What do conservation rooflights involve?
Across the Highlands and Islands, our conservation rooflights work covers slim, low-profile steel-look rooflights for period and listed roofs. Survey first, fixed price second, fitting third.
Tenements and flats are common in Scottish towns and cities, where rooflights over stairwells and top-floor flats need the owners' and factor's agreement. Many Scottish homes have dormers and attic rooms where an extra roof window adds light without a full dormer.
Towns in the Highlands and Islands
Specification options in the Highlands and Islands
- Blinds
- Central vertical glazing bar
- Flashings for slate or plain tile
- Toughened or laminated double glazing
- Steel or aluminium frames
- Steel or aluminium frame in black or grey
- Suits slate and plain-tile roofs
Planning and building rules in Scotland
Planning rules in Scotland differ: rooflights are treated as external alterations under Class 2B, with no permitted development in conservation areas. Flats and tenements are outside householder permitted development, so check with the planning authority first.
Under the Scottish building standards, replacement rooflights should average 1.6 W/m²K or better, and no individual unit should exceed 3.3 W/m²K. Replacing a rooflight, frame included, does not need a building warrant, but the work must still meet the building standards.
Conservation rooflights prices in the Highlands and Islands
These are typical supply-and-fit ranges. For an address in the Highlands and Islands, scaffold, a hoist for heavy glass, or a new structural opening can move the figure, which is why we survey first.
| Option | Guide price inc VAT | Ex VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Large or electric conservation rooflight | £2,755 – £4,195 | £2,295 – £3,495 |
| Standard conservation rooflight Typical | £2,035 – £2,755 | £1,695 – £2,295 |
| Small conservation rooflight | £1,795 – £2,155 | £1,495 – £1,795 |
How the job runs
- Tell us about the roof. Send the postcode, rough sizes and a photo or two through the form, WhatsApp or the guide-price tool.
- Free survey. For new installations a surveyor measures the opening, checks the roof build-up and talks through glass and options.
- Fixed written quote. You get the product, the work and the price in writing. Nothing is ordered or paid for until you agree.
- Fitting and handover. We fit, seal and make good, then hand over product data, warranties and any certificate paperwork.
Conservation rooflights in nearby areas
Common questions
Do they suit slate roofs?
Yes — flashings are made for slates and for plain tiles.
Can they open?
Yes, most are top-hung or side-hung for ventilation and cleaning, with manual or electric operation.
Do I need consent for a conservation rooflight?
On a listed building you need listed building consent. In a conservation area, check with the council — many areas have Article 4 directions affecting roof alterations.
Will the council accept it?
We cannot promise an outcome, but a slim conservation profile fitted low in the roof is the type many conservation officers ask for.
Will I need planning permission in the Highlands and Islands?
Scottish householder permitted development (Class 2B, other external alterations) can cover a rooflight that projects no more than 1 metre from the roof, but the right does not apply in conservation areas.
