Building a Dormer

[Steph]

I am looking for some help and advice on building a dormer, possibly a step by step guide? Does anyone know where to find this information on the web?

[igor]

I strongly endorse the caveats posted in reply to OP -- and I have long found great value here from all the caveats about this procedure or that, suggestions that have helped me a great deal do better work and stay safe(r) -- but I respectfully disagree with the apparent *absolute* conclusion (yours and others') that he should not attempt this simply because his having asked suggests too little knowledge. Certainly any structural changes to a house must be done with due care and with proper understanding of (1) what is at stake and (2) how the alterations should be done. That being said, maybe OP knows this. Maybe he has done all sorts of work involving substantial structural issues but has never built a dormer? Dormers have all sorts of non-structural issues -- e.g., figuring out the proper angles, flashing, roof pitch, roofing. As Mark L did post in this thread, "On the other hand, even the most skilled craftsman had to do things for the first time himself."

It is certainly not incumbent upon anyone here to do this, but I have seen it done: Ask the OP what other kinds of things he has done/what is exp. is, and after those details decide whether to help.

And, frankly, while I have no plans to ever build a dormer (and my 1/12 roof does not lend itself to one), I like learning stuff that is posted here so tuned into this thread hoping someone might provide some details -- though I have seen Norm do one on TOH.

Having tried over the past few years to get a sense of the rec "style book" for posting questions, it does seem to be preferred practice to indicate one's relevant experience when posting for help. Some people post to NGs with chapter and verse; some post with just the question. OP was closer to the latter.

Anyway, just my 1.5 cents. -- Igor

[Mark L.]

May I respectfully suggest that since adding a dormer involves opening up your roof and making serious structural changes (usually), maybe you should look at hiring this out to a contractor? If you are looking for step by step instructions, a project like this may be beyond your skill level for now. On the other hand, even the most skilled craftsman had to do things for the first time himself.

If you don't want to hire this out, there are many books and videos that will help. First I would Google. This isn't a cop-out for an answer, Google returns stuff like this:

I like the books/videos from

You will definitely need plans to submit to your local building dept. They won't accept hand drawn sketches (at least in my locale). And the building dept can also be a great source of help (sometimes).

Keep us updated on how this goes for you...

Mark L.

Steph wrote:

[J. Clarke]

I would strongly recommend doing some less ambitious projects first.

[Mike Marlow]

What seems wrong with a person asking for a step by step guide to building a dormer? Man, this is one of those things that you need to know a bit about what you're doing to go ahead and do it. If you have to ask this question, you really should not be contemplating building a dormer.

[Mike Marlow]

The question, as posed by the OP would not lead one to believe he has done all sorts of work involving substantial structural issues. It's nice and maybe even fair to give the benefit of the doubt, but it could also be foolish. I'm not trying to put the fellow down, but with what little bit he put on the table, he does not indicate he has any of the necessary background and building a dormer is a very complex and critical project. Most skilled craftsman do not typically start out by asking for step by step directions in a newsgroup and then go tackle a project. Most start with some form of apprentisship. That would be a better approach for the OP based on what little bit he's shared with us.

[bolly]

Hello,

I found this information helpful for dormer building.