Question 1

What's the difference between a shed dormer and a full dormer?

Accepted Answer

A shed dormer is a single long pitched roof section lifted from the main roof — it creates the maximum amount of headroom and floor area under a Cape or ranch roof. A full dormer takes the entire second floor out to the wall line, which essentially converts the upper half of the house into full-height rooms. We build both, and we'll recommend based on your roof pitch, existing framing, and zoning coverage.

Question 2

How long does a dormer addition take?

Accepted Answer

The framed-and-watertight day is the critical one: we strip the roof at 7am, frame by mid-afternoon, and sheath or tarp before dinner. From permit-to-paint (including interior finishes) a typical shed dormer runs 6–9 weeks. Plans and permitting add 4–8 weeks on the front end depending on the township.

Question 3

Will I need to move out during the build?

Accepted Answer

Usually no. A shed dormer only opens the upper floor — the lower level of the house stays fully livable. The one-day strip-and-frame is noisy and dusty, but we tarp interior spaces and clean nightly. Full second-story additions are different and often do require a rental for 4–6 weeks mid-build.

Question 4

How much does a dormer addition cost?

Accepted Answer

Pricing depends on dormer size, finish level, and structural scope. The honest answer is 'come walk the site and we'll tell you.' We don't publish numbers because every Cape Cod is different — an 1856 pre-war frame and a 1953 Levitt Cape cost different amounts to reinforce. We give a firm fixed-price quote after the walk-through.

Question 5

Do you handle Cape Cod conversions?

Accepted Answer

Yes — they're a third of our dormer work. Long Island's 1950s Cape stock is prime for raise-the-roof conversions. We've done 90+ Capes since 2008 across Levittown, Hicksville, Bethpage, and Seaford.

Question 6

Can a dormer add a full primary suite?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely — that's the most common ask. A full shed dormer typically yields 800–1,200 sq ft of new living space, which easily accommodates a primary bedroom, walk-in closet, spa bath, and a reading nook. We coordinate with your architect (or our in-house AIA) to maximize the usable layout.

Dormer Additions on Long Island.

Dormer walk-through

Five dormer configurations

Shed Dormer

Full Dormer

Cape Cod Dormer

Dormer Addition

Attic Dormer

Second Story Partial

On the boards right now

Full Shed Dormer + Primary Suite — Levittown, NY

Cape Cod Conversion — Hicksville, NY

Attic Conversion with Dormer — Bethpage, NY

About dormer additions

Ready to raise the roof?