A dormer house offers many benefits. Before you begin, research the types of dormers in a dormer house. Here, we will fill in the gaps and reveal a few secrets.

Let’s look at what a dormer house is and why people like the style.

What Is A Dormer House?

KJAArchitects

A dormer house has dormer windows built into its roof. It’s a roof with dormer windows. The windows are part of the roof.

Dormer windows aren’t as old as other types of windows because they use more materials. Early dormer designs can be found in gothic architecture from the 12th century.

Today, most dormer houses don’t feature gothic designs.

Types Of Dormers

Encore Construction

There are dozens of types of dormers. Some are hardly dormers, despite their name. Sheds and small buildings have dormer windows. Here are the most common dormer styles worldwide:

Gable Dormer

The gable dormer is the most common. It has a pitched triangular roof that extends from the original roof. It also has three walls, and the front has a window.

Hip Roof Dormer

A hipped roof dormer has a slope on three sides, rather than two like a standard gabled dormer. It has the two slopes like the gabled dormer with one extra slope coming down the front to protect the window from rain.

Bonnet Dormer

A bonnet dormer has a curved roof and two walls coming down each side. The top is like a soft arch and each wall is vertical. The ends don’t curve to meet the roof. They add a cottage look to a dormer window in a dormer house.

Nantucket Dormer

A Nantucket dormer consists of two dormers connected by a middle dormer. The end dormers are standard gable dormers with the center that looks like a connecting hallway. This type of dormer adds a lot of space.

Lucarne Dormer

Lucarne dormers are quite rare, so it’s a treat to see one. They are steep-pitched dormers that you can find in cathedrals and gothic architecture. They stick out from the original roof.

Flat Dormer

Flat dormers do not have a pitch or slope. There is no natural drainage, so they are custom made. This is nothing new, as each roof is different.

Shed Dormer

Sears Architects

A shed dormer is like a flat dormer. The difference is that it is sloped to allow drainage. Shed dormers protect your home from avoid water and snow.

Wall Dormer

This dormer is a part of the wall and looks different than other dormers. It has two sloped roofs and two walls added to fill the gaps. This type of dormer is easy to add.

Flared Gable Dormer

A flared gable dormer is just like a gable dormer the ends of the roof flare out to add an eclectic touch. The effect makes the dormers look grand.

Pedimented Dormer

A pedimented dormer extends beyond the roof. The roof does not support the dormers. They’re exterior and don’t add space.

A shed dormer is similar to a flat dormer. The only difference is that it is slightly sloped to allow drainage. It is recommended to use shed dormers over flat dormers to avoid water or snow from building up.

Wall Dormer

This dormer is a continuation of the wall and looks quite different than other dormers. It has two sloped roofs and two walls added to fill the gaps. This type of dormer is easy to add during construction.

Flared Gable Dormer

A flared gable dormer is just like a gable dormer only the ends of the roof flare out to add an adorable eclectic touch. The effect makes the dormers look pliable and flowy, like a skirt spinning or curtain flowing in the wind.

Pedimented Dormer

A pedimented dormer is a dormer that extends beyond the roof and is not supported by the roof. Instead, it has to be supported by walls or pillars below. They are usually exterior dormers and don’t add space inside.

Eyebrow Dormer House

Asher Slaunwhite Construction

Eyebrow dormers are one of the most unique types of dormers. They curve like an eye and look like eyes peeking out from under the rooftop. Find out more about eyebrow window dormers with this informative piece.

Pyramidal Dormer

Pyramidal dormers are a type of hipped roof dormers. They extend backward and the roof of them looks like a pyramid. This adds an entirely new culture and design to a dormer house.

Link Dormer

This dormer style links the house together. Its curved shape makes it a dormer.

Recessed Dormer

The name of this one explains what it looks like. A recessed dormer is concave. These dormers have walls that are beneath the slope of the roof. They are for large windows, or in some cases, a deck.

Polygonal Dormer

Polygonal dormers look out from three or more sides, having at least five walls. They add a modern twist to the classic dormer and a great view of the property. These dormers look like half towers coming from the side of a house.

Blind Dormer

A blind dormer is simply a false dormer that looks like a real dormer. This type of dormer isn’t accessible and instead offers a nice feel from the outside.

Eyebrow dormers are one of the most unique types of dormers. They curve like an eye and look like eyes peeking out from under the rooftop. Find out more about eyebrow window dormers with this informative piece.

Pyramidal Dormer

Pyramidal dormers are a type of hipped roof dormers. They extend backward and the roof of them looks just like an Egyptian pyramid. This adds an entirely new culture and geometric design to a dormer house.

