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Types of dormers

Prefab or traditional, flat-roof or pitched-roof, narrow or wide — which type of dormer fits your house, your budget and the planning rules in your area.

Short answer

Which type should you choose?

The right type of dormer depends on three things: the shape of your roof, the planning rules of your council, and how much custom work you actually need. Most homes can have either a prefab or a traditional dormer; the choice comes down to budget, install time and how unusual the design is.

The main types

Compared side by side

TypeInstall timeCustom optionsTypical costBest for
Prefab flat-roof1 dayLimited sizesLowerStandard houses on a budget
Prefab pitched-roof1–2 daysLimited sizesMidTraditional houses, fast turnaround
Traditional on-site1–2 weeksFully customHigherUnusual roofs, special detailing
Shell-only (casco)1 dayInterior is yoursLowestDIY-minded homeowners
Wide / cornerVariesCustom designHigherMaximising interior space
Typical figures for the Dutch market; details differ per company and design.
Pick by situation

Which type for which house?

Type

Standard terraced house, rear roof

A prefab flat-roof dormer is usually the most cost-efficient choice. Often permit-free if rules are met.

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Type

Detached house, visible roof

A traditional pitched-roof dormer tends to fit the architecture and pass the aesthetics test more easily.

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Type

Tight budget, willing to finish interior

A shell-only (casco) dormer can save thousands if you handle interior plastering and painting yourself.

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Type

You want maximum interior space

A wide flat-roof dormer gives the most headroom and usable floor area on a typical Dutch roof.

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Practical

Checklist before you choose a type

Checklist

Answer these before you commit

  1. 01Which roof side is the dormer on?
  2. 02Is the roof pitched or (partly) flat?
  3. 03How wide can the dormer realistically be?
  4. 04Are there local aesthetics rules to respect?
  5. 05Do you need a standard size or a custom one?
  6. 06Is install speed more important than custom detailing?
  7. 07Is the interior finish included or your own work?
  8. 08Does the design fit the rest of the street?
  9. 09Have you checked references for this type of dormer?
  10. 10Does the company actually build the type you want?
Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Veelgestelde vragen

01What is the difference between prefab and traditional dormers?
A prefab dormer is built in a workshop and lifted onto the roof in one piece, often in a single day. A traditional dormer is built on site, piece by piece. Quality can be equal either way; the differences are install time, customisation and detailing.
02Which type is best for a small budget?
A standard-size prefab dormer is usually the most cost-efficient because the workshop process is faster and material waste is lower. Custom sizes erode that advantage quickly.
03Can I have a dormer on a flat roof?
Yes, flat-roof dormers exist and are common on terraced houses. Detailing of the flat roof itself becomes the most important quality factor.
04Pitched-roof or flat-roof dormer — which is better?
Pitched-roof dormers tend to look more 'classic' and fit traditional houses. Flat-roof dormers create more interior headroom and are easier to make watertight. Both are valid.
Conclusie
There is no single 'best' type of dormer. The best one is the type that fits your roof, your budget and the rules of your council — and that the company you choose actually has experience building.