If your home suffers from overly dark corners or insufficient lighting, you’ll understand just how valuable natural light is. Velux windows – also known as skylights – offer the chance to flood your loft or stairwell with natural light and for a relatively affordable price, too.
The cost of velux windows varies and we discuss it further below, but one good thing is, they can add substantial value to your home and come in many different styles and sizes, so you’ll always be able to find one that suits the look of your property.
Velux windows can feature various locking and opening mechanisms which usually can be tailored to your home’s requirements. For example, should your skylight be situated in a loft conversion which doubles as a bedroom for a small child, specific locking mechanisms can be put in place to ensure the child’s safety.
Click To Compare QuotesHowever, the cost of a skylight can vary from company to company. Installing a roof light isn’t cheap, and the budget you set aside must cover the window itself, as well as the labour required.
Cost of Velux Windows
The cost of your velux window is governed by:
- The size desired, and,
- The work that must be undertaken on the roof during installation.
The size you go for will depend on where you want to situate the skylight. Many bathrooms and stairwells alike would benefit from a velux window installation, but the sizes necessary for these two applications would differ greatly. See the table below for a comparison between a small and a large velux window.
| Type | Measurements | Application | Cost |
| Velux (small) | 660mm x 980mm | Bathroom | For waste disposal, flashing kit, insulation, alterations to your roof, and collar – £800 to £1,110. |
| Window on roof (large) | 1340mm x 1600mm | Stairwell, Loft Conversion, Single-Storey Extension | £1,290 to £1,610. |
Click To Compare QuotesCost of Velux Window Repair
Repairing a velux window can sometimes require an entirely new unit. However, if you’re aware of the window model and sizing, a contractor may just as easily be able to take out the glass or the flashing trim to replace with a new one – meaning you pay less overall.
If you need a window that’s brand new, however, these are the costs you’ll likely be asked to pay:
- Velux (small)
Between £590 to £910 - Window on roof (large)
Between £1,090 to £1,420
As Velux windows price don’t change from area to area, the price you pay will depend on what standard local labour charges are.
Using the Tradesmen Prices form at the top of this page will allow you to access 3-4 quotes from local contractors who will be able to either install or replace your velux window for a highly competitive price.
Velux Windows – Additional Costs
Though labour will account for the majority of costs associated with installing a velux window, there are several additional considerations you may want to pay attention to.
- Scaffolding
If the velux window requires scaffolding because access is difficult, this can incur a considerable cost. - Vapour Barriers
These will need to be installed to stop your new windows from getting condensation - Additional Features
Security glass, electric openers, additional blinds/shutters and opening rods can also add to the total cost of your velux window installation by a significant amount.
How can you save money? On this project if you’re willing to sacrifice the Velux brand name for a less expensive equivalent. Repairing your window rather than replacing it may also bring costs down.
Click To Compare QuotesTypes of Velux Windows
Although there are other brands of skylight available, the most notable goes by the brand name Velux. This is why most skylight windows are referred to using the Velux name, even if they’re a different brand.
In fact, there are numerous other companies you may come across in your quest to find your perfect skylight. The most popular are, of course, Velux and Roto, as they’ve been manufacturing skylight solutions for years and are especially trusted within the UK.
There are a number of different types of skylight that you may wish to consider:
- Centre Pivot
Popularised by Velux, this type of skylight has the window pane hung on a joint situated halfway down the frame. It swings out and allows for the window pane itself to lie flat. - Top Hung/MOE
Similar to the centre pivot in that the window pane itself opens up and out. However, the hinge here is at the top, meaning the window can open all the way.The acronym ‘MOE’ stands for ‘Means of Escape’, which is why this design is popular with those who may have a narrow staircase leading to their loft conversion, which – in the event of a fire – would not facilitate an escape route. - Roto Third Pivot
Similar to the Velux Centre Pivot, except the Roto features two arms which help raise the window from the outside. - Side Hung
As the name suggests, these windows open outward from the side. - Balcony or Terrace
Usually a combination of frames and panes, one of which will open upwards, and another which will provide a balcony area no more than a foot or so square.
