The time has come where you have finally outgrown your home. Whether it’s because of your ever-growing family, your new post-COVID work-from-home lifestyle taking over your space, or you are simply ready for a new aesthetic, there are plenty of reasons a change in your home has become a necessity.
As we all know, the ever-changing landscape of Colorado’s housing market can be intimidating. Homes are selling fast, interest rates are all over the place, the current inventory is nothing to brag about, and even though, according to Redfin, the housing market is down by 3.5% compared to last year, there are a lot of factors weighing in when deciding what the right plan is for you and your family.
One of the biggest deciding factors is whether or not buying a new home is the right option for your needs. When trying to decide, ask yourself a few questions:
- What about our current home isn’t working for us?
- Are we looking to move to be in a different school district?
- Are we looking to move to be in a different city?
- Do we need more space?
- What is our budget, and can we even afford something better than we already have?
If your answer is to gain more space but stay in the same location, it may be time to Pop The Top! But what does that mean exactly? You’re asking the right questions, and we’ve got the answer.
Pop-The-Top essentially means to add an addition to your home, oftentimes adding a second or third level on top of your current home or by adding an addition to the same level gaining more space. Popping the top may be the right move for folks not looking to dive into the outrageously competitive housing market. You can have a brand new house in the place you already call home.
Pros of Popping The Top (Home Additions)
1. Make Space For The Life You Have Now
Where are you in life? Are you growing your family and realizing the need for an extra bedroom, or are you looking to add a second floor creating the primary bedroom suite of your dreams? Are you in need of a dedicated office space or are you looking to relax in a new sunroom enjoying our beautiful Colorado landscape? Whatever your needs, a Certified Colorado Contractor (that’s us) can help you design and create a space that is right for you.
2. Additions Can Be Cheaper Than Purchasing
That’s right! Adding an addition to your home may sound like an expensive project, but it is not as intimidating as you may think. The typical national average of adding an addition to your home can cost anywhere from $22,332 – $81,267. With the median purchase price of a home in Denver landing around $600,000, the added costs of selling your current house, expenses incurred during the purchase of a new home, and the possibility of the new home needing repairs, the cost to purchase can quickly outway the cost of an addition. Plus, if you ever decide to sell, the cost associated with an addition can be recouped within the equity you gain.
3. Added Value
The majority of the updates you do to your home will add value. Whether you are adding an additional floor to your home or adding an extra bedroom, larger square footage means a higher price point when you sell.
4. You Gain The Space You Need Without Having To Move!
Let’s face it, moving can be stressful and expensive. And even though adding an addition to your home means you may have to clean some rooms, you don’t have to deal with packing up everything. You also won’t have to worry about any of your furniture breaking because of others.
Now, don’t get us wrong, popping the top or adding an addition has its fair share of cons. Hiring a professional team of contractors, Like Christie’s, who will listen to your needs, communicate throughout the process, and mitigate any surprises, is essential to the success of your ‘Pop The Top’ remodel.
A Few Disadvantages Of Remodeling To Prep For:
1. You May Find Some Surprise Expenses
Many surprises can form once opening walls in any home. Whether the home is brand new or an older home, expect surprises to arise. Black mold, improper electrical, or damaged foundations can all be hidden making it impossible to accurately quote. Our team at Christie’s will prepare as much as possible for these unexpected setbacks. We always recommend homeowners budget at least 20% over the estimated cost for surprises.
2. Remodels Are Messy
We have to say, our industry is messy. We work with dusty materials and products with strong odors. It can, and will, get dirty. Plan to clear out the space where your remodel is happening.
3. You May Have To Move Out
Depending on your remodel, you may need to move out during the construction phase. If we are impacting your major living areas or removing the roof and popping the top, most find it less stressful by moving oftentimes helping to speed up the process.
Popping the top of your home or adding a new bump out can be an incredibly fun process. With Christie’s Design/Build Remodeling, we listen to our client’s needs and help determine the right project, design, and process for you and your home. We make it fun.
Some Of Our Favorite Home Additions:
- Adding a 2nd floor for a primary bedroom suite
- Sunrooms or screened porches
- Basement build-outs
- Aging-in-Place bedroom/in-law suite for aging parents
- Decks
- Raising the roof to create lofted ceilings
- Building out an office or artist space
- Adding an additional bedroom
- Bump-out luxury en suite bathroom
- Garage additions
Whatever space you may need to fit your growing family, Christie’s Design/Build Remodeling team is here to help you through the process. Whether you want to Pop The Top, add an addition, or need general information about our services, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us today!
Are you not looking to add a floor to your home, but need help figuring out how to best utilize the space you already have? Check out our previous blog on 5 Unique Home Remodeling Ideas You’ll Want to Steal.
