Master suite additions, second-story pop-ups, family room extensions, in-law suites, kitchen bump-outs and Cape Cod expansions for Kensington homeowners. Cliffbrook Construction delivers architectural integration that makes your addition look like it was always there. Serving Old Kensington, Howard Avenue, Kensington Heights, Rock Creek Highlands and all Kensington neighborhoods with MHIC-licensed crews, in-house structural engineering coordination, Montgomery County and Town of Kensington permit handling and 75+ years combined experience.
Architectural Integration SpecialistsMHIC Licensed (MD & DC)5.0 Google Rating
75+
Years Combined Experience
300+
Projects Completed
100%
In-House Crews
5.0★
Google Reviews
Why Cliffbrook
Why Kensington Homeowners Choose Cliffbrook for Home Additions
Kensington is a charming Maryland community known for its historic Antique Row on Howard Avenue, tree-lined streets and older homes ranging from 1900s Victorians and bungalows to 1920s-1950s Cape Cods and ramblers. Many Kensington families love their neighborhood but have outgrown their home's original footprint. Home additions provide more space while preserving Kensington's character. Cliffbrook brings the structural engineering knowledge, permit handling expertise and architectural matching skills that successful Kensington additions require.
Architectural Integration
The best Kensington additions look like they were always there. We match roof pitch, siding materials, window styles, trim profiles and proportions to your existing home's character - whether 1920s bungalow or 1950s rambler.
Town & County Permits
The Town of Kensington has its own permit requirements that work alongside Montgomery County DPS. We handle both jurisdictions including variance applications when setback or lot coverage issues arise.
Zero Subcontractor Policy
Additions require many trades coordinated tightly - foundation, framing, MEP, roofing, siding, interior finishes. Our employees handle every phase. No revolving subcontractor crews showing up at your Kensington home.
Older Home Expertise
Kensington homes from the 1920s-1950s have unique structural realities - balloon framing, plaster walls, older foundations, knob-and-tube wiring vestiges. We understand how to integrate modern additions with older construction safely.
Complete Service Lineup
Full-Service Remodeling for Kensington Homes
Cliffbrook Construction is a true full-service general contractor for Kensington homeowners. From home additions and second-story pop-ups to kitchen and bathroom renovations, basement finishing and outdoor living spaces - one accountable team handles your entire Kensington property improvement plan.
Home Additions
Master suite additions, second-story pop-ups, family rooms, in-law suites, kitchen bump-outs and Cape Cod expansions.
Cliffbrook Construction LLC is a family-owned, full-service general contractor serving Kensington, Maryland with home additions, second-story pop-ups, master suite expansions, in-law suites, plus kitchen remodeling, bathroom renovation, basement finishing, specialty roofing, decks and porches, and whole-home renovations. We hold an active Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) license and District of Columbia contractor license, carry general liability insurance and workers compensation, and maintain a 5.0 Google rating.
Our Kensington service area is ZIP code 20895, covering Old Kensington (Town of Kensington), Kensington Heights, Kensington Park, Rock Creek Highlands, Knowles, the Howard Avenue Antique Row area and surrounding communities.
Why Kensington Homeowners Choose Local Family-Owned
How does Cliffbrook Construction compare to typical big-box remodelers and franchise contractors operating in Kensington? Here is an honest side-by-side comparison.
Feature
Cliffbrook Construction
Typical Big-Box / Franchise
Subcontractors
✓ Zero - All In-House Employees
✗ Mostly Subcontracted Crews
Architectural Matching Experience
✓ Yes - Old to New Integration
✗ Often Generic Designs
Town of Kensington Permits
✓ Town + County Both Handled
✗ Often Only County Permits
Setback Variance Applications
✓ We File & Manage Process
✗ Often Client's Responsibility
Older Home Structural Experience
✓ Balloon Framing, Plaster, 1920s-1950s
✗ Limited Period Knowledge
Local Ownership
✓ Family-Owned, Locally Operated
✗ Franchise or Corporate
Itemized Written Estimates
✓ Yes - No Hidden Allowances
✗ Often Vague Lump-Sum Quotes
Direct Owner Communication
✓ Yes - Owner Available Daily
✗ Salesperson Intermediary Only
Maryland MHIC License
✓ Active + DC Licensed
Varies by Operator
Warranty Honored Long-Term
✓ Yes - Direct Accountability
Franchise Closures Affect Warranty
Coverage Area
Kensington Neighborhoods We Serve
From the historic Town of Kensington with its famous Antique Row to Kensington Heights and Rock Creek Highlands - we have completed home additions and major renovations across every Kensington area. Each neighborhood has its own architectural character whether 1900s Victorian or 1950s rambler, and we tailor designs accordingly.
