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Expert: - 7/6/2009


Question
Why put false dormers on a house. Do false dormers indicate the intention of the builder to add a bump-out addition at a later date. Is it commonly though that adding a bump-out would "ruin the lines of a classic bungalow", it is my belief that the existence of false dormers means that the bump-out is intended at a later date.
Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.
Buck Rogers


Answer
Hi Buck - thanks for your question!

Generally, no...false dormers are exactly that, "false".  They're typically installed on top of the existing roof, making the possibility of using them as "real" dormers in the future remote.  "Real" domers require significant structural modification of the existing roof.

Additions to Bugalows are common; we've done our share.  But they don't have to ruin the lines of the house.  A skilled designer can do wonderful things with an addition...maybe even enhance the look of the house.

Every false dormer I've ever seen was intended solely for looks, not as a prelude to a future addition.

Hope this helps,

Richard Taylor, AIA
www.rtastudio.com
www.rtaplans.com
www.rtastudio.blogspot.com

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Richard Taylor, AIA

Expertise

Ask me about all aspects of house, remodeling. , and room addition design and construction. Ask me about historic homes, renovation, and restoration. Ask me about materials and techniques, and about how you can get the best value for your design and construction dollar. Ask me how you can make your home a very special place. I can't, however, answer specific structural engineering questions in this forum - that's something you'll need on-site observation for.

Experience

I own a full-service residential architectural firm, and have been designing custom homes, remodelings, and room additions across the country since 1983. Check us out at Richard Taylor Architects and RTA Plans. I have written and been published extensively on the subject of residential architecture.

Organizations
American Institute of Architects, City of Dublin Architectural Review Board, Vice Chair of City of Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission, American Planning Association, Board Member Historic Dublin Business Association, Past Editor of SPLASH (a software forum), Past Editor of Open Directory Project, Assistant Scoutmaster, Boy Scouts of America

Publications
Business First of Columbus, Suburban New Publications, About.com, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Columbus Dispatch Residential Architect Custom Home Architect Remodeling Architect

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Environmental Design (Architecture) Miami University 1983
For more about home design, check out my blog at Sense Of Place and join the conversation on our Facebook Page.

Awards and Honors
2010 Dublin Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year

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