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Pop top home addition in boulder with mid century modern exterior

The Rubins

Meet the Rubins—Ben and Loie. They’ve got a story, and it’s a good one. After spending some time in Nashville, they decided to return to their former home in Boulder’s Lower Chautauqua neighborhood. But this time around, it wasn’t just about rekindling old memories; it was about creating a space that worked for their growing family. 

They were ready to make the house their own—more space, more storage, and, of course, a killer new second story with a view to die for. That’s where we came in. Together, we dreamed big, and we rolled up our sleeves to make it happen—carefully, and with just the right amount of construction dust.

Family photo with a young boy and girl and a husband and wife

 

Location

  • Boulder, CO
  • Lower Chautauqua neighborhood

Project Goals

  • Add more living space
  • Add more storage space
  • Capturing the view from the new second-story addition

Project Type

  • Home Addition/Pop-Top

The Plan

The Rubins had a vision: breathe new life into their home with a 1,250 sq ft pop-top house addition. It had to feel like it belonged, seamlessly tying in with the existing home but with all the modern touches they were craving. Think tall slat walls, an upstairs great room that says, “Come on in and hang out,” and that epic view from their new second story.

The Transformation

Exterior

The house got a serious glow-up with a covered entry, refreshed patio and driveway, and some expertly blended brickwork that tied the old bones of the house to its shiny new digs.

Kitchen 

We brought the heat with bold finishes like Fireclay’s 2x6 haystack vertical tile—because why play it safe when you can have some personality? This isn’t just a kitchen; it’s a place where life happens—late-night snacks, early-morning coffee spills, and everything in between.

Great Room

Now, this is the showstopper. Tongue-and-groove ceilings, a Venetian plaster fireplace for a little drama (the good kind), and that slat wall? It climbs all the way to the second floor like it owns the place.

Wet Bar & Bath

Upstairs, the wet bar whispers, “Treat yourself,” and the Fireclay Starburst Peacock tile on the bathroom floor adds just the right pop of charisma that’ll make you want to kick off your shoes.

Garage-Turned-Music-Studio

Because why not? We refinished the garage into a space where the Rubins can crank out tunes, host jam sessions, or just escape for a little creative R&R.

 
Exterior home addition renovation under construction in boulder colorado
coffee bar in home remodel in boulder colorado with open shelf and mini fridge
Home remodel in Boulder with large kitchen island with stools, two tone kitchen cabinets, and custom lighting with open layout
Home remodel in Boulder with mid century modern living room with tan and cream color pallette

Why This Project Stands Out

This wasn’t just an addition; it was a collaboration. We didn’t just build a space; we helped create a home. The balance between old and new, the bold use of color and pattern, and the seamless integration of functional spaces with knockout aesthetics made this project unforgettable. From the slat walls stretching sky-high to the pops of tile that make every corner sing, the Rubin Residence is a masterpiece of form and function.

Ben and Loie, we hope you’re loving your new digs as much as we loved bringing them to life. Boulder just got a whole lot cooler!

Let's Tackle the Big Questions

As with any home remodeling project, the Rubins had some questions going into the renovation. Here’s how we handled a few of the most common concerns when it comes to Boulder home additions:

How do we ensure the addition blends with the home’s existing architecture? 

When you’re adding a second story to a house, it’s essential to tie in the old and new in a way that feels natural. For the Rubins, we carefully matched materials—like the brickwork—and extended design features, like the slat wall, to ensure that the new pop-top house addition felt like a seamless extension of the original structure. Our goal isn’t just to build on; it’s to build with the existing architecture.

How much does it cost to add a second story?

Adding a second story is a major investment, but it’s one that often brings a high return. As always, the cost can vary based on the size of the addition, the design elements, and the finishes. Our job as a Boulder Pop Top Contractor is to work closely with you to create a realistic budget and a plan that fits your vision without breaking the bank. We’ll help you prioritize what matters most while being mindful of costs along the way.

How can we minimize disruption to our daily life during construction?

We get it—living through a construction project is no walk in the park. Our team prioritizes communication and works to minimize the mess and noise so you can live your life with as little hassle as possible. We’re all about making your experience a positive one. We’ll make sure you’re kept in the loop, so you can plan around any disruptions, while still making steady progress on your home additions!


Home remodel in Boulder with mid century modern living room with tan and cream color pallette

Let's Build Together

Got big ideas for a Boulder home addition or a pop-top house that transforms your space? We’re here to make it happen! Let’s chat about your plans today.