Old KensingtonTown of KensingtonHoward Avenue Antique RowKensington HeightsKensington ParkKensington EstatesRock Creek HighlandsKnowlesKensington ViewSaul Road AreaPlyers MillConnecticut Avenue
ZIP Code Served: 20895County: Montgomery County, Maryland
How We Work
Our Kensington Home Addition Process
Transparent, structured project delivery from your first phone call through the final walkthrough. No mystery pricing, no surprise charges, no contractor disappearing acts.
1
Free Consultation
On-site assessment of your Kensington home. Lot survey review, structural feasibility, scope and budget discussion.
2
Design & Estimate
Architectural drawings, material specs, structural plans and itemized written estimate within 5-10 business days.
3
Permits & Variances
Town of Kensington + Montgomery County DPS permits, structural engineering review, variance applications if needed.
4
Construction
Foundation, framing, roof, MEP, exterior siding, interior finishes - all by our crews with weatherproofing during build.
5
Final Walkthrough
Punch-list review, all inspections passed, warranty handoff and ongoing support for years after completion.
Recent Work
Featured Kensington Projects
A sample of recent home additions and major renovations completed for Kensington homeowners. Visit our full project gallery for additional photos and case studies, or read our blog for design insights.
Addition
Old Kensington Master Suite Addition
450 sqft master suite addition on a 1928 bungalow with luxury bathroom, walk-in closet and architectural integration matching original Craftsman details.
Second Story
Kensington Heights Second-Story Pop-Up
1,100 sqft second-story addition transforming a 1950s rambler into a four-bedroom home with new master suite, two kid bedrooms and laundry on upper floor.
Family Room
Rock Creek Highlands Family Room
600 sqft family room addition with vaulted ceiling, custom built-ins, fireplace and large windows opening to backyard. Seamless connection to existing kitchen.
Ready to Expand Your Kensington Home?
Free on-site consultation in your Kensington home, detailed written estimate within 5-10 business days. Whether it is a master suite addition, second-story pop-up, family room or full Cape Cod expansion, we are ready when you are. No high-pressure sales tactics, no surprise charges.
Real Google reviews from our Montgomery County clients. Read every review on our verified Google Business Profile.
NP
Noe A. Pena
Owner & General Contractor, Cliffbrook Construction LLC
Noe is the founder and owner of Cliffbrook Construction LLC, a Maryland MHIC-licensed and DC-licensed general contractor serving Kensington and all of Montgomery County since 2021. With 75+ years of combined team experience, Noe leads a strict zero-subcontractor operation focused on home additions, second-story pop-ups, master suite expansions and whole-home renovations across Old Kensington, Kensington Heights, Rock Creek Highlands and all Kensington neighborhoods. Contact Noe directly at (240) 705-1650 to discuss your Kensington addition project.
Frequently Asked
Kensington Home Additions FAQ
Common questions Kensington homeowners ask before starting a home addition or expansion project.
How much does a home addition cost in Kensington MD?
Home addition costs in Kensington MD typically range from $40,000 to $600,000+ depending on size, scope and complexity. A small bump-out addition (kitchen, bathroom or breakfast nook expansion, 50-150 sqft) runs $40,000 to $80,000. A typical family room or master suite addition (300-500 sqft) runs $150,000 to $300,000. A second-story pop-up adding 800-1,200 sqft to a Kensington bungalow or Cape Cod runs $250,000 to $500,000. A full wing addition or Cape Cod expansion adding 1,200-2,000 sqft runs $300,000 to $600,000+. Costs depend on foundation type, structural complexity, finish level, mechanical system upgrades and architectural matching requirements. Cliffbrook Construction provides itemized written estimates with no hidden fees and transparent allowance disclosures.
How long does a Kensington home addition take?
Most Kensington home additions take 14 to 26 weeks of active construction depending on scope. A small bump-out addition averages 10 to 14 weeks. A standard family room or master suite addition averages 14 to 20 weeks. A second-story pop-up addition averages 18 to 26 weeks. A major wing or Cape Cod expansion averages 22 to 30 weeks. Montgomery County DPS permit lead time adds 6 to 10 weeks before construction starts (additions take longer to permit than interior remodels). Town of Kensington permits may add additional review time. We never start a project until permits are issued and 90% of materials are on-site to prevent mid-project delays.
Which Kensington neighborhoods do you serve?
We serve all Kensington neighborhoods including Old Kensington (Town of Kensington), Kensington Heights, Kensington Park, Kensington Estates, Rock Creek Highlands, Knowles, Kensington View, the Howard Avenue Antique Row area, the Saul Road area, the Plyers Mill area, the Connecticut Avenue corridor and surrounding communities. ZIP code served is 20895. Kensington home styles range from early 1900s Victorians and bungalows in Old Kensington to 1920s-1950s Cape Cods and ramblers throughout the area, plus some newer construction in surrounding neighborhoods. Lot sizes typically range from 0.15 to 0.4 acres, making setback considerations important for addition planning.
What types of home additions are popular in Kensington?
