Why a shed dormer is the Cape upgrade
- No bigger footprint. You add living space without eating yard or running into lot-coverage limits.
- Full-height rooms. Real walls, real closets, and furniture that fits.
- An upstairs bathroom. The single biggest quality-of-life change in most Capes.
- Fastest way to add a bedroom in towns where additions face tight setbacks.
What's included
Structural design and engineering, zoning and building permits, removal of the rear roof slope, new framing, roofing, siding, and windows, and, for a finished project, insulation, drywall, flooring, trim, electrical, and HVAC. We dry the house in quickly so your home isn't open to weather for long.
Can we stay in the house?
Usually, yes. The first floor stays livable through most of the project. The noisiest, messiest week is when the roof comes off and the new framing goes up.
Typical cost
A finished full-width shed dormer typically runs $95,000 to $160,000, including an upstairs bathroom in most cases. A shell-only dormer (framed, roofed, sided, and windowed) runs about $45,000 to $80,000.
Use the dormer cost calculator →
Questions about shed dormers
How long does a shed dormer take?
Most finished dormers take 10 to 16 weeks of construction after permits. The roof is open for only a few days.
Do I need an architect for a dormer?
You need stamped drawings for the permit. We coordinate the architect and engineer as part of our process.
Front or rear dormer?
Rear shed dormers are most common because they add the most space and keep the Cape's look from the street. Front gable dormers add light and curb appeal.