Skylight windows are traditionally finished in either Pine or White UPVC (unplasticised polyvinyl chloride), although alternative colours and styles may be available depending on the manufacturer.
Click To Compare QuotesVelux Window FAQ
Why would someone want a Velux window?
Velux windows can transform dark and dingy rooms into bright and open spaces thanks to the addition of a natural light opening.
Not only that, but the phantom space gained by replacing solid ceiling or roof with a section of glass can make smaller rooms or stairwells seem larger, bringing a fresh feeling to the interior of your home.
Velux windows will also add to the likely resale price of your property and can improve the appearance of the exterior of your home.
What are the disadvantages of installing Velux windows? Are there alternatives to having them installed?
Though these windows are built to an exceptionally high standard – they have to withstand the same elements and weather as the roof itself – they still require maintenance and servicing, potentially more frequently than those windows located on facing and exterior walls.
Additionally, the slant of the windows can sometimes accentuate the noise from rain and wind, which can be irritating if the room is being used as a bedroom or office.
If you’re thinking of installing velux windows as part of a loft conversion, you may wish to consider the other types of window and loft conversion combinations that are available to you.
It’s a legal requirement that loft conversions feature some sort of window but these do not have to be exclusively skylight style. If you’re working with a substantial budget, perhaps consider a Mansard loft conversion, which would integrate increase floor and headspace with traditional windows instead of skylights.
What are the main benefits of Velux windows?
Velux windows are installed into the slope of the roof, maximising the natural light which enters the room. Traditional windows situated on the side of a property will allow a room to fall into shadow quite quickly, whereas velux windows capture the maximum amount of natural daylight.
If you choose to buy the Velux brand, you can enjoy the following advantages:
- Remote control options for opening and closing hard-to-reach installations
- Automatic opening and closing capabilities – some can detect when it starts to rain, or when a room gets too hot, for example
- Velux windows do not require major roof structure changes to be installed
Regardless of the brand you choose, skylight style windows are sleek, space-saving ways to fill previously dark rooms with natural light.
Will I need planning permission to install Velux windows?
Velux windows fall under the Permitted Development directive, meaning they do not require planning permission to be installed. However, they must meet the following criteria:
- Any alteration to the roof must not project more than 150millimetres from the existing roof plane
- No alterations must be higher than the tallest part of the roof
- Side facing windows must be obscure-glazed, and any openings must be 1.7m above the floor.
Traditional skylight windows meet these criteria, so it’s unlikely you’ll find installing one causes any problems with the local planning authority.
Should my Velux window installer be a member of anything (trade body, government registration scheme, etc?) What sort of questions should I be asking them?
If you’re having Velux brand windows installed, it’s recommended you search for them on the Velux Certified Installer registry.
Alternatively, an independent glazier or window fitter may be a member of the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF).
Ask your installer for advice regarding safety features or add-ons, especially if you have young children or pets who may find themselves at risk should the window open all the way.
Click To Compare QuotesHow long does it take to install a Velux window?
Depending on how much work must be completed during the installation process, the length of time it takes to install a Velux window will usually be between one or two days.
Having a Velux brand window replaced by one of their company workers will likely take less than a day – sometimes as little as four hours, with minimal disruption and mess.
Why should I get Velux window installation quotes from Tradesmen Prices?
Though the prices for Velux and Roto brand windows aren’t likely to change on account of where you live, the labour involved in your installation will.
Use the Tradesmen Prices form below to receive 3-4 competitively priced quotes from reliable tradespeople who will be able to install your skylight window to the high standard we expect from the contractors we work with.
Click To Compare Quotes
Gill Roberts says
Looking for a dark roof window size 78×98
Christopher scott says
Dear sir(s), we require a velux window for a single storey low roof. approximately a metre by a half metre. Can you please furnish me with a quote.
jacqui says
I have a leaking velux/roof window in my bedroom which either needs repairing or replacing? I would like quotes and advice.