If your attic or upper-level space feels a little too cramped, dark, or unusable, it might be time to look up—literally. Adding a dormer can completely change the way your home lives and feels – unlocking valuable square footage, natural light, and function without a full-on addition or hefty price tag. At Bachman’s Construction, we’ve helped homeowners transform tight upstairs rooms into bright, open, and inviting spaces simply by adding dormers — and it’s one of our favorite ways to bring new life to a home.
Get to Know the ‘Dormers’
A dormer is a roofed structure, often containing a window, that projects vertically from a sloped roof. It can come in different styles — gabled, shed, eyebrow, arched — but no matter the look, it has the same goal: adding headroom and light to the space below.
Dormers are most commonly added to attics, cape cods, and second stories, but they work just about anywhere there’s a sloped roof and a need for more usable space.
Benefits of Adding a Dormer
Let’s break down why so many homeowners love the dormer upgrade.
1. More Headroom Where You Need It Most
One of the biggest limitations of upper-floor spaces with angled ceilings is that they can feel cramped or hard to use. Dormers lift the roofline in key areas, giving you more vertical space — especially helpful in areas where you want to stand, walk, or place furniture.
Imagine turning a low-ceiling attic into a bright reading nook, a kid’s playroom, or even a full primary suite. With dormers, it’s not only possible — it’s practical.
2. Extra Square Footage That Counts
When you add a dormer, you’re not just making the room feel bigger — you’re actually adding livable square footage. That means more real estate value and more ways to use your space. From bonus bedrooms to bathrooms, home offices to walk-in closets, dormers often open the door (and the ceiling!) to real expansion.
3. Better Natural Light and Ventilation
Dormers often come with windows — and more windows mean more daylight and airflow. Whether you’re working from home, relaxing, or getting ready in the morning, natural light makes a big difference in comfort and mood. Plus, you’ll have new opportunities for fresh air in previously stuffy upper levels.
4. Improved Furniture Layout and Functionality
Sloped ceilings can make it tough to arrange furniture in an attic or top-floor room. Dormers fix that. With new vertical walls and extended floor space, you gain more options for beds, dressers, desks, and built-in storage. It’s amazing what a few extra feet and angles can do to open up possibilities.
5. Curb Appeal Bonus
While dormers are hard-working additions from the inside, they’re also a big win for curb appeal. A well-designed dormer can balance out your home’s roofline, add character, and even echo classic architectural styles. Whether it’s a symmetrical row of gables or a sleek modern shed dormer, you’ll love what it does for your home’s exterior.
We’ll Help You Decide if a Dormer is Right for You!
Not every roof is a candidate for a dormer, but many are — especially older homes, cape cods, and ranches that need a little extra space up top. Dormers can be added as part of a full-scale remodel, or they can stand alone as a focused project to improve one room or space.
At Bachman’s Construction, we handle everything from design to build, making sure your new dormer fits your home’s structure, style, and needs. Our team will walk you through the possibilities, provide honest recommendations, and craft a solution that adds both function and value.
Let Bachman’s Construction help you transform that unused attic or awkward bedroom into a space you’ll love to live in.
Because sometimes, the best way to grow your home is to raise the roof — just a little.
