Installing a window on a landing

alteredstate

We have a very dark hallway and were thinking of getting a small window installed on the landing midway up our staircase (we are in an end terrace).
I would just like to know if i would need a RSJ or Lintel inserting for such a window and if anyone has an idea of approx costs.
We have someone coming out to do a quote tomorrow and will arrange some more but would hopefully like to know an approximate costing before they show up.

Antispam

No idea of costs but on our upstairs landing we have a large window which overlooks our garage and it doesn't have let some light in, its lightest place in house

thebaldwindowfitter

yes you will need a lintol inside and out and i would budget on between £800-1000

andrew-b

Have you considered a sunpipe through the roof to reflect sunlight down through the ceiling. Never seen one myself for real but it would bring in more light without the mess of mucking about putting lintels in and might work out cheaper in the end.

By the way, it's RSJ or Lintel

Andy

ic

Also look into planning permission - its likely you'd need it. I suspect a sun pipe wouldn't need planning permission.

alteredstate

Really i would need planning permission?

I never considered a sunpipe, Any idea who i would do these?

andrew-b

Doubtful you'll need planning permission...but you will need to meet building regulations for the window.

I can't comment on how good they are but screwfix do sunpipes..there's one kit here for example for around £250 plus another £50 or so for the roof flashing to replace a roof tile: http://www.screwfix.com/prods/55428/Building/Roofing-Insulation/Sunscoop-Pitched-Roof-Base-Kit-250mm ...there are other kits and parts available at screwfix..just back up from my link to the "Roofing and Insulation " section.

You could DIY a sunpipe but personally i'd get a roofer in rather than risk life and limb working at heights. The price may go up if a scaffold tower is needed to get access...but you'd likely need that with the lintel/window approach anyway.

If you go for the sunpipe let us know how you get on and the final cost...might get one myself one day as our hall could do with lighting up a bit too!

Andy

ormus

a small window is about 100 quid from wickes. and small lintels are very cheap, a tenner.
a handyman should do it all for less than 500 quid total cost.

alteredstate

andrew-b wrote: »

Doubtful you'll need planning permission...but you will need to meet building regulations for the window.

I can't comment on how good they are but screwfix do sunpipes..there's one kit here for example for around £250 plus another £50 or so for the roof flashing to replace a roof tile: http://www.screwfix.com/prods/55428/Building/Roofing-Insulation/Sunscoop-Pitched-Roof-Base-Kit-250mm ...there are other kits and parts available at screwfix..just back up from my link to the "Roofing and Insulation " section.

You could DIY a sunpipe but personally i'd get a roofer in rather than risk life and limb working at heights. The price may go up if a scaffold tower is needed to get access...but you'd likely need that with the lintel/window approach anyway.

If you go for the sunpipe let us know how you get on and the final cost...might get one myself one day as our hall could do with lighting up a bit too!

Andy

Thanks andy
The company i have found quoated £275 for the following

YOUR BASIC KIT CONSISTS OF:
Monodraught SunPipe kit 12'' (300mm) diameter consisting of unbreakable polycarbonate diamond dome, ABS weathering collar, brushed nylon condensation trap, Super Silver mirror finish aluminium pipes, semi recessed ceiling diffuser, full installation instructions and all necessary fixings and screws to pitched tiled roof comprising : -

• Full installation pack• White ceiling trim• Ceiling diffuser and fixing ring• Bell end ceiling extension• 3mm plywood backing panel/template• 610mm SunPipe length• 3 section 45° adjustable elbow• 610mm Connecting pipe with crimped end• Lead Skirt• ABS flashing plate• Condensation seal• Polycarbonate Diamond top dome

Now all i need to do is find someone to fit the thing.

planning_officer

You'll only need planning permission if the original permission to build your property had a condition attached to it precluding the insertion of first floor windows. If the property is fairly old, it's probably unlikely.