How we approach roof lanterns in Southampton
Our roof lanterns service in Southampton covers hipped glass lanterns that lift the ceiling of orangeries and extensions. Every job starts with a survey of the opening, the roof covering and the room below, and a fixed written price.
Period cottages and conservation-area streets are common in the South East, so slim conservation rooflights are often the right choice. In Southampton, as anywhere, roof lanterns are the usual choice for rooms that need height as well as light.
We cover all of Southampton and the SO14 district, and nearby Hythe and Totton.
What you can choose
- LED lighting in the plaster box
- Opening vents with electric control
- Internal and external colours
- Solar-control or self-cleaning glass
- Rectangular, square or bespoke sizes
- Light from every angle across the day
- Can include opening vents
Before you order: points to check
- Plaster-box depth affects how the lantern looks from below
- Larger lanterns may need a steel or timber ring beam
Planning and building rules for Southampton
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. 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.
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. In an extension, glazing including rooflights is normally limited to 25% of the new floor area plus any windows or doors the extension covers, unless a whole-house calculation shows otherwise.
Read the planning permission guide before you commit to a design.
Roof lanterns prices in Southampton
These are typical supply-and-fit ranges. For an address in Southampton, 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 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 |
What happens next
- Tell us what you have. Send the SO14 postcode, a rough size and a couple of photos.
- Measure and check. A surveyor visits Southampton, measures and checks structure and access.
- Fixed quote. Product, work and price in writing — nothing is ordered until you agree.
- Installation day. Usually one day into a prepared opening, longer for new openings.
Roof lanterns near Southampton
Other services in Southampton
Questions about roof lanterns in Southampton
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.
How big can a lantern be?
Aluminium systems go to around three by six metres in standard ranges; larger sizes are made to order.
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.
Do I need to be at home for the survey in Southampton?
Yes — someone needs to let us into the room below and, where possible, show us how the roof is reached.
Can you work alongside my builder in Southampton?
Yes. On new extensions we fit once the opening and upstand are ready and coordinate dates with your builder.
