What does skylight replacement involve?
Across Dorset, our skylight replacement work covers replacing tired domes and failed glass with a modern rooflight. Survey first, fixed price second, fitting third.
Western coasts take wind-driven rain, so we pay close attention to upstand height and flashing laps on exposed roofs. Holiday lets and second homes across the South West often want roof windows with blinds and remote opening for when the house is empty.
Towns in Dorset
Options we can specify
- Fixed to electric opening
- Like-for-like size replacement
- Roof window replacement in pitched roofs
- Dome to flat glass upgrade
- Upstand rebuild and insulation
- Often reuses the existing opening
- Clearer view and more light
Planning and building rules in England
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.
For English homes the energy rules ask for rooflights of 2.2 W/m²K or better and roof windows of 1.4 W/m²K (or WER Band B); most modern double glazed units meet both. Replacing a rooflight or roof window can be self-certified by an installer registered with an authorised competent person scheme; otherwise building control approval is needed.
Guide prices
Prices below are shown including and excluding VAT. In Dorset, 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
- 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.
Replacement in nearby areas
Common questions
Do I need building regulations approval to replace a rooflight?
Replacements in existing homes generally need to meet current thermal standards and may need notification or approval. We advise on the route for your job.
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.
How long does a replacement take?
Usually a day for a standard rooflight on a sound upstand.
What do you do with the old unit?
We remove it from site and recycle what can be recycled.
Will I need planning permission in Dorset?
English householder permitted development (Class C) normally covers rooflights that stand no more than 0.15 m proud of the roof plane and stay below the highest part of the roof.
