What Makes Our Approach Different?
We’re not just builders… We’re designers, collaborators, problem-solvers, and neighborhood experts. As a custom home addition contractor, we understand that each home (and each homeowner) is unique. Here’s what sets us apart:
Design‑Build Home Additions
We handle it all under one roof. You won’t be stuck juggling architects, contractors, and permit offices.
Experienced in DC Zoning & Historic Districts
Many areas in the city, like Georgetown, Dupont Circle, and Capitol Hill, come with tricky regulations. We’ve navigated them all.
Respect for the Existing Home
We believe your new space should feel like it was always part of the house. We integrate modern amenities while preserving the original character.
Tailored to You
Whether you’re dreaming of a light-filled kitchen expansion or a full second‑story addition in Washington, DC, we tailor the process to match your lifestyle, not someone else’s template.
Our Home Addition Projects
As a trusted DC home addition contractor, we’ve done it all. Some of the most common types of additions we build include:
- Expanding out the back to add a spacious new kitchen and family room
- Adding an entire second story to accommodate bedrooms, bathrooms, or an office
- Creating a luxurious new owner’s suite with walk-in closets and spa-inspired bathrooms
- Building out for multi‑generational living with guest suites or in-law apartments
- Adding functional square footage for home offices, gyms, or media rooms
No matter the size or scope, our team ensures every square foot is beautifully designed and smartly built.
Should You Build Up or Build Out?
It’s one of the most common questions homeowners ask when planning a home addition in Washington, DC The answer depends on your space, structure, and goals.
Building Up (Second-Story Addition)
A second‑story addition is a smart option if:
- You want to preserve your yard space
- Your home is already close to zoning limits for lot coverage
- You need extra bedrooms, a home office, or a new owner’s suite
Building Out (Main-Level Addition)
Expanding out can be a great solution if:
- You have available yard space
- You want to avoid adding stairs or need age-in-place flexibility
- You’re expanding key spaces like kitchens, family rooms, or mudrooms
As part of our home expansion services, we’ll help evaluate both options based on your lot, layout, and lifestyle. Our team walks you through the pros and cons of each so you can move forward with clarity.
The Design-Build Process
We’ve refined our home addition design‑build process to be simple, clear, and collaborative. Here’s how it works:
1. Initial Consultation: We meet in your home to understand your needs, your style, and how you live.
2. Feasibility Study: We check zoning, historic restrictions, and permitting feasibility.
3. Schematic Design: We provide initial concepts—floor plans, renderings, and material options.
4. Design Revisions: Based on your feedback, we tweak the design until it’s just right.
5. Finish Selections: We guide you through choosing fixtures, surfaces, colors, and finishes.
6. Permitting & Documents: We handle all the technical plans and paperwork.
7. Construction: Our experienced team builds your addition while keeping you informed every step of the way.
You’ll work with a dedicated project manager, stay in the loop with regular updates, and be part of key decisions throughout.
Home Addition FAQs
1. How Much Does a Home Addition Cost in Washington, DC?
At Four Brothers, most custom home additions in DC fall between $200,000 and $900,000 for addition-only projects. For larger addition + renovation projects, costs typically range from $700,000 to $3 million. Final pricing depends on the size of your addition, design complexity, finishes, and any structural or permitting requirements. After the design phase, we’ll provide a detailed, transparent estimate so you’ll know exactly what to expect.
2. How long does a home addition take?
Timelines vary, but most additions take anywhere from 4 to 12 months from design to final walkthrough. We’ll give you a detailed schedule during the planning phase.
3. Do you help with permits?
Yes. We handle all permitting and approvals required by your local jurisdiction, including navigating historic district requirements.
4. Can I bring my own architect or plans?
We prefer to handle design in-house, but if you already have plans, we’re happy to review them and explore how we can bring them to life.
5. What’s included in your estimate?
Our estimates include everything: design, construction, materials, project management, and permitting. If finishes haven’t been finalized yet, we’ll include allowances based on your style and budget.
Where We Work
Based right here in Washington, DC, Four Brothers Design + Build provides complete architectural, design, and construction services to nearby neighborhoods across Maryland and Northern Virginia. With over 15 years of experience remodeling and expanding homes in the DMV, we understand the unique permitting requirements, design preferences, and construction challenges of each local area.
Whether you're building a custom home addition, renovating your entire house, or expanding with an ADU, our team brings a design-forward, detail-oriented approach to every project.
with an ADU, our team brings a design-forward, detail-oriented approach to every project.
Our service areas include:
- Washington, DC
- Georgetown, DC
- Cathedral Heights, DC
- Chevy Chase, DC
- Chevy Chase, MD
- Bethesda, MD
- Potomac, MD
- McLean, VA
- Great Falls, VA
- Arlington, VA
- Alexandria, VA
- Fairfax, VA
- Northern Virginia
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