What the job costs in Kettering
Entry-level hatch
Polycarbonate or entry-level hinged hatch on gas struts, fitted to a new or existing upstand
Glazed manual hatch
Double-glazed hinged hatch on gas struts, upstand and weathering
Electric glazed hatch
Push-button glazed hatch with rain sensor; electrician's connection quoted separately
Guide ranges for supply & fit. Your price is fixed in a written quote after we have seen photos or surveyed. Scaffold, access towers or a crane are priced separately if the job needs them, and building control fees, where a job needs them, are shown as their own line.
Where our fitters travel
Looking at a property near Kettering but not quite in it? We work across NN16, NN15 and NN14 and outwards to Wellingborough, Corby and Rushden. Give us the full postcode when you get in touch, because access, parking and the route for a large unit all depend on the exact street. Those details shape the quote for any job around Kettering.
Already bought your unit?
If you have bought a roof access hatch yourself, we check four things before fitting. First, the delivery: open it, look for chips, cracks and bent frames, and report any damage to the seller straight away. Second, the size, measured against the builder's opening rather than the external frame. Third, the upstand height above the finished roof. Fourth, the maker's instructions, which set the fixings and sealing. Product warranty claims go to the seller and maker; our guarantee is for how it was fitted.
Included in the work
- Gas struts or actuator fitted and adjusted for full opening
- Opening and closing tested and the controls explained
- Hatch fixed and weathered, with the membrane dressed up the upstand
- Access hatch or smoke vent — We confirm the hatch is only for access and not part of a building's smoke ventilation.
- Clear opening size — We check the hatch's clear opening rather than its outer size.
Fitting your roof access hatch, step by step
Protection comes before tools. Floors, furniture and stairs get covered, and the ceiling below the opening is sheeted to catch dust. Up top, the fitters confirm the opening is square and the upstand or flashing suits what the maker specifies. Fixing follows, then weather-sealing into the membrane, felt or tiles. Only once the roof is tight do they turn to the internal reveal. Time on site for a roof access hatch: one day, weather permitting.
Regulations for Kettering properties
England's rules in short: permitted development usually covers a rooflight on a house roof provided it doesn't stick out more than 0.15 m or rise above the ridge, though a listed building always needs consent and some streets have Article 4 directions. Building regulations apply to new openings, and replacements go through building control; as we are not registered with a competent person scheme, we use a building notice and show the fee on the quote. The energy limit for rooflights in existing homes is 2.2 W/m²K, and the 2026 Approved Document L, in force from 24 March 2027, keeps that figure.
Help us quote accurately
What we cannot see, we have to guess, and guesses make quotes wider. So the more you send, the tighter the price. Useful: shots from the roof or garden, shots from the room underneath, a rough width and length, the roof finish, any access problems, and the product page if you have already ordered. Add the property postcode around NN16 and we will come back with a quote or a survey date.
Common questions in Kettering
What upstand height and roof pitch does roof access hatch fitting need?
It depends on the product. Manufacturers usually specify a minimum upstand height above the finished roof surface, and a minimum pitch on the glass so rain runs off. We follow the maker's figures for your unit rather than a rule of thumb. If your existing kerb or roof falls short, we explain the options, such as raising the upstand or choosing a unit with built-in pitch.
Do I need planning permission for a rooflight in Kettering?
Often not. Many rooflights fall under permitted development, provided they do not project beyond the national limit and meet the other conditions that apply in England. Conservation areas, listed buildings and some flats are different and may need consent. Because the rules depend on the property, we confirm what is likely to apply at your address and point you to the planning authority where an application is needed.
How does payment work?
Payment terms are set out on your written quote before you accept it. Depending on the job, that may mean a deposit, stage payments for larger work, or payment on completion. The contract is with S&K Property Investments and Improvement Ltd, part of the S&K Group. Nothing is added without your agreement: if something unexpected comes up, we discuss it and agree any change before carrying on.
Tell us your postcode, NN16 or close by, and what you want fitted. We will reply with the next steps and a quote.
