Roof lanterns in Broadstairs: what is involved?
We handle roof lanterns across Kent, including Broadstairs. 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.
Many South East homes have been extended more than once, and an old dome over an earlier extension is often due for replacement. In Broadstairs, as anywhere, roof lanterns are the usual choice for orangeries, kitchen-diners and single-storey extensions.
Broadstairs is around 65 km from Maidstone, and we survey and fit throughout that part of Kent, including the CT10 district.
Choices for your Broadstairs project
- Opening vents with electric control
- Solar-control or self-cleaning glass
- Aluminium or uPVC systems
- LED lighting in the plaster box
- Rectangular, square or bespoke sizes
- Light from every angle across the day
- Classic look that suits period and modern homes
What to check first
- Plaster-box depth affects how the lantern looks from below
- Needs a strong, level kerb or upstand
Planning and building rules for Broadstairs
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. 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.
See our building regulations guide for U-values, glazing limits and self-certification.
Guide prices for Broadstairs
Guide prices for roof lanterns in Broadstairs 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
- Send the details. Postcode, rough size and a photo of the roof and room.
- Measure and check. A surveyor visits Broadstairs, 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 Broadstairs
Other services in Broadstairs
Questions about roof lanterns in Broadstairs
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.
Can you work alongside my builder in Broadstairs?
Yes. On new extensions we fit once the opening and upstand are ready and coordinate dates with your builder.
Do I need to be at home for the survey in Broadstairs?
Yes — someone needs to let us into the room below and, where possible, show us how the roof is reached.
