Dormers Construction 

Dormers encompass a whole range of shapes & sizes. A large typical dormer under construction would look like this :

 32' rear Dormer under construction

Aside from width there are several variations in dormer construction 

Dormer Designs:

Single dormers -Either front or back. Typically built on Cape Cod type homes.

Double dormers - Front & back - Typically built on Ranch or Cape Cod type homes.

Double dormers & raised ridge- Typically built on Ranch type homes.

Cantilever dormers - Extended 2' or more feet beyond the first floor wall. Typically built on Ranch or Cape Cod type homes.

Gambrel dormers- Having a barn shaped roof with extended windows. Typically built on Ranch or Cape Cod type homes.

Mansard dormers- Having a barn shape roof with recessed windows. Typically built on Ranch or Cape Cod type homes.

Saltbox dormers- Front roof slope extended back & up about 3' & rear dormer built. Typically built on a Ranch type home.

Dormer Photos

Contractor Built Dormers
Dormer construction starts with a crew of 2-6 carpenters (depending on dormer size) cutting up your existing roof into manageable pieces & throwing it on the ground. Framing starts immediately & depending on the size & complexity, by the end of the day the dormer is at least sheathed & waterproofed. Our crews could finish a 30' dormer complete with exterior roofing, windows & siding in one to one & a half days. Clean-up of debris on second day & on day three begin to finish interior.

Construction is more complex only because it is being done on scaffolding 10'-15' feet in the air & much of the material must be lifted one piece at a time to the second floor. Only experienced people should attempt to build anything but a very small dormer.

See Dormer Additions ebook For those using a dormer contractor.

Find a Contractor here

Do-It-Yourselfers
Some do-it-yourselfers can handle a small dormer but it is real easy to get in over you head. I suggest hiring a contractor for the exterior work & finish the interior yourself. 

See Do-It-Yourself Additions  Contract out all, or some of the work yourself.