Dormer Construction: Setting the Posts

Once we had the roof stripped, we immediately started setting the posts for the new dormer. These posts are the first part of building our dormer, and are anchored into the concrete ring beam. The plan is to set the posts, and then move on to the rafters (roof beams) that will frame out the small flat roof at the top of the dormer. A dormer is a vertical window that projects out from a sloping roof--our design call for a large dormer to give the new 2nd floor (loft level) a decent ceiling height. It has a rather funny shape due to the limitations of the historical district the property is in (the dormer is not meant to be seen from the street). This is why we have a very short post on one side--that part of the dormer will align with the main roof. Below is a 3D computer image of what it will look like when finished.

A page from the drawings - the proposed dormer viewed from the exterior.

The day started with M. (our day laborer) and I setting the steel base plates for the wood posts that Jimmy was finishing. Soon, we were able to start setting and leveling the posts and then moved onto framing the first horizontal beams for the flat portion of the dormer's roof.

Drilling the holes for the anchor plate bolts

A finished anchor plate

Jimmy finishing one of his columns

Setting the first column

Setting the first column

All columns set

Removing part of the roof truss

Lifting the first rafter (roof beam) into place

Setting the first rafter