Rooftop Additions

Build Up, Not Out

Chicago lots don't get wider, but rooftops offer untapped square footage. Whether you need an enclosed master suite, home office, or open-air entertaining space, rooftop additions let you expand without sacrificing yard space or navigating setback restrictions. For urban properties at their lot coverage limits, building upward is often the only path to more living space.

Adding a level to an existing building demands rigorous structural analysis. We trace loads from the proposed addition through walls, floors, and foundation to identify where reinforcement is needed. Chicago's clay-rich soil and older building stock mean many properties require foundation underpinning, beam reinforcement, or pier additions before construction begins. Our engineers evaluate bearing capacity and design solutions that meet current building codes—often 50-100% more stringent than when your home was built.

The finished addition integrates with your existing home as if it was always there. We extend mechanical systems, match architectural details, and waterproof the connection between old and new roof planes. From zoning review and FAR calculations through final inspection, one team manages your rooftop addition from foundation analysis to furniture move-in.