Pop-Tops: The Smart, Cost-Effective Way to Add Space to Your Denver Home
Denver’s neighborhoods are filled with charming, classic ranch-style homes that have stood the test of time. These homes often have a warm, inviting feel but can lack the space modern families need. If you find yourself wishing for more room, you might think the only solution is to buy a bigger house, but that’s not your only option. Enter pop-tops—a second-story addition that allows you to expand your home without leaving the neighborhood you love. Let’s dive into why pop-tops are the most cost-effective way to gain extra space and explore how they can make your home feel brand new while adding that much-needed space.
What is a Pop-Top?
A pop-top is an addition that involves building a second story on your existing home. By going up instead of out, you can maximize your home’s potential without sacrificing yard space or dealing with the hassle of finding a different house, hopefully being the selected bidder and getting a loan at a higher interest rate.
Whether you’re looking to add bedrooms, a spacious primary suite, or even a second living area, a pop-top is a smart way to expand your Denver home’s footprint.
Why a Pop-Top is the Most Cost-Effective Way to Add Space
When you’re looking to add square footage, the numbers show that a pop-top is one of the most cost-effective solutions.
Here’s how the costs compare:
Rebuilding a Home from Scratch:
On a $1 million lot, a complete teardown and custom rebuild can cost around $1.8 million, totaling approximately $2.8 million.
On a $700,000 lot, a teardown and custom rebuild will run about $1.5 million, bringing the total to $2.2 million.
Opting for a Pop-Top:
With a pop-top, you’re looking at adding around $350,000 - $500,000 for a second-story addition, which typically includes a full-size primary suite and loft. Combined with a $700,000 lot, you’re investing about $1 - 1.2 million—a significant saving compared to a full rebuild.
Denver’s older homes are built of concrete blocks and brick, which are structurally capable of holding a second floor without much (if any) modification!
These savings allow you to invest in other opportunities, such as purchasing additional properties or upgrading other areas of your home.
Making Your Denver Pop-Top Look Like a Brand New Home
Many homeowners worry that a pop-top will look disjointed or out of place, but with thoughtful design, your new second story can blend seamlessly with your existing home. Here are some key ways to achieve a cohesive look:
Work with an Experienced Architect: A skilled architect can help you create a design that feels like a natural extension of your home. From matching rooflines and colors to using complementary materials, these small details can make a big difference in achieving a unified appearance.
Enhance Exterior Finishes: Updating the siding, windows, and landscaping can further tie the old and new parts of your home together, making it feel like a cohesive, brand-new build.
Our recent project, The Henry showcases how a pop-top can completely transform a home. This 1950s ranch was reimagined into a stunning modern space, blending old and new elements seamlessly for a cohesive and stylish finish.
How Long Does It Take to Build a Pop-Top?
Adding a pop-top to your home is an intricate construction project that generally takes about six to eight months once construction begins. However, the total timeline can vary based on a few key factors including our custom-build timeline, permitting, and weather conditions.
A significant part of the project timeline is influenced by Denver’s permitting process. Pop-tops are classified as Major Residential Projects, which means they typically fall into the city’s longest plan review times. According to the City of Denver’s official website, permitting for these projects currently takes an average of 253 days. While this can seem daunting, our team is experienced in navigating these timelines and will keep you informed every step of the way.
Final Thoughts: Invest in Your Home, Not Just More Space
A pop-top addition is more than just extra square footage—it’s an investment in your home’s future. With the significant cost savings, you have the flexibility to improve other aspects of your property, explore investment opportunities, or simply enjoy the peace of mind that comes with staying in the neighborhood you love.
Before you consider buying a new home, talk to our team at Forest St. Builders about the options for expanding your existing home with a pop-top.