Fanwood homes and adding space upstairs
Fanwood is a small, tree-lined borough right next to our Scotch Plains shop. Most homes are colonials and Capes built between the 1920s and the 1950s, many still carrying original framing, plaster, and foundations that need an experienced hand.
Colonials with walk-up attics
Many Fanwood colonials have a walk-up attic with a real staircase. With a dormer or two for headroom and egress, that attic can become a bedroom, office, or playroom.
Fanwood is Cape Cod country
Fanwood has a large stock of 1940s and 1950s Capes, built for a young family and now too small for most. A rear shed dormer is the most cost-effective way to add bedrooms and a bathroom here without giving up the yard.
Older framing needs an engineer's eye
Pre-war Fanwood homes were framed for loads of their day. We have an engineer confirm the rafters, ceiling joists, and foundation before designing any new space upstairs.
Fanwood pricing
A finished rear shed dormer on a Fanwood Cape typically runs $105,000 to $170,000 with an upstairs bathroom, reflecting the finish level typical here. Gable dormers run $18,000 to $32,000 each.
Build a planning estimate with the dormer cost calculator →
Permits in Fanwood
Dormers in Fanwood need stamped drawings and a building permit from the Fanwood construction office, and some projects also need a zoning review for height or bulk. DMF coordinates the architect and engineer, files everything, and represents the project at a zoning board hearing if one is needed.
How a Fanwood project runs
- Site visitWe measure upstairs, check framing, stairs, and zoning.
- Concept & priceA sketch of what's possible and a written price range.
- Design & permitsArchitect, engineer, zoning check, and building permit.
- BuildRoof off and dried in within days; finished in 10–16 weeks.
- FinalInspections, certificate of approval, walkthrough.
What neighbors say
“The projects went pretty smooth, they are very honest and fair, punctual which most important now a days.”
“The pricing was fair and competitive compared to other quotes that I have gotten. They gave me a step by step outline.”