Skylight replacement for Exeter: the essentials
Skylight replacement in Exeter means replacing tired domes and failed glass with a modern rooflight. We cover the EX1 district and the rest of Devon, with a survey before any price is fixed.
Holiday lets and second homes across the South West often want roof windows with blinds and remote opening for when the house is empty. Typical uses for skylight replacement include older extensions due a modern rooflight.
From Exeter to Exmouth, Tiverton and Newton Abbot, the same survey-first process applies: measure, specify, fix the price, then fit.
Specification options
- Fixed to electric opening
- Upstand rebuild and insulation
- Like-for-like size replacement
- Misted glass unit replacement only
- Dome to flat glass upgrade
- Clearer view and more light
- Better thermal performance
What to check first
- Upstand and roof condition decide the scope
- Enlarging the opening changes the structure and may need approval
Planning, building control and Exeter
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. 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.
Read the planning permission guide before you commit to a design.
Guide prices for Exeter
Prices below are shown including and excluding VAT. In Exeter, as elsewhere, making good inside and access equipment are the main variables.
| Option | Guide price inc VAT | Ex VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement with upstand rebuild and opening unit | £2,995 – £4,795 | £2,495 – £3,995 |
| Dome to flat glass upgrade Typical | £1,915 – £2,995 | £1,595 – £2,495 |
| Like-for-like glass rooflight | £1,555 – £2,155 | £1,295 – £1,795 |
How the job runs
- Send the details. Postcode, rough size and a photo of the roof and room.
- 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.
- Fit and make good. We fit, seal, test and finish the reveal, then hand over the paperwork.
Skylight replacement near Exeter
Related work in Exeter
Common questions
Can I go bigger when replacing?
Possibly. Enlarging the opening means trimming joists, so we check the structure first.
Can you replace only the misted glass?
Sometimes, if the frame is sound and the maker supplies replacement units. Often a complete new rooflight costs little more and performs better.
Will it mess up my ceiling?
We protect the room and make good the reveal. Minor decoration may be needed afterwards.
How do I book a survey in Exeter?
Send your postcode and, if you can, a photo of the roof and the room. We offer a survey date when we reply.
Is the survey in Exeter free?
Yes for new installations. Repair visits are charged, and we tell you the price before we book.
