Building Homes or Extensions/False Gable Dormers

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Expert: - 3/4/2010


Question

We are getting our roof replaced and at the same time, my wife wanted to get 2 false dormers installed. Our attic rooms are unfinished and for storage only. Our roof measures roughly 60' long, and 19' from ridge to front edge. We also want shutters on both with the siding visible on the front face. With shutters, the width of the dormers would have to be 7' wide to show 6" of siding on either side of the shutters. Is this too wide for appearance? I have attached a picture of my house to help. Thank you, and any advice would be appreciated.

Answer
Kelly, I imagine she has visions of several small gable dormers.  You have a fairly low pitched roof, so I think you might consider shed dormers.  This is really a matter of cosmetics and I am way to old and smart to tell a lady what will look good on her house.  The internet is marvelous to be able to look at lots of choices.  There are several computer programs that allow you to draw the house, look at paint choices, shingle colors, etc.  I really struggle to produce these myself, but you may have the talent or know someone who does to sketch up a few choices on your house.

This web site gives some choices about different style dormers:
http://www.remodelingcenter.com/exterior-landscape/ideas/dormer-window-styles/?c...

#1 and #3 had some ideas with shed dormers.  #5 uses a single gable dormer that is quite imposing with the semi-circle window giving quite an accent.  Make sure you look at the arched top dormer at #13 which I thought quite striking.  Eyebrow dormers like 14 , especially small ones are on many older homes here, these usually were quite small and did not have windows, just visual interest in the roof line.

Take your photo, print it up as large as you are able, get some pens/markers/white out etc or photshop on the computer.    Play with several choices.  This will make it easier to discuss with a contractor and roofer.  I sure hope this helped a little.  Make sure that the builder and the roof er are very confident in flashing details around a dormer.  It is not rocket science, but you don't need a maintenance headache.  Let me know how it comes out.

Dan Griffin

Expertise

I can answer almost all questions related to the total construction process. My expertise is in commercial construction, though I can field most any residential question. I have hands on experience in concrete, heavy equipment, masonry, all phases of carpentry, interior finishes, and I am fairly strong in mechanical and electrical.

Experience

I have over 20 years experience as a commercial carpenter and commercial construction superintendent. I have another 20 years experience in facility management for a major school district.

Organizations
My favorite hobby for he past 12 years has been singing bass in a The OkChorale men's barbershop chorus and the Mature Moments quartet.

Education/Credentials
I hold a Bachelor's degree in English and Math. I have completed many continuing education hours in the building trades. I hold a Master Carpenter card from the AGC, Associated General Contractors.

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