Common Kensington home additions include master suite additions adding a primary bedroom with luxury bathroom and walk-in closet, family room additions opening to backyards, kitchen bump-outs expanding existing kitchens, second-story pop-ups adding entire upper floors to ramblers and Cape Cods, in-law suite additions with separate entrances for multi-generational living, sunroom and three-season room additions, mudroom and laundry additions and garage additions or conversions. Many Kensington homes built in the 1920s-1950s are smaller than modern family needs require - additions provide more space while preserving Kensington's neighborhood character and antique row charm.
Do you handle Town of Kensington permits and reviews?
Yes. The Town of Kensington is an incorporated municipality with its own permit requirements that work alongside Montgomery County DPS permits. Additions in the Town of Kensington (defined boundaries within ZIP 20895) typically require both town and county permits, sometimes with town design review depending on visibility and scope. Properties in the surrounding Kensington area (also ZIP 20895 but outside Town boundaries) typically only require Montgomery County DPS permits. Cliffbrook handles all required permits for both Town of Kensington and Montgomery County jurisdictions, prepares architectural drawings to local requirements and coordinates approval timelines.
How do you handle setback requirements on smaller Kensington lots?
Kensington lots typically range from 0.15 to 0.4 acres, smaller than communities like Cabin John or Potomac. This means setback requirements (the minimum distance an addition can be from property lines) are critical to address early in design. Montgomery County requires specific front, side and rear setbacks that vary by zoning district. Some Kensington homes already exceed maximum lot coverage and require variances before additions can be approved. We conduct site surveys early to verify your lot's specific setback requirements, identify potential variance needs, and design additions that maximize space within legal limits. When variances are needed, we handle the Montgomery County Board of Appeals process.
How do you match architectural style for Kensington additions?
Architectural integration is critical for Kensington additions to maintain home character and resale value. We match roof pitch and overhang to the existing home, source siding materials that age in with existing materials (often LP SmartSide for painted homes, HardiePlank for fiber cement homes, cedar shake for traditional styles), match window styles and trim profiles, integrate foundation materials properly and design rooflines that look intentional rather than tacked-on. For Kensington's historic homes, we recommend traditional materials and proportions that respect the original architecture. For newer homes, we have more design flexibility. The best Kensington additions look like they were always there.
Can you do a second-story pop-up on my Kensington home?
Yes, second-story additions are very popular for Kensington ramblers, Cape Cods and bungalows where families need more bedrooms and bathrooms without expanding the footprint (helpful given smaller lots). Second-story additions require structural engineering analysis of existing foundation and load-bearing walls, often foundation reinforcement, complete electrical and plumbing rough-in for the upper floor, HVAC system review and upgrade, complete reroof of the existing home structure to integrate with new construction and temporary protection during construction since the existing roof is removed. Second-story additions typically run $250,000 to $500,000 and take 18-26 weeks. The investment significantly increases livable square footage on smaller Kensington lots.
Why choose Cliffbrook for Kensington home additions?
Cliffbrook Construction differentiates from other Kensington addition contractors through five key factors. First, our zero-subcontractor policy means our own employees handle every phase from foundation to final paint - critical for additions that require many trades coordinated tightly. Second, we have extensive experience with the older Kensington homes (1920s-1950s) that have unique structural challenges. Third, we handle all Montgomery County DPS and Town of Kensington permits including variance applications when needed. Fourth, we provide itemized written estimates with clear allowances - additions involve many cost variables and transparency matters. Fifth, we have 75+ years combined experience matching architectural styles so additions look intentional. We are MHIC licensed in Maryland and DC, fully insured and bonded.
Do you offer free in-home consultations in Kensington?
Yes. Cliffbrook offers free in-home consultations throughout Kensington and all of Montgomery County. During the visit, we walk your property, discuss your addition goals and family needs, assess foundation and structural conditions, review setback constraints and lot coverage, explain our process and answer all your questions. There is no high-pressure sales pitch and no obligation. After the consultation, we provide a detailed written estimate within 5 business days that includes itemized labor, materials, allowances, timeline and payment schedule. Call (240) 705-1650 or submit the form on this page to schedule your free Kensington consultation.
Free Estimate
Request Your Kensington Project Estimate
Tell us about your project. We respond within 24 hours to schedule a free in-home consultation at your Kensington home. No high-pressure tactics, no surprise fees, no obligation. We will discuss options, timeline and realistic pricing for your specific Kensington property.
MHIC Licensed in Maryland & District of Columbia
Architectural integration specialists
Free on-site consultation in Kensington
Itemized written estimate within 5-10 business days
Town of Kensington + County DPS permits handled
Setback variance applications included if needed
Zero subcontractors - our employees only
Get Your Free Estimate
We will respond within 24 hours with next steps.
Also Serving
Nearby Service Areas in Montgomery County
We serve homeowners across Montgomery County and Washington DC NW. Explore our other service area pages for local expertise in your community.
