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Modern shed dormers can add a touch of elegance and functionality to any home. They can be a great way to increase natural light and expand living space.
A shed dormer can be designed to match the style of your home, whether it's a traditional or modern look. According to article section, a shed dormer can be a great way to add a second floor to a one-story home.
Some shed dormers are designed to be more decorative, with intricate details and ornate trim. This can be a great way to add visual interest to your home's exterior.
A shed dormer can be built in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit your specific needs.
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Design Considerations
When deciding on the design of your modern shed dormer, it's essential to consider the head height of the window in relation to the eave height of the house. This will help you determine whether a wall or roof dormer is the best option.
You may want to opt for a roof dormer, but if you need to bring the dormer forward to the edge of the building, it could look oddly placed. In this case, a wall dormer may be a better choice.
The design of your shed dormer should blend well with the existing architecture of your home. This requires careful consideration and planning to ensure a seamless integration.
The cost of installing a shed dormer can vary widely, depending on the size and design you choose. This is something to keep in mind when making your decision.
You'll also need to secure necessary permissions and adhere to local building regulations during construction, which can cause disruptions.
Size and Placement
When designing your modern shed dormer, consider the height of the windowsill and the use of the room inside the dormer. Typically, you don't want to set the sill higher than 30 in. above the floor.
The height of the windowsill will impact the elevation, so make sure to plan accordingly. For example, if the windowsill is at the required height, it may push the dormer below the roofline, so you can use a low-sloped window well to make up the difference.
Hold the dormer back several feet from the gable ends to avoid an awkward look, and if the dormer is wider than one third of the house's width, set it back at least a foot from the face of the wall below.
Size and Location
The height of the windowsill is a crucial consideration when designing dormers. Typically, you don't want to set the sill higher than 30 inches above the floor.
Local building codes often dictate the height of the windowsill, especially if the dormer holds an egress window for a bedroom. This height will impact the elevation of your dormer, so be sure to plan accordingly.
If the windowsill is too high, you can use a low-sloped window well to make up the difference. This can be a convenient solution if the dimensions are just a little bit off.
Designing a dormer that spans nearly the entire roof can make it look overstuffed and awkward. Holding the dormer back several feet from the gable ends can help improve its appearance.
Size and Placement
The size and placement of a shed dormer can greatly impact the look and feel of your home. A large shed dormer addition can give you a spacious sleeping nook, like in the bungalow example.
The head height of the window in relation to the eave height of the house is a crucial consideration. You may want a roof dormer, but it may not be the best option if it looks oddly placed.
A wall dormer can be a better choice if you need to bring the dormer forward to the edge of the building. This is especially true if you want to see out the window.
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A shed dormer can be an extension of the wall below or it can be bumped up from the roof plane. The style you choose will depend on the specific needs of your home.
In some cases, adding stretched double shed dormers across the roof can make the house look larger, like in the attic space example. This can be a great way to maximize attic space and create a sense of openness.
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Two Story Addition
A two-story addition can add significant living space to a home, and it's often used to expand master suites. This type of addition can also be used to break up the bare sloping roof with visual interest.
The homeowners in one example opted for a shed dormer above a sunroom to add height and visual appeal. The dormer shed wall was made to look original to the structure by being flush with the exterior wall.
A shed dormer can be a great way to add a unique touch to a two-story addition. The detailing on the overhang can be connected with touches found elsewhere on the home to create a cohesive look.
For more insights, see: Shed Roof Addition
Windows and Lighting
A shed dormer can bring in a lot of natural light, making a room feel larger and more inviting.
Avoid tiny and floating windows, instead aim to have the windows extend from top to bottom of the dormer wall.
Adding a shed dormer window can balance out the look of a wide gable on the other side of the house.
Dormer windows can be used to create a spacious reading nook, like in the guest room example.
To make a room feel larger, consider stretching double shed dormers across the roof, as seen in the attic space example.
Applying the same siding found on the rest of the house to the dormers can draw the eye upward and make the house look larger.
A shed dormer can also be used to take advantage of light coming in through an existing window, like in the master suite example.
By adding a shed dormer, you can create a unified look and make the addition appear original to the structure, as seen in the detached garage example.
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Types and Styles
When deciding on a shed dormer style, there are two main options to consider: an extension of the wall below or a bump up from the roof plane. The choice ultimately depends on the head height of the window in relation to the eave height of the house.
A wall dormer may be a better option if you want to avoid an oddly placed dormer, as it can be brought forward to the edge of the building. This style keeps the roofline unbroken and the dormer's front as an extension of the home's wall.
