Anonymous wrote:OP, are you going to be using this space or is it for resale? I'll list the cons for you:

--not attractive roofline, very boxy from back
--some buyers won't want master on separate floor, so you lose your value
--if you are not going to use it, not worth it

If you do do it, I would go with a very good architect. Take a look at some of those pop ups to make sure you don't mind looking at it when you're outside grilling

Yes, we will be using it. Totally agree with you that the architect has to be really good. I have seen some good and bad pop-ups.

OP, are you going to be using this space or is it for resale? I'll list the cons for you:

--not attractive roofline, very boxy from back
--some buyers won't want master on separate floor, so you lose your value
--if you are not going to use it, not worth it

If you do do it, I would go with a very good architect. Take a look at some of those pop ups to make sure you don't mind looking at it when you're outside grilling

Anonymous wrote:
What does "not being visible from the front" have to do with it? Seriously?

OP, are you pricing yourself out of the neighborhood? If the only other homes are actually new, don't do it. Your house would still be a knock down.

I mentioned that it was not visible from the front so as to indicate that it would not detract from the look of the house, as such a move might also detract from the home's value.

There really is not much of a tear down market in Tenleytown, esp with attached houses. Homes range from 750k - 1.4 million or so.

Thanks for the thoughts, please keep them coming. This is really helpful.

I also live in Tenleytown/AU Park and would guess that type of addition would be $100K+.

I would also guess the additional bedroom and master suite would probably increase the value of the house significantly. You should do your research and talk to different design-build firms and contractors -- it may make sense to do a 2 story addition.

What does "not being visible from the front" have to do with it? Seriously?

OP, are you pricing yourself out of the neighborhood? If the only other homes are actually new, don't do it. Your house would still be a knock down.

Anonymous wrote:Does it always require restructuring from the basement up? If so, what needs to be done?

You would need a structural engineer. But when we added finished space as part of a remodel we needed to fatten the footings in the basement and add a few beams to help support the load. That part alone was about $20k.

maybe people don't like attic additions because the ceiling heights are low.

Does it always require restructuring from the basement up? If so, what needs to be done?

I think PP is pretty close. Keep in mind an attic addition is very expensive because it requires restructuring from the basement up. That space was never intended to support being lived in.

My guess is it would add about $75K in value. I'd venture it would cost you $125K.

3rd story popup/extension of attic to make a master bedroom suite with bathroom and sitting room or office, about 800 sq feet of space. This would be on a 3BR semi-detached or row house in Tenleytown (8-900k before addition) and would give it a 4th BR as well as a master bath. It would look nice and would not be visible from the front.

Any ideas on how much this addition would add to the value of the house? 50k? 100k? Other?

Would also be interested in approximate cost of this type of addition if you have an idea.