What is skylight installation?
Across Edinburgh and the Lothians, our skylight installation work covers survey, supply and fit — new openings, extensions and fit-only work. Survey first, fixed price second, fitting third.
Short winter days in Scotland make every square metre of overhead glass count, so rooflight sizing matters. Scottish weather is hard on roofs, so we specify rooflights and roof windows with exposure in mind and fit upstands with generous heights.
Towns in Edinburgh and the Lothians
Specification options in Edinburgh and the Lothians
- Upstands and flashings
- Internal plaster reveal
- Electrics coordination
- Fit only (customer-supplied units)
- New openings with joist trimming
- Fixed price in writing before work
- New openings in existing roofs
Planning and building rules in Scotland
Scottish householder permitted development (Class 2B, other external alterations) can cover a rooflight that projects no more than 1 metre from the roof, but the right does not apply in conservation areas. Listed buildings need listed building consent where the work affects their character.
Under the Scottish building standards, replacement rooflights should average 1.6 W/m²K or better, and no individual unit should exceed 3.3 W/m²K. Forming a new opening normally involves structural work, so check with the local authority verifier whether a building warrant is needed.
What does skylight installation cost in Edinburgh and the Lothians?
Prices below are shown including and excluding VAT. In Edinburgh and the Lothians, as elsewhere, making good inside and access equipment are the main variables.
| Option | Guide price inc VAT | Ex VAT |
|---|---|---|
| New opening in an existing roof, supply and fit | £2,395 – £5,395 | £1,995 – £4,495 |
| Supply and fit into a new extension Typical | £1,435 – £3,595 | £1,195 – £2,995 |
| Fit only, customer-supplied unit | £595 – £1,195 | £495 – £995 |
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.
Installation in nearby areas
Common questions
Do I need a structural engineer?
For new openings that cut joists or rafters, a structural check is sensible and building control may ask for calculations.
Do you work with builders?
Yes — on new extensions we fit to the builder's programme once the upstand or roof is ready.
Who handles building control?
We tell you which route applies — building control approval, a building warrant in Scotland, or in England and Wales self-certification by a registered competent person — and supply the product data.
Do you fit rooflights bought elsewhere?
Yes. We check the product and the opening first, and our workmanship terms cover the fitting rather than the product.
Will I need planning permission in Edinburgh and the Lothians?
In Scotland most rooflights on houses fall under Class 2B permitted development; in a conservation area, or on a listed building, consent is needed.
