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Dormer Windows Cost
Explore dormer window costs in all of their roof like glory. We'll explain a bit about what dormers are, where they came from (along with several photos), then break down prices by installation type and window options. Finally, we've posted consumer price quotes that do get a bit complicated (dormers often are), but should hopefully provide some real world pricing and information. Enjoy!
Tom - HWRC Editor - Original Publish Date - April 26, 2016
Page Last Updated In 2025
Page Sections
- Dormer Window Introduction
- New Construction Labor Costs
- Replacement Labor Cost
- Window Only Costs
- Project Totals
- Dormer Windows Cost Questions
Dormer Window Introduction
Dormers are structures that project out from a sloped residential roofline (see photo for visual). In nearly every case, dormers are either triangular, eyebrow, or rectangular in shape. Additionally, dormers contain one or more windows that provide light and ventilation (if an operable window is used obviously).
One of more dormers are often added to the roofline as a distinctive architectural feature. As an added benefit, dormers extend the existing roofline (not a ton, but some), which provides additional living space and natural light into the upper floor.
In some sense, dormers are like a slightly more complicated sky light. However, unlike a skylight, dormers contain their own mini roof frame (and are therefore more expensive to build).
Related Topic: Skylight Installation Cost
"The term dormer comes from the French word dormeor, meaning sleeping room. They were often placed in the top floor to add some light and elbow room to often fairly cramped top floors."
New Construction Labor Costs
When we talk about labor costs, it’s important to make a distinction between adding a dormer from scratch and simply replacing an existing dormer window. The first scenario we’ll call new construction. Here, the contractor cuts out the dormer footprint from the existing roof. Next, they frame out the dormer, making sure to properly flash and seal the entire perimeter. Then they add in the window(s) like they would any other project.
Here are our new construction labor cost projections for a small dormer, mid sized dormer, and large dormer. We’ve estimated the hourly labor cost and materials at $150 per hour. The costs below does not include the cost of the window itself.
| DORMER SIZE | AMOUNT OF LABOR | PRICE POINT |
| Small Dormer | 20 Hours | $3,000 |
| Mid Sized Dormer | 35 Hours | $5,250 |
| Large Dormer | 50 Hours | $7,500 |
(installation cost only - does not include the cost of the window)
Replacement Labor Costs
Replacing the dormer window only (meaning no real construction has to happen) is a MUCH easier process that requires CONSIDERABLE less labor costs. In fact, it’s more or less the same as a local window company removing a window and installing a new one. Here are some basic price breakdowns.
| TYPE OF INSTALLATION | PRICE (PER WINDOW) |
| Insert/Retrofit | $150 |
| Insert With Add'l Work | $350 |
| Full Frame Install | $450 |
(installation cost only - does not include the cost of the window)
Dormer Windows Cost
Dormer windows themselves are no more expensive than a typical replacement window. However, there is an exception to this rule - eyebrow shaped windows. These custom shaped windows typically run 30% to 40% more than a normal double hung for instance. Below, we will use a pretty typical sized window as our cost 48"H x 36"W.
| MATERIAL | PRICE RANGE | AVG COST |
| Vinyl | $200 to $800 | $500 |
| Fiberglass | $800 to $1400 | $1100 |
| Composite | $700 to $1300 | $950 |
| Aluminum | $700 to $1300 | $950 |
| Wood Clad | $1000 to $1800 | $1400 |
(window cost only - does not include the installation portion)
Dormer Project Totals
Here are our project totals for three different sized projects and one dormer window replacement for each.
| ROJECT SIZE | PRICE RANGE | AVG COST |
| Small Dormer | $3,000 to $4,000 | $3,500 |
| Mid Sized Dormer | $5,500 to $6,500 | $6,050 |
| Large Dormer | $7,800 to $8,800 | $8,250 |
Dormer Windows Cost Questions
Here are our consumer questions and answers section. Hopefully, these homeowner scenarios can add some context and perspective to your own price quotes.
Tom - HWRC Editor
Window Advice On Quotes
We're replacing all of our old single hung wood windows due rotting around the edges. We have to replace the outside shutters (don't have to I guess, but they really add to the look). This is what we are looking at and I would love to get your thoughts on the following:
17 tall windows, 2 dormer windows - pretty small, 2 eyebrow windows - pretty small as well
Royal (I believe they use Alliance Windows - single hung) - $16.3K
Window World 4000 Series - $16.2K
Renewal by Andersen cost bid - $38,100 (however their window price quote didn't include the dormers, which have wood rot)
Cyan - Homeowner - from 2021
[Site Editor's Answer]
Cyan, the Renewal quote is just too expensive as far as I'm concerned, which leaves the Royal and the Window World price quote. To be honest, I'm not the biggest fan of Window World in general, although they have started carrying a better brand in Simonton over the MI or ComfortWorld that they used to stock. I guess that leaves Royal, which I really don't know anything about. However, I do like Alliance windows so that's a plus in their column. So, step one, make sure that Royal gets great reviews -- assuming they do, I think that is the best of the bunch so far.
Tom - HWRC Editor - from 2021
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