There are several types of shed dormers to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are some popular types:
- Full Dormer: This type extends virtually the entire length of the roof, providing maximum interior space and dramatically altering the home's exterior appearance.
- Wall Dormer: The roofline remains unbroken in this variant, with the dormer's front being an extension of the home's wall.
- Flush Dormer: In this type, the dormer's face is flush with the front of the house.
Two Styles to Consider
When deciding between a wall and roof dormer, consider the head height of the window in relation to the eave height of the house. This will help you determine which style is best for your home.
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A wall dormer can be a better option if you need to bring the dormer forward to the edge of the building to see out the window, as this can prevent an oddly placed dormer.
There are two main styles to consider: wall and roof dormers. Both have their own unique characteristics and can greatly impact the exterior appearance of your home.
Here are some key differences between wall and roof dormers:
Ultimately, the choice between a wall and roof dormer will depend on your specific needs and the architecture of your home.
Nantucket
Nantucket dormers offer a unique solution for homeowners who want to add space without compromising on style. In this design, the eave of the shed portion of the dormer often aligns with the eave of the gable dormers.
For a seamless look, consider reducing the size of the windows in the shed dormer slightly, as the sill is higher up on the roof. This allows the windows to match the size of the gable dormers.
A Nantucket dormer can be used to combine two gable dormers, providing more space without overwhelming the exterior of the house. The roof is set low enough to resolve fully below the ridge of the gable dormers.
You can achieve a cohesive look by adding window boxes to match the ones found on the front of the house. This adds continuity and a splash of color to the exterior.
Here are some key features of Nantucket dormers:
- Combine two gable dormers for more space
- Roof set low enough to resolve fully below the ridge of the gable dormers
- Windows can be reduced slightly to match the size of the gable dormers
Coexist with Others
To coexist harmoniously with others, it's essential to understand the different personality types and styles. People with an Analytical style tend to be more reserved and may come across as aloof, but they value fairness and will work hard to achieve it.
In a team setting, someone with a Driver style will likely take charge and lead the group, but they may struggle with delegation and listening to others' opinions. On the other hand, an Amiable style person will focus on building relationships and consensus, but may avoid making tough decisions.
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If you're working with someone who has a Conscientious style, be patient and give them time to think through their ideas, as they value thoroughness and accuracy. Conversely, someone with an Expressive style will likely be outgoing and enthusiastic, but may need to be reined in to avoid dominating the conversation.
Understanding these differences can help you communicate more effectively and find common ground with others, leading to more harmonious and productive relationships.
Create Patterns
Creating patterns on your roof can add visual interest and personality to your home. Mixing sizes of dormers, like placing a skinny window between two wider windows, adds a hint of the unexpected.
Triple shed dormers are a great solution for letting in lots of light.
Playing with widths of dormers prevents a crowded roofline.
Gable Roof
A gable roof is a classic choice for many homes, and for good reason. It's simple, yet effective.
A shed dormer is a popular addition to a gable roof, extending living space with both height and width. It's a great way to add some extra room without changing the overall look of the house.
The eave line of a shed dormer is parallel to the eave line of the roof, creating a seamless look.
Dressed Up
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A shed dormer can be a game-changer for adding visual interest and height to your home.
To make a shed dormer really stand out, consider adding window boxes like the one on this cottage, where lush landscaping adds cozy character to the exterior.
You can also create continuity with the rest of your home by matching the window box to one found elsewhere, as seen in this example where the box on the front of the home matches the one on the dormer.
A well-executed shed dormer can make the new window look like it was always part of the home, like in this example where heavy overhangs are repeated on the underside of the overhang.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a dormer and a shed dormer?
A dormer is a window projecting from a sloping roof, while a shed dormer has the same pitch as the house's roof and is typically wider than it is tall. This design distinction sets shed dormers apart from traditional dormers.
Do shed dormers leak?
Shed dormers are less likely to leak than other types, but improper installation can still cause issues.
How much space does a shed dormer add?
A shed dormer typically adds a significant amount of space, nearly doubling the square footage of the upstairs area. This can also increase the overall value of the house.
Sources
- https://www.finehomebuilding.com/project-guides/framing/shed-dormers-explained
- https://www.finehomebuilding.com/project-guides/framing/designing-shed-dormers
- https://ascentialbuildings.com/10-x-16-cambridge-dormer-low-wall-lynchburg-va-4/
- https://www.houseidea.com/blog/shed-dormer-benefits-for-your-home/
- https://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/windows/window-buying-guide/shed-dormer-windows/
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