The installation of roof windows is one of those jobs that may seem too big to handle for the average do it yourselfer. However, as with all good things in life getting a professional to do it for you comes with a cost. It is however still quite an advanced task, so you should be aware of some of the potential issues before you get 
started. Here are some high level considerations that you should take into account when making your decision.
Building Regulations
First up, no matter which way you decide to go, it will be important to ensure that the installation of your roof window complies with all applicable building regulations; there’s no point building something that just needs to be ripped out again in response to the demands of the council at a later date. Your local government authority is a good place to start, as they will be able to answer many of your questions over the phone.
Different Purpose, Different Skill
Are you planning on installing a roof window for your new loft conversion or for general ventilation purposes? Will it be a central feature of your house or will it be more of an out-of-sight functional apparatus? If you want to have a great looking roof window as the centerpiece of a habitable area then chances are you’re going to want to have it looking perfect. In this situation, it may be more appropriate to go the professional path. On the other hand, if you’re not concerned with having a perfect finish to the installation because it’s not a show-piece type environment, like in a storage attic for example, then this gives a little more credence to the DIY argument.
Instructions Will Only Take You So Far
Although a roof window that you can buy from a supplier may come with instructions, the reality is that this will only give you high level guidance. The instructions will assume that you have an advanced level of capability, and will speak in industry jargon, so be prepared for this. Furthermore, depending on the place of manufacture, there’s a good chance that a lot of the instructions will be lost in translation.
Therefore you need to be prepared to supplement the instructional guide with other sources of information. This may involve asking the supplier for additional advice or researching online or in trade manuals for professional guidance.
Shapes, Sizes and Situation
Roof windows are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, colours, materials, and for different functional applications. So make a list of your requirements before you begin, and then find a roof window to suit your needs. This is a much easier approach than trying to retrofit your house to suit your window!
The choice of window will have some bearing on your ability to install it yourself. For example, if you choose a roof window that has the ability to automatically shut closed when it senses rain, than you’re going to need to think about a power source. This of course sits within the realms of a licensed electrical contractor, so it does add complexity to the job.
Fire Safety and Escape
Different building regulation jurisdictions will each have their own rules governing the installation of roof windows, partially due to a need to comply with local fire safety regulations. As such, it is important to check with your local authorities to find out the specifics that apply to your circumstances, as these regulations will affect the acceptable positions that the roof window can be installed in your house.
However, for some general guidance, you may wish to consider the following. Quite often, regulations stipulate that when a roof window is installed in a habitable loft conversion, then it serves the dual purpose of being accessible as a fire escape in times of emergency. A common requirement is that it should be placed no more than 1700mm from the eaves of the roof and anywhere between 600mm and 1100mm from the floor of the loft. This is to make sure that the window can be reached easily from the inside of the loft and also from the outside by a ladder. It is also necessary to ensure that the window complies with minimum size requirements.
However, when roof windows are being installed in non-habitable areas then the requirements are a lot less stringent. The main requirement here is to ensure that the structural support of the roof is not compromised in any way, shape or form. Nevertheless, as a reminder, no matter what your choice of application, it is crucial for you to comply with the relevant regulations governing your area.
Beyond Cosmetics
It’s worth keeping in mind that the installation of a roof window is quite a complex job. Although you may fancy yourself as a do it yourself extraordinaire, it’s one thing to be able to apply an amateur paint job, or install a new letterbox, but it’s another level altogether when you start talking about structural modifications to your house.
Therefore, when making your decision take note of the fact that you will need to remove the slates, tiles, or tin from your roof in preparing the area. You will also need to cut into the roof timbers so as to create the proper opening for the new window. Furthermore, you will also need to bolster the surrounding timbers in such a way as to allow them to support the new window. If this sounds like it’s over your head, then it may be time to call in the professionals. However, if you’ve tackled jobs of this level of complexity before, and succeeded, then you may just find that roof window installation is the next note in your repertoire.
Brought to you by Attix, an Australian building company with more than 35 years experience in Attic Ladders and Roof Window installations. If you’d like to do some further reading, then take a look at their article on the 5 Top Benefits of Installing a Roof Window in Your Home.