How we approach roof lanterns in Finchley
For Finchley homes and buildings we offer roof lanterns: hipped glass lanterns that lift the ceiling of orangeries and extensions. We measure first, specify to the opening and confirm any planning or building-control points before quoting.
London homes often run deep from front to back, so the middle of the ground floor is the darkest space — exactly where an overhead rooflight earns its keep. In Finchley, as anywhere, roof lanterns are the usual choice for rooms that need height as well as light.
From Finchley to Muswell Hill, Highgate and Hampstead, the same survey-first process applies: measure, specify, fix the price, then fit.
Specification options
- Aluminium or uPVC systems
- LED lighting in the plaster box
- Opening vents with electric control
- Solar-control or self-cleaning glass
- Internal and external colours
- Classic look that suits period and modern homes
- Slim aluminium bars, more glass
Before you order: points to check
- Plaster-box depth affects how the lantern looks from below
- Some designs project above the roof enough to affect planning on certain houses
Planning, building control and Finchley
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. 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. 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.
Guide prices for Finchley
The ranges below are typical for straightforward jobs; your fixed price follows a survey of your roof.
| 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 |
From enquiry to finished job
- Tell us what you have. Send the N3 postcode, a rough size and a couple of photos.
- 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.
- Fitting and handover. We install, clean down and leave product and warranty documents.
Nearby towns
Related work in Finchley
Questions about roof lanterns in Finchley
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.
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.
Aluminium or uPVC?
Aluminium gives slimmer bars and a longer life; uPVC costs less. We fit both.
Can you work alongside my builder in Finchley?
Yes. On new extensions we fit once the opening and upstand are ready and coordinate dates with your builder.
Will I need planning permission in Finchley?
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.
