What do electric opening rooflights in Brighton involve?
We handle electric opening rooflights across East Sussex, including Brighton. In short: hinged rooflights that open on an electric actuator for fresh air. The survey checks structure, weathering and orientation, so the quote reflects your actual roof.
Orangery-style extensions with lanterns are popular across the South East, and solar-control glass makes a big difference on south-facing gardens. Typical uses for electric opening rooflights include kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms that need fresh air as well as light.
We cover all of Brighton and the BN1 district, and nearby Hove and Portslade.
Specification options
- Smart-home or app control (manufacturer dependent)
- Integral blind
- Rain and wind sensor
- Insect screen
- Manual winder on smaller units
- Can be grouped with fixed units on one roof
- Electric opening — no poles or winding
Things we check at survey
- Electrical connection should be made by a competent electrician to BS 7671
- Needs a power supply at the opening — plan the cable route before ceilings close up
Planning and building rules for Brighton
Most rooflights on English houses do not need planning permission, provided they keep within 150 mm of the roof surface and below the ridge line. A rooflight on a side-facing slope must be obscure-glazed, and fixed shut unless the opening part is more than 1.7 m above the floor.
Under Approved Document L, a rooflight added to an English home must achieve at least 2.2 W/m²K (horizontal plane), and a roof window 1.4 W/m²K or Window Energy Rating Band B. The Future Homes and Buildings Standards, published in March 2026, apply from 24 March 2027 and keep the 2.2 W/m²K limit for rooflights.
Our planning guide covers each nation in more detail.
What do electric opening rooflights cost in Brighton?
These are typical supply-and-fit ranges. For an address in Brighton, 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 with rain sensor and blind | £4,195 – £5,995 | £3,495 – £4,995 |
| Mid-size electric with rain sensor Typical | £2,995 – £4,195 | £2,495 – £3,495 |
| Small manual or electric opening unit | £2,395 – £3,115 | £1,995 – £2,595 |
What happens next
- Send the details. Postcode, rough size and a photo of the roof and room.
- Survey. We measure the opening, check the roof build-up and agree the options.
- Agree the quote. You approve the specification and price before anything is ordered.
- Fit and make good. We fit, seal, test and finish the reveal, then hand over the paperwork.
Nearby towns
More we do in Brighton
Questions about electric opening rooflights in Brighton
Does it need an electrician?
The rooflight wiring needs a suitable supply. We can arrange it, or your own electrician can provide the spur and we connect the unit.
Can it open in a power cut?
Most electric units stay where they are during a power cut. Some manufacturers offer a manual override or battery backup — we will tell you which option the chosen model has.
What happens if it rains while it is open?
With a rain sensor fitted, the actuator closes the lid automatically when the sensor detects water. Without one, the lid stays where you left it, which is why we recommend the sensor on any unit over a kitchen or bedroom.
Is the survey in Brighton free?
Yes for new installations. Repair visits are charged, and we tell you the price before we book.
How do I book a survey in Brighton?
Send your postcode and, if you can, a photo of the roof and the room. We offer a survey date when we reply.
