How we approach roof lanterns in Brighton
We handle roof lanterns across East Sussex, including Brighton. In short: hipped glass lanterns that lift the ceiling of orangeries and extensions. The survey checks structure, weathering and orientation, so the quote reflects your actual roof.
Across the South East, single-storey kitchen extensions on 1930s semis and post-war detached houses are where most flat rooflights and lanterns go. Typical uses for roof lanterns include rooms that need height as well as light.
We cover all of Brighton and the BN1 district, and nearby Hove and Portslade.
What you can choose
- Rectangular, square or bespoke sizes
- Solar-control or self-cleaning glass
- LED lighting in the plaster box
- Internal and external colours
- Aluminium or uPVC systems
- Adds visual height to a single-storey room
- Light from every angle across the day
What to check first
- Larger lanterns may need a steel or timber ring beam
- Needs a strong, level kerb or upstand
Planning, building control and Brighton
English householder permitted development (Class C) normally covers rooflights that stand no more than 0.15 m proud of the roof plane and stay below the highest part of the roof. 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. Replacing a rooflight or roof window can be self-certified by an installer registered with an authorised competent person scheme; otherwise building control approval is needed.
See our building regulations guide for U-values, glazing limits and self-certification.
What do roof lanterns cost in Brighton?
Guide prices for roof lanterns in Brighton 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
- Get in touch. Use the form, WhatsApp or the guide-price tool with your Brighton address.
- Free site visit. For new installs we survey free, measure and confirm the roof detail.
- Written price. You receive a fixed price listing the unit, the work and the lead time.
- Installation day. Usually one day into a prepared opening, longer for new openings.
Nearby towns
More we do in Brighton
Common questions
Roof lantern or flat rooflight?
A lantern adds height and sky from all sides; a flat rooflight is lower-profile and cleaner from outside. Our guide compares them in detail.
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.
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.
Will I need planning permission in 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.
Do I need to be at home for the survey in Brighton?
Yes — someone needs to let us into the room below and, where possible, show us how the roof is reached.
