What is a partial pop-top addition, and how does it work?

A partial pop-top addition involves raising the roof of a home to add extra living space, typically by creating a new upper floor or expanding existing upper-level spaces. Unlike a full pop-top, which involves adding an entire second story, a partial pop-top focuses on selectively adding space to specific areas of the home, often over a portion of the existing footprint. This approach preserves much of the original structure while allowing for more space and improved functionality.

How do you ensure the pop-top addition blends with the original character of the home?

To ensure the pop-top addition seamlessly integrates with the existing character of the home, we carefully consider architectural elements such as rooflines, materials, and proportions. Our design approach focuses on maintaining continuity by matching the style, materials, and design elements from the original structure. For example, if the home has a traditional roof, we would match the new roofline or gable shape. Additionally, window styles, exterior finishes, and trim details are selected to complement the home’s existing aesthetic, ensuring that the addition feels like a natural extension rather than an afterthought.

How do you handle the potential disruption during construction?

During a partial pop-top addition, there will be some disruption as we work on the roof structure and add new floors. We aim to minimize inconvenience by maintaining clear communication and working efficiently. Temporary changes, like adjusting access to certain parts of the home or rerouting utilities, will be managed carefully. We will coordinate closely with you throughout the process to ensure your daily life is impacted as little as possible.

How do you ensure that a new front porch ties into the existing front elevation of the home?

When adding a front porch, we focus on creating a design that complements the home’s existing architectural style and enhances its curb appeal. To achieve this, we carefully consider elements such as the roofline, columns, trim details, and materials used on the original façade. The porch will be designed to flow naturally with the home’s current proportions, so it feels like a seamless extension rather than an afterthought. By matching the style of windows, doors, and exterior finishes, and paying attention to the scale and symmetry of the porch in relation to the rest of the home, we ensure the new addition enhances the overall aesthetic of the front elevation.

Trailside Tranquility

RenovationPop-Top

Jul 16

Written By Rachel Nagy

A81 | Project Summary

This North Table Mountain home renovation in Golden, Colorado, features a thoughtfully designed second-story pop-top addition to support a growing family’s evolving lifestyle. The transformation began with a complete staircase renovation, improving both the functionality and flow to the new upper level.

We enclosed the original 1.5-story rear space, converting the previously underutilized family room into a cohesive, livable area. The new second floor includes a spacious additional bedroom, a fully renovated secondary bathroom, and expanded closet space in an existing bedroom—ideal upgrades for a family in need of more room to grow.

The primary bathroom underwent a full remodel, now featuring modern finishes and spa-like touches tailored to the client’s aesthetic. Every detail—from structural enhancements to interior finishes—was carefully considered to reflect both style and function.

The result is a modernized, light-filled home that balances comfort, design, and long-term livability—proving that with smart planning, a pop-top renovation can truly elevate a home’s potential.

900 sq. ft

North Table Mountain, Golden

PrenValley Builders

9 Months

Completed pop-top home renovation in Golden, Colorado by NAGY Design, featuring updated facade, stone accents, and modern garage

Open stairwell with modern black metal railing in a pop-top home renovation by NAGY Design in Golden, Colorado, featuring natural light and hardwood floors

Modern walk-in shower and freestanding tub in a luxury bathroom addition by NAGY Design in Golden, Colorado, featuring vertical tile and matte black fixtures

Renovated family room with custom built-ins, mounted TV, sectional seating, and cozy finishes by NAGY Design in Golden, Colorado pop-top addition

RENOVATION | POP-TOP

Signature Design Process

- Site analysis
- Existing conditions
- Budgeting
- Code review
- Contractor interviews negotiation
- Basic design concept generation
- 1-2 Iterations on a theme design evolution
- Plan approval to move forward to construction documents
- Detailed drawings
- 1 Major edit allowed
- Finish selection
- Permit comments
- Minimum of 3-5 site visits during construction
- Ensure the follow-through of the original design intent

Architectural rendering of a modern pop-top renovation in North Table Mountain, Golden, Colorado by NAGY Design

Architectural Services

Second-Story Addition

Bathroom Updates

Main Suite Renovation

Finish Selection

Main Level Family Room Updates

Front Porch Addition

Architectural rendering of rear elevation showing proposed pop-top second-story addition in Golden, Colorado by NAGY Design

Rear view of the original single-story home in Golden, Colorado before the pop-top renovation by NAGY Design, showing patio and yard space — Before

Construction progress of a pop-top home addition in North Table Mountain, Golden, Colorado by NAGY Design, showing framing and structural expansion — Under Construction

RENOVATION | POP-TOP

Common Questions

A partial pop-top addition involves raising the roof of a home to add extra living space, typically by creating a new upper floor or expanding existing upper-level spaces. Unlike a full pop-top, which involves adding an entire second story, a partial pop-top focuses on selectively adding space to specific areas of the home, often over a portion of the existing footprint. This approach preserves much of the original structure while allowing for more space and improved functionality.
To ensure the pop-top addition seamlessly integrates with the existing character of the home, we carefully consider architectural elements such as rooflines, materials, and proportions. Our design approach focuses on maintaining continuity by matching the style, materials, and design elements from the original structure. For example, if the home has a traditional roof, we would match the new roofline or gable shape. Additionally, window styles, exterior finishes, and trim details are selected to complement the home’s existing aesthetic, ensuring that the addition feels like a natural extension rather than an afterthought.
During a partial pop-top addition, there will be some disruption as we work on the roof structure and add new floors. We aim to minimize inconvenience by maintaining clear communication and working efficiently. Temporary changes, like adjusting access to certain parts of the home or rerouting utilities, will be managed carefully. We will coordinate closely with you throughout the process to ensure your daily life is impacted as little as possible.
When adding a front porch, we focus on creating a design that complements the home’s existing architectural style and enhances its curb appeal. To achieve this, we carefully consider elements such as the roofline, columns, trim details, and materials used on the original façade. The porch will be designed to flow naturally with the home’s current proportions, so it feels like a seamless extension rather than an afterthought. By matching the style of windows, doors, and exterior finishes, and paying attention to the scale and symmetry of the porch in relation to the rest of the home, we ensure the new addition enhances the overall aesthetic of the front elevation.