Gemma’s choice: SKYLIGHTS
Welcome extra natural light into a dark room with the addition of skylights or rooflights
With lots of us looking to extend and improve instead of moving, the popularity of renovations such as adding skylights and rooflights is on the up. Their key purpose is to bring natural daylight into your home to make it bright and airy. We explain the nitty gritty when it comes to installing skylights, from the costs involved to when planning permission is needed.
What is a skylight?
It’s essentially a window, located in the roof, that brings daylight into a room. Skylights have the added benefit of supplying a room with fresh air if you choose one that opens. When well placed, they can add value to your home.
What’s the best position?
Depending on the direction your house faces, you’ll get more concentrated light at certain times of day. Start by looking at the direction of the windows and the sun and think about where and at what time of the day you need most daylight.
What does it cost?
There are many different factors that determine the cost of installing skylights. Basic rooflight units can be found at DIY outlets for as little as £100 to £150. Going bespoke, naturally, is more expensive and entirely depends on what you’re looking for and the scale of the project.
Do I need to apply for planning permission?
Generally you don’t need it, as long as the following limits are met:
Any windows must protrude no more than 150mm above the existing roof plane.
No alteration can be higher than the highest part of the roof or stand out above the roof ridge.
Side-facing windows have to have obscure glazing for privacy and should not be openable unless 1.7m above the floor.
There can be exceptions for listed buildings or conservation areas, so check with your Local Planning Authority first.
‘IF THERE ARE TREES CLOSE TO YOUR HOME, CHOOSE LAMINATED GLASS TO PREVENT IT SHATTERING IF A BRANCH FALLS ON IT’