Don’t Forget the Dormers

long island roofing

“These little rooftop gems can add significant amounts of living space for less than a traditional addition.

For someone looking to add square footage to a house, the first inclination is usually to build out — that is, to the side or the back. But another option that’s often preferable economically and aesthetically is to build up. Typically it’s less expensive to go up than to go out,” says John Cramer, president of Cramer E. Construction in Kings Park. The price of above-ground construction is the same either way, he explains, but expanding horizontally incurs the considerable added cost of building a larger foundation. Additionally, some municipalities and communities have lot-coverage requirements that restrict horizontal additions.

The solution Cramer usually recommends is adding dormers. Though many people associate dormers with just the tiny protrusions from the tops of old New England homes, these rooftop additions can be much more versatile, adding anything from storage space to spare bedrooms to a master suite. “If you have a cape, you can actually double the square footage of the second floor, and with usable eight-foot ceiling heights,” he says. “If you have a ranch, adding dormers increases your square footage tremendously.”

One of the first considerations, Cramer says, is to know what you plan to do with the extra space. This is also the time to consider the needs of closet space, staircases, plumbing, electricity, cable, phone jacks, heating and air conditioning. All of these variables can dictate much about the design and pricing.

East Hills Basement Waterproofing Only then do you start to consider the look of the dormer. “You think about aesthetics on the outside windows . The style of the roofline parallels the intent of the dormer. “If you want to maximize your attic space, then maybe you’ll go with a gable roof,” he says. “Or if your priority is to be a little more aesthetically pleasing, you might want to go with a hip roof with peaks in the front.”

Other issues affect the choice, as well. “You usually want to stay with the character of the neighborhood,” Cramer says, “and in some areas you’ll be restricted by the guidelines of architectural review boards.”