I don't know the costs, but if you want more additional space then "popping" the top might be the way to go (adding another floor on top). There are quite a few prefab companies that build offsite and then place the addition on top. There may be other factors such as how big your back yard is for a bump out. I don't have any idea of the codes/regulations, but depending on what county you live in, you have to have to much space to be able to do this. There are plenty of contractors who will give you a free estimate and could probably comment on which direction to go as far as bumping out or adding on top.

We're looking into buying a rancher in Howard County. The "master" bedroom and bathrooms are pitifully small (as in, MUCH smaller than our one bedroom and bathroom in DC). Otherwise the house is perfect. The home has a fully finished basement that is on the ground level in the backyard, so punching out the master bedroom and bathroom walls and putting on an addition to the home on that floor would mean the addition would have to be on stilts.

Do we (a) punch out the master bedroom / bathroom walls and put on an addition to the home on that floor so that the addition is on stilts, or (b) take off the roof and build up a level, adding a master suite on top of the existing main floor?

Does anyone have any idea of what such a renovation (either (a) or (b)) is likely to cost?

Can anyone recommend a good contractor in the area?

Thanks!