The dormer process
From the first quote to the moment the crew leaves your house. What happens at each stage, how long it takes and what to watch for.
Short answer
What does the process look like?
Most projects follow the same sequence: orientation, quotes, design and permit, scheduling, install, handover and aftercare. Plan three to four months ahead and the timeline is comfortable; less than that and you may end up rushing decisions.
Timeline
What happens, and when
| Phase | Typical duration | Your job | Their job |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orientation | 1–2 weeks | Read, list requirements | — |
| Quotes | 2–4 weeks | Request 3+ quotes | Visit, measure, quote |
| Design + permit | 4–10 weeks | Sign off design | Drawings, permit submission |
| Scheduling | 2–6 weeks | Confirm date, ask neighbours | Plan crew, crane, materials |
| Install | 1–10 days | Be home day 1, give access | Build the dormer |
| Handover | 1 day | Walk through, sign snag list | Final clean, walk-through |
| Aftercare | Ongoing | Yearly check | Honour warranty, respond fast |
Checklist
At each phase
Checklist
Don't skip these
- 01Quotes phase — at least three quotes on identical specs.
- 02Design phase — sign off in writing, with drawings.
- 03Permit phase — keep council correspondence, file dated.
- 04Scheduling — confirm crane, parking permit, neighbour notice.
- 05Install — be home for start, give clear access.
- 06Handover — walk through with foreman, write snag list.
- 07Aftercare — file warranty document, set yearly reminder.
Read next
Related guides
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
FAQ
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01How long does the full dormer process take?
From first quote to finished dormer, count on 8–16 weeks. Most of that is permit time and the company's lead time; the actual install is 1–10 days.
02When should I start?
Ideally 3–4 months before you want the install done. That gives time for quotes, design, permit and a slot in the company's schedule.
03Do I have to be home during the install?
Yes for the first day (access, decisions, signature). After that you can leave the house as long as the crew has access.
04What is 'handover' exactly?
A walk-through where you go through every detail with the foreman, sign off what is finished and write down any open items. Without it, getting small issues fixed is much harder.
Conclusie
A dormer is not a fast project, but it is a predictable one. Plan ahead, keep paperwork tidy, and the whole thing becomes a series of clear, manageable steps.