The split level has two or three short sets of stairs, and three (tri-level) or four (quad) levels. The entry is on a middle floor between two floors. The front door opens directly into what is usually the formal living area, which is typically partially above ground level. Below that may be a small crawl space. The lower level is a finished area partially underground (approximately three feet below grade) and must have an outside entry door. Above the lower level are bedrooms. Sometimes a short flight above the bedroom floor is another single bedroom. Above that is typically an attic accessed by either another flight of stairs or an opening placed high in a closet. A typical tri-level appears to be a lowered colonial on one side of the house and a ranch on the other side with a crawl space below the ranch. A typical quad-level appears to be a lowered colonial on one side of the house and a ranch on the other side with a basement below the ranch.
