Dormers and pop-ups
More height, when the slope is too low
If the attic is nearly tall enough, a dormer or a pop-up makes up the difference. We draw both so you can compare them.
A dormer adds height on one side. A pop-up raises the roof for the whole floor. Both change the front of the house, and a pop-up changes the party wall, so both need drawings the city will review and a conversation with the neighbor.
What we draw
A dormer, sized to the room's low side
A pop-up, compared with it
The party wall and what it can carry
The roof edge and the view from the street
A weather plan for the days the roof is open
What changes the price
What decides the price of more height
Raising a roof is the most variable work we do.
Dormer or pop-up
A pop-up is the larger job, with more framing and more roof.
The party wall
Bearing on a shared wall can need an engineer's letter and sometimes the neighbor's sign-off.
Windows
A dormer wall takes windows, and the window count sets part of the cost.
The front
Many blocks ask for a roof edge and trim that match the street.
Weather
The roof is open for a short time, and we schedule around the forecast.
The review
Zoning review adds a step, and sometimes a hearing.
How it goes
How a roof goes up
- 01
Step 1: Measure and compare
We draw the dormer and the pop-up on the same page.
- 02
Step 2: Engineer and city
An engineer sizes the framing, and the plans go to the city.
- 03
Step 3: Weather window
We pick the dry days and order the materials first.
- 04
Step 4: Frame and close
The framing goes up and the roof closes in as fast as it can.
- 05
Step 5: Inside
The room is finished the way an attic suite would be.
Questions
Questions about dormers and pop-ups
Do I need my neighbor's permission?
Not always, but a pop-up touches the party wall, so we talk to the neighbor early. It is better coming from you and us together.
Will it change how my house looks?
Yes, a little. We draw the street view so you can see it before you decide.
How long is the roof open?
As short a time as we can make it. We order everything before we start and watch the forecast.
Dormer or pop-up?
A dormer is smaller and cheaper. A pop-up gives a full floor. We draw both for your house.
Is the attic almost tall enough?
We'll show you a dormer and a pop-up side by side.