Shed Dormer Package

A dormer is a structural element of a building that protrudes from the plane of a sloping roof surface. It’s usually used to create additional headroom and floor space within the building and to add windows for light and ventilation.

There are several types of dormers including:

1. Gable dormers: This type of dormer has a simple pitched roof of two sloping planes, supported by a frame that rises vertically to form a triangular section below the roofline, i.e. a gable. It’s the most common type of dormer.
2. Shed dormers: This type has a single flat planed roof that slopes in the same direction as the main roof but at a shallower angle.  These dormers also generally have dormer windows underneath the dormer roof.  The dormer style will vary and the roofing material will depend on what you already have.
3. Hipped dormers: These have a hipped roof with three sloping planes that meet at the top.
4. Flat roof dormers: As the name implies, these dormers have a flat roof.
5. Eyebrow or eyelid dormers: This type has a curved roof and no sides, the roof being carried over to the line of the external wall.

Dormers can be an effective way to add space to a home, particularly in the case of attics and loft conversions.

A gable dormer and a shed dormer are two types of dormers that protrude from the roof of a house to provide more space and allow for windows, but they have different architectural designs.

1. Gable Dormer: A gable dormer (also known as a doghouse dormer due to its shape) has a gable roof structure on top of it. The roof consists of two sloping planes that meet at the top, forming a triangular section beneath the roofline. The gable dormer is often chosen for its traditional and charming appearance.
2. Shed Dormer: A shed dormer has a single, flat planed roof that slopes in the same direction as the main roof but at a shallower angle. This design often provides more space for headroom and windows than a gable dormer of the same base width. The simple, box-like structure of a shed dormer gives it a more modern look.

In terms of practical differences, choosing between a gable and shed dormer often comes down to the amount of space you want to add, the aesthetic you prefer, and the architectural style of your house. Shed dormers tend to offer more additional space than gable dormers but may not always blend seamlessly with traditional architectural styles.

Typically no, shed dormers are not expensive.

The cost of adding a shed dormer to your home depends on a number of factors, including the size of the dormer, the complexity of the construction, the materials used, the labour rates in your area, and whether you’re adding it to an existing structure or including it in new construction.

The cost of adding a dormer generally ranges from $2,500 to $20,000 or more. Shed dormers, due to their larger size and the increased amount of interior finishing work (like drywall, paint, and flooring), could be on the higher end of that scale.

It will also depend on the window that you choose and how big that window is, and what kind of window it is.  When it comes to the gable type of dormer these dormers are generally less expensive because there is less involved in the construction and usually there isn’t a window involved.

Having said that, some gables do have a little window in them, and this can create more expense, so it is really dependent on the type of dormer that you get.  A dormer addition however is a great way to add space and make an unused attic more usable, and give you more living space.

However, keep in mind that these are just estimates. The actual cost can vary widely depending on your specific situation. Portable Buildings of Alberta can give you an accurate quote based on where you are and what type of existing shed you have.  We take into account all of the different things like construction, materials, location, internal and external finishes and of course the final look of the dormer, window and roof.

Also, remember that while adding a dormer can be a significant investment, it can also add value to your home by increasing its square footage, improving its functionality, and enhancing its aesthetic appeal.