Now that the mansard roof is ready, it's time to install the dormer windows. I am going to deviate a little from the instructions because these windows must be properly finished on the interior and there is not much access to them once they are installed. I am also going to attempt to make them actually work.
A working window upgrade can be quite expensive and because of the unique measurements of these kits, you will have to implement a lot of time making alterations so they fit. This kit basically brings everything you need to make your own working windows so its a shame to just not use what you already bought. It will be much easier to make these existing kit parts work, than to alter window openings for pre-assembled working windows.
The first step is assembling the dormer window itself. They are really quite simple to assemble when they are away from the dollhouse. Just glue the side walls to the front wall. I used paint bottles as a guide for making the side walls straight. The bottles also help keep the side walls from toppling over while the glue dries.
After the dormers are dry, you can go ahead and paint each dormer. Remember that the window casings and openings must be painted before installation. These windows are identical the other windows of the dollhouse, so they are finished using the same method. The exterior window pane, with the stained glass, can be installed at any time during this process because it is fixed and will not interfere with any of the steps.
I used stain on the interior of the dormers and I installed the interior casing, in the same way as the front. I made sure that openings were painted white to match the exterior. So far, everything is installed following the instructions.
It is at this point that there will be a deviation. I bought trim at the craft store that is slightly wider (3/8") than the window casing trim. I stained it to match the interior of the dormer. I plan on gluing this store bought trim OVER the sides of the already installed, interior window casings. This will create a "rail" that the interior window pane can slide up and down on. You must dry fit your window panes as you do this, to make sure that you have plenty of room for them to slide up and down.
After the railing trim is dry, you can insert the interior window panes, with the glass already glued in place, from the bottom of the window. Now you can see that it this has created a "working window". You want the window to be loose enough to move on its railings but not so loose that they won't stay open when you slide them up all of the way.
I installed the window sills on the exterior and interior. The interior one keeps the window pane from falling out of its railing.
Now that the windows are in place, you can go ahead and install the dormer roofs. I recommend you take the roof that came with the kit and throw it out. Its not needed. It is very difficult to work with.
I used ceiling paper instead to create the interior dormer ceilings. I then used copper paint swatches, that I got for free at the hardware store, to create the exterior roof. I added some trim to the edges for a more finished look.
The dormers are done and ready to be installed. Finishing them away from the dollhouse made all of the difference.
