending on the grade of your lot, the layout of your home, and other factors, you may choose to:

1. Add a new porch or stoop at the main floor level, with 5 exterior steps up to it.  The front door would enter your living room or some other appropriate spot (if there is one).  You would remove your old front door but leave the basement stairs basically intact.

2. Put an addition in front of your current entry, with floor level possibly a couple of steps below the main floor level (so the exterior stoop isn't so huge).  You would rebuild your basement stairs (and perhaps a step or two up to the main level) from within this new, larger foyer.

3. Just enlarge your entry with an addition at grade, remaining midway between your floors.  Possibly leave the stairs as they are.

4. Some other solution that may be more appropriate to your particular situation.  (It's impossible to know without seeing it.)

In my mental picture of your home, I would probably prefer #2, which would also be the most expensive.  I recommend that you consult a designer in your area if you wish to explore your options further.  Good luck!