What do roof lanterns involve?
Our roof lanterns service in the Scottish Borders covers hipped glass lanterns that lift the ceiling of orangeries and extensions. We survey every job before fixing the price.
Tenements and flats are common in Scottish towns and cities, where rooflights over stairwells and top-floor flats need the owners' and factor's agreement. Many Scottish homes have dormers and attic rooms where an extra roof window adds light without a full dormer.
Towns in the Scottish Borders
Specification options in the Scottish Borders
- Rectangular, square or bespoke sizes
- LED lighting in the plaster box
- Opening vents with electric control
- Aluminium or uPVC systems
- Solar-control or self-cleaning glass
- Can include opening vents
- Double or triple glazed with solar-control options
Planning and building rules in Scotland
In Scotland most rooflights on houses fall under Class 2B permitted development; in a conservation area, or on a listed building, consent is needed. Flats and tenements are outside householder permitted development, so check with the planning authority first.
Scottish energy standards for glazing, including rooflights, use an area-weighted average of 1.4–1.6 W/m²K in extensions, so most modern units comply comfortably. Replacing a rooflight, frame included, does not need a building warrant, but the work must still meet the building standards.
What do roof lanterns cost in the Scottish Borders?
These are typical supply-and-fit ranges. For an address in the Scottish Borders, 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 |
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
Aluminium or uPVC?
Aluminium gives slimmer bars and a longer life; uPVC costs less. We fit both.
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 they leak?
Modern lanterns are sealed systems. Leaks usually trace back to the kerb or roof membrane detail, which we form and check ourselves.
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 I need to be at home for the survey in the Scottish Borders?
Yes — someone needs to let us into the room below and, where possible, show us how the roof is reached.
