How Dormers Can Increase the Value your Home

Whether you're planning to sell your home or simply want to enjoy more functional space, dormer additions are one of the smartest ways to add both charm and value to your property. On Long Island, where real estate is competitive and space is a premium, dormers can significantly increase resale value, curb appeal, and livable square footage.

What Is a Dormer?

A dormer is a structural extension that projects vertically from a sloping roof, creating usable space within the roofline. Dormers typically include windows, allowing more light and ventilation into previously dark or underused attic areas.

Why Dormers Add Value to Homes

1. Increased Square Footage

Dormers can transform unfinished attics into fully usable rooms—such as bedrooms, bathrooms, or offices—without needing a full second-story addition. This added square footage boosts appraisal value and increases your home’s functional layout.

2. Boosted Curb Appeal

Architectural features like gable or eyebrow dormers enhance the exterior look of your home. Buyers are drawn to attractive homes with balanced rooflines, and dormers create that desirable aesthetic instantly.

3. Higher Resale Value

According to remodeling studies, dormer additions on Long Island can provide a return on investment (ROI) between 60% to 80%. Homes with added bedrooms, offices, or bathrooms via dormers often sell faster and at higher prices.

4. Natural Light and Energy Efficiency

Dormers bring in natural daylight, reducing your need for artificial lighting and lowering energy bills. They also allow for cross-ventilation, making upper floors more comfortable and healthier.

Popular Dormer Styles That Add Value

• Gable Dormers: Classic peaked roof shape. Ideal for bedrooms and bathrooms.
• Shed Dormers: Flat roof with a gentle slope. Great for maximizing space.
• Eyebrow Dormers: Elegant curves that blend with traditional or historic homes.

Cost vs. Value: Is a Dormer Worth It?

While the average dormer addition on Long Island can cost between $15,000 and $35,000, depending on size and function, the value it adds is substantial. Not only does it make your home more appealing to buyers, but it also enhances your quality of life by making space more livable.

Before & After: Real Examples

Our clients at Cascella & Sons have seen dramatic transformations—attics turned into master suites, cramped upstairs areas turned into luxurious home offices, and plain ranches elevated into stunning colonials with multiple dormers.

See our recent dormer work on our Our Work page.

Trust the Local Experts

At Cascella & Sons, we specialize in custom dormer and home addition projects across Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Our team understands local zoning laws, permitting needs, and design preferences that resonate with Long Island buyers.

We’ll help you choose the right dormer style, maximize natural light, and create a layout that boosts your home's functionality and resale value.

Get Started Today

Thinking about a dormer addition? Request a free estimate and let’s explore how we can expand your space—and your property value.