One key feature in The Sims 4 is building. While the gameplay and character creation are important, many players only use The Sims to build houses, public lots, and communities using the extensive and complex Build/Buy mode. Simmers who use cheats or mods have even more control and freedom when creating the perfect lot for their Sims or to use as a model. However, some things are not as simple as they may seem for those who want to experiment with realism or creativity in their builds. For example, roof building stumps some players and can be an afterthought.
The Sims 4 gives players many roof options, but positioning them can be finicky sometimes and difficult without experience. Past Sims games had an auto roof feature that limited players' creative abilities but did sufficient work. Sims 4, on the other hand, leaves it all up to Simmers to conceptualize and build their roofs for lots with the proper tools. So here's a guide to building roofs to get players started.
Choose A Starting Roof Type
Roofs can be placed on buildings that are entirely enclosed. They are optional, but they are necessary for those who like to keep their builds as close to reality as possible. Simmers lacking inspiration can start by using references and models found online or take note of the premade lots with roofs already built in the game. The Sims 4 base game, now free on PC and consoles, comes with 12 default roof shapes that can be customized. Roof styles include the following:
Gabled
Whenever drawing a roof or picturing one, gabled roofs most likely come to mind as the standard shape. Gabled roofs are classic roofs that form a triangular shape on each end with variations, including half-gabled and diagonal-gabled roofs. Half-gabled roofs are perfect for multi-level buildings or other roof combos.
Hipped
Hipped roofs are more pyramid-style and have four sections that meet at a point in the center. These are commonly seen on square-shaped buildings but can be used in other ways. Variations of hipped roofs include half-hipped and diagonal-hipped roofs.
Hexagonal, Pentagonal, And Octagonal
Simmers can build towers, huts, or shacks made from diagonal walls that make polygonal shapes that meet at a point in the middle. Three roof styles fit onto these buildings: hexagonal, pentagonal, and octagonal. As their names suggest, hexagonal roofs have 6 sides, pentagonal have 5, and octagonal have 8.
Circular
Circular roofs are entirely smooth and have no sides. They are like upside-down cones that sit on top of buildings and work well with the recent addition of curved walls.
Edit Roof Features
Often, the perfect roof will not be found in the default styles, but they make for good foundations to expand upon. In addition, each type can be customized in a few different ways using the adjustment buttons visible after they are placed. Adjustable features on the roofs include height, width, length, depth, and eave size.
Changing these will create new roof styles that can mimic popular architects in the real world. Below are examples of roof styles made by adjusting the defaults:
Barrel Vault Roof
Players need to build a room and use a gabled roof to get a barrel vault roof. Once the roof is placed and sized to fit the space or desired section, grab the small circular icon and move it upwards until it's a distinct-curved shape.
Shed Roof
Making shed roofs is easy work. First, place a square or rectangle-shaped room and then cover it with a half-gabled roof with the flat side facing to the side. Make sure the roof's edges match the room's shape and then use the upward arrow to pull the roof up or down till it's at a preferred height. Players can also use the smaller corner arrows to push in the eaves, so it has a polished look.
Experiment With Roof Style Combinations
Another way to build roofs is to combine the different styles. This can be done in many ways to ensure the roof fits the building shape or adds layers and texture to a building. Using roof combinations, players can also get creative with pillars and multi-level houses. Some common roof combinations include the below roof styles:
Dutch Gable
Dutch gables are common roof types often accompanied by a covered porch. Players will combine gabled and hipped roofs to form the shape. Start by placing the hipped roof on top of a rectangle or square room and dragging the small circular icon down, which will sit lower. To make a covered porch, adjust the roof length over the edge of the room. Next, place the gabled roof in the center of it and pull in the sides so it doesn't overlap the hipped edges. Finally, raise the height of the gabled roof until it sits high enough to form a small triangle.
Saltbox
Saltbox roofs are another combination roof, but it uses the same pieces. Take two half-gabled roofs and place them on a room, so the slants face each other. Stretch one to cover most of the room and stretch the other until it sits right up against it. Both of the flat sides will be touching. Players can then adjust the heights until they match up and form a sharp slanted triangle.
Dormer
Dormers are more complicated at first glance. Players will need to start with two separate rooms on different floors. The top floor room should sit in the center front of the bottom floor and only needs to be about 2X2 or 4X4. Next, place a gabled roof on the top floor with the triangle face towards the front. To finish the dormer, put another gabled roof on the bottom floor with the triangle faces going outwards. The roofs should overlap, and players may need to adjust the second-floor roof height, so it sits above the bottom.
Finish With Roof Decorations And Patterns
After building the roof and perfecting its shape, players can add the finishing touches with roof decorations, patterns, and trims. Decorations include chimneys, sculptures, and gameplay items. Chimneys can be placed anywhere on the roof and aren't limited to being above fireplaces, making great cosmetic additions. The same can be said with the various sculptures in Buy mode. One unique item is the Solar Panel from the Eco Lifestyle Expansion pack. Placing this on the roof has actual gameplay effects, such as decreasing household power bills and changing the Eco Footprint of a neighborhood.
Patterns consist of shingle styles, roof materials, and colors. Depending on their DLC, Simmers can have glass, steel, or hay roofs to fit the aesthetic of their building. Glass roofs are cool because they make the ceiling clear and provide lots of natural light into rooms with these ceilings, which is perfect for greenhouses, skylights, and sunrooms. Roof trims are another cosmetic addition that is the cherry on top of the roof building. Various trim sizes, shapes, and colors can be added around roofs to give them a polished and complete look.
The Sims 4 is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, and Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S.