What is a pop-top renovation?

A pop-top renovation adds a new second story to an existing home, increasing livable space without expanding the home’s footprint. It’s a common solution for mountain homes where lot constraints or zoning limit outward expansion.

Is a pop-top renovation a good option for mountain homes in Colorado?

Yes. Pop-top renovations are well-suited for mountain homes because they allow homeowners to capture views, increase natural light, and add functional space while working within challenging sites, slopes, and snow-load requirements.

Can a second-story addition include outdoor living space like a balcony?

Absolutely. Many second-story additions incorporate balconies or decks to enhance indoor–outdoor living, especially in mountain settings where views and outdoor access are a priority.

What challenges are common with pop-top renovations in mountain towns?

Common challenges include structural integration with the existing home, snow-load requirements, weather conditions, and limited site access. Working with an experienced mountain builder helps ensure these challenges are addressed properly.

Do pop-top renovations increase home value?

In many cases, yes. Adding a second story can significantly increase usable square footage, improve functionality, and enhance views—factors that often contribute to long-term property value, especially in high-demand mountain communities.

Summit View Pop-Top Renovation

AdditionRenovation

Feb 3

Written By Guest User

Completed Silverthorne pop-top renovation showing a mountain home with a second-story addition and upper-level balcony, surrounded by trees and designed to capture expansive mountain views by Prenvalley Builders.

Project Overview

The homeowners needed more space to comfortably host family while taking advantage of their mountain setting. Prenvalley Builders built a second-story pop-top addition that added new sleeping quarters, an upper-level family space, and a balcony oriented toward panoramic mountain and Lake Dillon views. Working within the constraints of the existing structure, this project is special for how seamlessly the new second story integrates with the original home while dramatically improving livability and connection to the outdoors.

Project Details

Size: 570 sq ft

Location: Silverthorne, Colorado

Architectural Design: NAGY Design Co.

Second-story pop-top renovation under construction in Silverthorne, Colorado, showing the beginning stages to adding a new upper-level addition above an existing garage as part of a mountain home renovation by Prenvalley Builders.

Exterior view of a second-story pop-top renovation in Silverthorne, Colorado, showing an upper-level addition framed and sheathed above an existing garage during a mountain home renovation by Prenvalley Builders.

Finished exterior of a Silverthorne pop-top renovation featuring a completed second-story addition above an existing garage, expanding upper-level living space in a mountain home built by Prenvalley Builders.

Our Approach

Prenvalley Builders approached this pop-top renovation with a focus on precision, coordination, and respect for the existing structure. By carefully sequencing construction and collaborating closely with the design team and trades, the new second story was integrated seamlessly into the home while maintaining structural integrity and build quality. The result is a high-performing addition that feels intentional, durable, and well-suited for mountain living.

Project Highlights

Second-story pop-top addition
Structural integration above existing garage
New upper-level sleeping quarters
Upper-level family / gathering space
Upper-level balcony with mountain and Lake Dillon views
Interior and exterior construction coordination
Framing, sheathing, and envelope integration
Exterior finish continuity with existing home

Finished upper-level balcony in a Silverthorne pop-top renovation, featuring completed decking, cable railing, and expansive mountain and Lake Dillon views from a second-story addition by Prenvalley Builders.

Upper-level balcony under construction in a Silverthorne pop-top renovation, showing unfinished decking and expansive mountain and Lake Dillon views from a second-story addition by Prenvalley Builders.

Furnished upper-level balcony in a Silverthorne pop-top renovation, featuring completed decking, seating, and exterior access from the second-story family space, built by Prenvalley Builders.

Interior framing of a second-story pop-top renovation in Silverthorne, Colorado, showing new upper-level living space with vaulted ceilings and large windows framing mountain views during construction by Prenvalley Builders.

Finished upper-level family space in a Silverthorne pop-top renovation featuring large windows, natural light, and direct access to a balcony with mountain views, completed by Prenvalley Builders.

Results

The completed pop-top renovation transformed the home by adding meaningful upper-level living space without altering its footprint. The new sleeping quarters, family room, and balcony significantly improved comfort, functionality, and connection to the surrounding mountain landscape. The result is a home that feels more open, livable, and well-suited for year-round mountain living.

Project Goals

Increase usable living space without expanding the home’s footprint
Add additional sleeping quarters for family and guests
Create an upper-level gathering space with mountain views
Improve indoor–outdoor living with an upper-level balcony
Preserve the character of the existing mountain home

Interior view from an upper-level family space looking out toward a finished balcony and expansive mountain landscape in a Silverthorne pop-top renovation completed by Prenvalley Builders.

Guest User