Dormers

[somerfriend.livejournal.com]

Has anyone every put or attempted to put a dormer on their house and what was the city's reaction to the plans?   Was it easy to get approved?   We've got some sloping ceilings on the top floor.

Comments

[clevernonsense.livejournal.com]

Yeah pretty much this--every town, neighborhood, and in some cases street will have different factors, but it's such a common thing that any local GC will be able to let you know your options.

[missdimple.livejournal.com]

In my experience, builders that deal in small scale projects often don't want to deal with the hassles that come with building departments. It's easier to just say "You'll be fiiiiiiiine. No need for permits." You're much better off if you personally go talk with the building department.

[clevernonsense.livejournal.com]

A new dormer is a mid-sized project for a typical GC and if they say you don't need a permit for that they are actually closer to a hack at best, and con artist at worse.

Building departments are usually not a great first resource since they are more apt to point out obstacles to a project rather than creative solutions. At least in my experience.