Montclair Whole-Home Pop-Top Renovation
Project Overview
This gorgeous Denver pop-top renovation transformed a 1940s brick home through a comprehensive second-story addition, whole-home remodel, and ground-up construction. While working closely with our clients design team, Prenvalley Builders expanded the home by adding over 800 square feet to the upper level, creating a new primary suite and additional bedrooms, while also remodeling the entire first floor to improve functionality and livability. The existing attached garage was converted into a fully independent mother-in-law suite, and the project was further expanded with the construction of a new detached two-car garage featuring an art studio and outdoor living space. By managing construction alongside structural, soils, and engineering coordination, Prenvalley delivered a cohesive, well-integrated renovation built for long-term performance and everyday living.
Project Details
Size: 2473 sq ft
Location: Montclair, Denver, Colorado
Architectural Design: NAGY Design Co
Our Approach
This project required careful coordination between new construction and the existing structure. Prenvalley Builders oversaw structural planning and engineering collaboration to ensure the second-story addition integrated seamlessly with the original home. Thoughtful construction sequencing allowed the team to manage demolition, framing, and exterior enclosure efficiently while minimizing disruption to the overall build timeline.
By managing both construction and critical technical coordination, Prenvalley was able to deliver a cohesive expansion that feels intentional, balanced, and well-integrated throughout.
Project Highlights
Whole-home renovation
Second-story pop-top addition
Reconfigured main level
Converted existing garage into a Mother-in-law suite
Built a ground-up detached two car garage with an art studio
Strong indoor–outdoor connection
Results
The completed renovation delivers a flexible, future-ready home that balances expanded square footage with thoughtful planning and durable construction. By combining a pop-top addition, a full interior remodel, a converted guest suite, and a ground-up two car garage with an art studio, the project supports evolving family needs while maintaining architectural continuity and long-term value.
Project Goals
Increase usable living space
Support multi-generational living
Improve overall functionality
Add flexible workspace and storage
Ensure long-term durability
Common Questions about Home Additions
-
It depends on the type of addition. If it’s a single story addition off the back of your home we can definitely accommodate that but just be wary that noise is a consideration if you work from home. For second story additions (pop-tops) we typically request that the clients live somewhere else due to logistical reasons with plumbing and electrical. It’s also a very invasive process with life safety considerations as well as just daily living comfortability issues.
-
This can vary quite a bit on size but we’ve seen these projects range from 4-6 months in design/plan review and 5 to 8 months in construction. You can consult our process sheet here!
-
Make sure to get an asbestos report early on to ensure that you or the construction team won’t be exposed during the project. Also, asbestos remediation can be expensive so that additional cost is good to know early on. Also, additions can be unpredictable - especially in older homes. Check if your contractor has considered all factors of the project (e.g. lath and plaster walls, unlevel floors, structural considerations, age of existing plumbing and electrical, etc.). Making sure your contractor is carrying a contingency budget on an addition is especially important because we typically don’t know what we’re going to find behind walls and floors until after demolition has been completed which can add additional cost.