Cost of Installing a Velux Roof Window in the UK

A dark, stuffy loft or upstairs room can feel like wasted space. One roof window can change that. It floods the room with daylight and fresh air, and it is one of the quickest ways to make a space feel bigger without changing your home’s footprint. But the quoted price is rarely just the cost of the window, and that is where many homeowners get caught out.

In 2026, installing a Velux roof window in the UK typically costs roughly £800 to £2,200 per window, fitted. A like-for-like replacement sits at the lower end, while cutting a brand-new opening into the roof costs more, and balcony styles cost considerably more. In this guide, we break down what you pay for, what drives the price up, and how to avoid mistakes that can cause leaks later.

How Much Does It Cost to Install a Velux Roof Window?

The cost depends mainly on whether you are replacing an old window or adding a new one. These are typical fitted prices per window in 2026, including the window, flashing and labour, but excluding scaffolding and internal finishing.

Type of job Typical cost per window (2026) What to expect
Like-for-like replacement £800 to £1,700 Usually about four hours, with no structural work
New window in an existing roof £1,200 to £2,200 Includes cutting the opening, trimming rafters and fitting flashing
Balcony or large window £3,500 and above The window alone starts at around £2,500 before VAT, and the job takes longer
Several windows in one visit Lower cost per window Labour, access and scaffolding are shared across the job

Installation Cost by Labour

Project Approximate Cost (£)
Removing the old window or cutting the new opening £150 – £300
Fitting the window and sealing it into the roof £200 – £400
Interior finishing (plasterboard, lining, decorating) £100 – £250
Scaffolding or access equipment (if required) £150 – £400
Waste removal (old window, tiles, debris) £50 – £120
Total labour (estimate) £650 – £1,470

Installation Cost by Material

Item Approximate Cost (£)
Velux window unit (depends on size and glazing) £250 – £700
Flashing kit (matched to your tile or slate type) £60 – £150
Insulation collar/vapour barrier £40 – £100
Interior lining kit and small fittings £30 – £90
Total material (estimate, before VAT) £380 – £1,040

What Affects the Cost of a Velux Window?

Two homes with the same window can receive very different quotes. These are the main factors.

  • Replacement or new opening: replacing an existing window is quicker and cheaper. A new opening means cutting through the roof, trimming rafters and adding support, which takes more time and skill.
  • Window size and type: a standard centre-pivot window costs far less than a large, top-hung, or balcony-style window, and bigger units require more careful lifting and fitting.
  • Glazing and controls: manual windows are the cheapest. Electric and solar-powered windows cost more, and upgrades such as noise-reducing or energy-efficient glass add to the price.
  • Roof covering: slate, plain tiles, interlocking tiles, and flat roofs each need different flashing and fitting methods, and slate and flat roofs often take longer.
  • Access and scaffolding: if the roof is high or hard to reach, scaffolding may be needed and can add several hundred pounds.
  • Number of windows: fitting two or three windows in one visit usually lowers the cost per window.
  • Structural work: a wider opening, a cut rafter, or a damaged roof timber can increase the bill.
  • Blinds and extras: blinds, rain sensors and fitted trim are often priced separately.

Replacing vs Installing a New Velux Window

Replacing an Existing Window

A like-for-like replacement is the simplest job. The installer removes the old window and flashing, fits the new unit into the same opening and seals it. It can often be finished in around four hours. VELUX’s own figures put labour at about £550 to £650, plus the cost of the window. Older windows with different dimensions may need an adapter or a modified opening, which adds cost.

Installing a New Window

A new window costs more because the installer has to open up the roof. The installer cuts through the roof covering and battens, trims and supports the rafters where needed, then fits the frame, flashing and waterproofing layers. If the window serves a loft conversion, the opening may also need to meet Building Regulations for structure, insulation and fire safety. A good installer inspects the roof first and explains what the opening requires before you commit.

Do You Need Planning Permission or Building Regulations?

In most cases, roof windows that don’t stick out more than 150mm from the roof slope are permitted development, so you usually don’t need planning permission. The rules are stricter for flats, listed buildings, and homes in conservation areas, National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Much of Dorset falls into these categories, so check with Dorset Council or BCP Council before ordering windows. In a conservation area, a low-profile conservation-style roof window is often the safer choice. Roof windows must also comply with Building Regulations, which a registered installer can usually certify. These rules apply in England and can change, so confirm them on the Planning Portal and with your local council.

Why Proper Installation Matters More Than the Window Price

A roof window is an opening in your roof that has to stay watertight for decades. The window itself rarely fails. Most problems come from poor flashing, poorly lapped membranes, and weak seals around the frame, and they show up as damp patches, stained ceilings, and mould, often months after the work is finished. Paying a little less for a poor fit can cost far more in repairs later.

That is why the installer matters as much as the product. As roofers, we fit every Velux window as part of the roof, not as an add-on. At Extreme Pro Roofing, we install Velux windows across Dorset, sealing each one properly into the roof so it stays dry, bright, and trouble-free. Whether you need a like-for-like replacement or a brand-new opening, our team inspects the roof first, explains the options in plain English and gives you a clear written quote before any work starts.

Before you commit, a short roof inspection shows exactly what the job needs and what it will cost. As a professional roofing company, we handle the roof opening, window fitting, and waterproofing in one job, so you deal with one team and one standard of work. Our professional roofing contractors can check your roof covering, advise on the right window size and type, and explain whether a replacement or a new opening makes sense for your home.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote and clear advice on the right Velux window for your home.

Planning a new roof? Our roof installation and replacement team gives free, no-obligation quotes across Dorset. Speak to the roofing and guttering specialists in Dorset.

Call 07476557149

Frequently asked questions

A like-for-like replacement can take around four hours. A new opening usually takes longer because the roof has to be cut, supported and waterproofed, and a larger or balcony window can take more than a day.

Most pitched roofs can take one, including tile and slate roofs. Roof pitch, rafter layout, and headroom inside all matter, and flat roofs need a different type of window or rooflight. An installer should inspect the roof before quoting.

A roof window brings in daylight and ventilation and makes a loft or upstairs room more usable, which helps a home appeal to buyers. The value it adds depends on the room and the quality of the finish, so it is hard to put a single figure on it.

Related Posts

How Long Does a Flat Roof Last in Coastal Areas?

How Long Does a Flat Roof Last in Coastal Areas?

How Long Does a Flat Roof Last in Coastal Areas? Extremeroofing Flat Roofing Salt air…

What Are the Different Types of Roofs in Dorset?

What Are the Different Types of Roofs in Dorset?

What Are the Different Types of Roofs in Dorset? Extremeroofing Roofing Guides The different types…

Signs Your Gutters Need Cleaning and Repair in Dorset

Signs Your Gutters Need Cleaning and Repair in Dorset

Gutter Cleaning and Repair in Dorset: Signs Your Gutters Need Attention Extremeroofing Guttering Water running…