Roof lanterns in Dorset: the essentials
Our roof lanterns service in Dorset covers hipped glass lanterns that lift the ceiling of orangeries and extensions. We survey every job before fixing the price.
Many South West towns mix Georgian and Victorian terraces with modern estates, so the right product differs street by street. Barn and chapel conversions in the South West often need bespoke or shaped rooflights to suit the original structure.
Towns in Dorset
What you can choose
- Internal and external colours
- Aluminium or uPVC systems
- LED lighting in the plaster box
- Solar-control or self-cleaning glass
- Rectangular, square or bespoke sizes
- Double or triple glazed with solar-control options
- Can include opening vents
Planning and building rules in England
In England a rooflight on a house is usually permitted development under Class C if it projects no more than 150 mm beyond the roof slope and sits no higher than the ridge. Listed buildings need listed building consent, flats have no householder permitted development rights, and an Article 4 direction can remove the rights in some conservation areas.
Building Regulations Approved Document L sets a limiting U-value of 2.2 W/m²K for new or replacement rooflights in existing homes, measured in the horizontal plane; roof windows need 1.4 W/m²K or a Band B energy rating. 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.
What do roof lanterns cost in Dorset?
Guide prices for roof lanterns in Dorset are the same as anywhere we work — what changes the price is the job: access, structure, scaffold and finishing.
| Option | Guide price inc VAT | Ex VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Large or bespoke aluminium lantern | £5,995 – £10,795 | £4,995 – £8,995 |
| Mid-size aluminium lantern (2 × 3 m) Typical | £3,955 – £5,995 | £3,295 – £4,995 |
| Small lantern (1 × 2 m) | £2,995 – £3,955 | £2,495 – £3,295 |
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.
Roof lanterns in nearby areas
Common questions
Can a lantern go on an existing extension?
Yes, if the flat roof structure can be opened up and trimmed. We check joists and the roof build-up at survey.
Aluminium or uPVC?
Aluminium gives slimmer bars and a longer life; uPVC costs less. We fit both.
Do roof lanterns get hot?
They can in summer if clear glass is used on a south-facing roof. Solar-control glass and an opening vent make a big difference.
Do they leak?
Modern lanterns are sealed systems. Leaks usually trace back to the kerb or roof membrane detail, which we form and check ourselves.
Do I need to be at home for the survey in Dorset?
Yes — someone needs to let us into the room below and, where possible, show us how the roof is reached.