Link Dormer

This dormer is the only type of dormer that doesn’t need a window. It is used to link areas of the house together and is called a dormer due to the convex shape of the area. It is usually added to house a chimney safely.

Recessed Dormer

The name of this one explains what it looks like. A recessed dormer is a concave dormer. These dormers have walls that are beneath the slope of the roof. They are designed for large windows to be added, or in some cases, a deck.

Polygonal Dormer

Polygonal dormers look out from three or more sides, having at least five walls. They add a modern twist to the classic dormer and a great view of the property. These dormers look like half towers coming from the side of a house.

Blind Dormer

A blind dormer is simply a false dormer that looks like a real dormer. This type of dormer isn’t accessible and instead only offers a nice aesthetic from the outside. They are built onto the roof rather than into it.

Reasons For Dormer House

Brian David Peters

There are many reasons that people add dormers to their house or build a dormer house. Some like the look and choose blind dormers, while others are practical and optimize their dormers.

Extra Space – dormers increase space. You can add both ceiling and floor space with dormers. It can add space for a bed, window seat, or even just storage. Better Lighting – because upper levels tend to lack natural light, dormers can be added with windows to add light. This is useful in attics that don’t have any windows at all to add light. Curb Appeal – this is the most common reason to add dormers. People want their house to look good when driving by. They want to feel good about coming home to their home. Value – dormers can add more value than you think. The return profit and they can make a house appear much nicer than it is.Safety Exit – in most states, it’s illegal to not have windows in each room, or at least on each floor. Not do dormers add an exit, but they let you step out onto the roof, having a safer descent to safety. Ventilation – dormers increase ventilation. That’s why sometimes they were small slits rather than usable spaces.Transform An Attic – attics aren’t just for storage anymore. They can be used as bedrooms, guest rooms, or another usable room. But what is a room without a window or head space?

Cost Of A Dormer House

You can’t guarantee that there will be a house on the market that has dormers. So, most people set on dormers are building their own house. This way, you have control over the type of dormer house that you want.

The average cost of building your own house is $150/square foot. Before adding the cost of dormers, you need to calculate the cost of a house in general. Find out more about the cost of building a house here.

You see, adding dormers doesn’t lower the cost, but adds to it. After figuring the cost of building your house, you need to figure the cost of the dormers and the labor that you’ll have to pay for.

You can’t guarantee there will be a house on the market that has dormers. Most people set on dormers are building their house.

The average cost of building your own house is $150 square feet. Before calculating the cost, you need to calculate the cost of a house. Find out more about the cost of building a house here.

Adding dormers doesn’t lower cost but adds to the cost. After figuring the cost of building your house, you need to figure the cost of the dormers themselves and the labor that you’ll have to pay for.

Cost To Add Dormers

The third option is to add dormers. The cost will depend on what you want.

Installation is between $2,500 and $20,000 on average. This translates into $115 per square foot. Bigger dormers can cost upwards to $100,000.

Should I Get A Dormer House?

If your priority is to save time and money, then remove dormers from your plans. If want to add space and style, then a dormer house is for you. Should want a gothic home, then a dormer house is for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ

Can You Dormer A Modular Home?

Yes, you can dormer a modular home. When you design your floor plan, include dormer windows in your home’s layout. Dormers are built in a roof. There are many advantages in having dormer windows in your modular home.

Dormers give more natural light. The windows are good for air circulation.

How Do You Retrofit Dormer Windows On A Mobile Home?

The good news is you can retrofit dormer windows on a mobile home. Unless you have pro skills, you will need to search for a local contractor near you.

Before you begin, you’ll need the mobile home’s blueprint. Every detail like the roof’s slope and angle are important.

When you have the dormer windows, measure the roof’s underside. Use ties rafters to create a framework and support beam. On mobile homes, gable dormers are like front door windowsills. You might need to install sidewalls.

As a final step, insulate the new dormer windows.

Types Of Dormers In A Dormer House Conclusion

The benefits are clear. A dormer home is good for your health and home value. If you don’t have dormer windows, find a way to make them happen.

Dormer homes have better ventilation than homes without dormer windows. The windows offer more natural sunlight. If you want your home took spacious, the dormers would be your best investment. This style home is appealing to onlookers. And with extra natural light, your house will radiate on the inside.

Remember, installing dormer windows is not a DIY project. Find a local building contractor near you and enlist their services. If you don’t do it right the first time, you’ll regret that you even tried.