Are you planning to install skylights in your home but are worried about the cost? You’re not alone. A lot of homeowners love the idea of adding more natural light but avoid it due to hidden costs, confusing choices, and installation risks. And that’s why we have come up with this article.
In this article, we will inform you about the skylight installation cost, what factors influence pricing, and the different types of skylights available.
You will also learn the installation methods and practical ways to save money. But before we get into these details, let’s first understand what a skylight is.
What Is A Skylight?
A skylight is a window that is fitted on the roof or ceiling of a building so that it may provide natural sunlight into the building.
In contrast to their more classical counterparts (mounted onto the upright structure of a building), skylights are fitted to the roof, provide direct light, almost above your head, and peer directly up to the heavens.
They come in various forms, such as fixed, vented, or tubular, and may be made of glass or acrylic. Skylights may be open to the air or closed to admit light.
By the way, different skylights suit different BHK flats, like 1BHK, 2BHK, etc. Read this detailed article on BHK if you want to know which one suits your space and layout needs.
Purpose of a Skylight
The primary purpose of a skylight is to supply natural light into a room. This exposes more, reduces the artificial light, and makes it bright with comfort. There are other practical and ornamental advantages of Skylights:
- Increase the supply of air by operable or vented designs.
- Lower your energy bills by reducing the need for electric lighting and the active use of passive solar heating when it’s winter.
- Reduces artificial lighting and produces a comfortable, light space.
- Enhance the interior rooms’ beauty with their skyline views and building appeal.
- Enhance the aesthetic and energy-saving advantage of a piece of land, thereby increasing the cumulative value of the land.
- We can make the rooms seem larger and freer by creating the illusion of a larger space.
Skylights are decorative as well as practical, and they are popular these days as far as residential designs are concerned. Alongside skylights, if you are looking for other ways to extend the view and light, you can try bay windows.
How Much Does It Cost To Install A Skylight?
There is no fixed skylight installation cost. It depends on several factors, which we have explained below. Check out the table below for a general estimate.
| Feature | Cost Range |
| Average Installation | $1,800 |
| Typical Range | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Low-End (Tubular) | $200 – $500 |
| High-End (Custom, Vented) | Up to $5,000+ |
What Affects Skylight Installation Costs?
Several factors play their role in determining the skylight installation cost. Let’s check these out one by one.
Skylight Frame Material Cost
Skylight frame material affects not only its appearance and durability but also its price. Here are some of the commonly used materials and their cost range.
- Vinyl: The most affordable and the least requiring maintenance. You can get it for $150 and $1000.
- Metal: It lasts longer than vinyl and is more resistant to the outside elements. It can cost between $200 and $1500.
- Wood: It looks luxurious and adds insulation as well. Its price range is between $300 and $2,500.
Each material has its advantages and impacts the skylight installation cost in different ways.
Size of the Skylight
Like any other window, the larger the skylight, the costlier it is bound to be. Bigger skylights mean you can receive more natural light and proper air, but they are more expensive in construction materials and labor.
| Skylight Size (inches) | Cost Range | Average Cost |
| 25×25 | $150 – $500 | $325 |
| 25×33 | $150 – $600 | $375 |
| 33×49 | $300 – $1,000 | $650 |
| 49×49 | $500 – $1,900 | $1,200 |
| 33×57 | $500 – $2,000 | $1,250 |
Skylight should be matched with the size of your room. A medium-sized skylight in a big room might be overlooked, and a large-sized skylight might cause some sealing or might lose excess heat. Properly sizing your skylight avoids waste and excess skylight installation cost.
Skylight Shape
The form of your skylight is a factor in price as well. Check out the table below to understand the average price of different shapes of skylights.
| Shape | Cost Range | Average Cost |
| Rectangle | $150 – $2,000 | $1,075 |
| Square | $150 – $2,000 | $1,075 |
| Circle | $400 – $1,000 | $700 |
| Oval | $600 – $2,500 | $1,550 |
| Pyramid | $500 – $3,000 | $1,750 |
| Custom | $1,500 – $5,000 | $3,250 |
Type of Skylight
The design you choose also affects the overall skylight installation cost. There are three main types of skylights. Let’s get into the details to check these out.
Tubular skylights
These skylights, also known as sun tunnels, are the most affordable type. They do not provide direct views of the sky, but the light is dispersed via a light-reflecting tube. Tubular skylights cost between 200 – $500, with an average price of $350.
Fixed Skylights
These are constructed to allow natural light, and one can have a clear view of the sky, but these cannot be opened or closed. Fixed sunlight costs between $200 – $1,200. Their average cost is $700.
These kinds are ideal in colder regions, unlike other skylights that warm the house, although it is passive since the house is kept warm with the help of this skylight.
Vented Skylights
Vented skylights have openings to clear a sufficient amount of fresh air into the house, and this makes them perfect in any kitchen, bathroom, or laundry area. They come in both electric and hand-operated models, offering a range of operations.
Vented skylights cost between $400 – $2,000, depending on material and other factors. Their average cost is $1200.
By the way, if you still don’t know which skylight design fits your home best, here are some of the best skylight window designs.
Labor Costs
A good percentage of skylight installation is covered by labor. Prices vary between 300 and 2500 dollars, depending on the height of the roof, roof material, and overall complexity of the skylight.
Factors like Interior ceiling modifications and electrical wiring for motorized skylights can also increase the overall cost. And if you have flat roofs, it may also require more waterproofing, which adds to the labor time and expense.
Additional Cost Factors
Besides materials and labor, a few other factors can increase your skylight installation cost.
Glazing Material
Glazing refers to the transparent surface of the skylight. There are two main choices- acrylic and glass.
- Acrylic: cheap and lightweight. Applied frequently in domes and in unusual structures. Able to be scratched and discolored with time.
- Tempered Glass: It is stronger and gives less impact. It is more expensive and more durable.
- Double-Paned Glass: It is the optimum insulation and energy protection.
For detailed information about glasses, check out this top 10 window glass types for reference.
| Glazing Type | Cost Range |
| Acrylic | $150 – $1,000 |
| Tempered Glass | $200 – $1,500 |
| Double-Paned Glass | $300 – $3,500 |
Permit Costs
Adding a skylight means changing the roof structure. For this reason, most places require official permission (a permit) before you start the work. This is to make the work secure and ensure that it complies with the building codes of the locality.
The permit is like legal approval from your local government. You can get it in $100 to $500, depending on the country, building type, etc. For the exact price, contact the city’s building department.
Roof Type
There are two main roof types: pitched and flat. Pitched roofs are more convenient to fit the skylight on as the slope assists during the drainage of rain, and you are at a lower risk of leakage.
The flat roofs, on the other hand, demand special sloping and waterproofing, which raises the cost of materials and labour.
Flat roofs with skylights are commonly installed using sloping glazing or domes, which help in draining water and can increase the skylight installation cost due to added labor and materials.
Mounting Style
There are two primary skylight mounting options:
- Curb-Mounted: Skylight sits on top of a framed curb above the roof surface. Easier to install and more affordable.
- Deck-Mounted: Flush with the roofline, offering a cleaner appearance. Requires more precision and is usually more expensive.
| Mounting Style | Cost Range |
| Curb-Mounted | $150 – $1,500 |
| Deck-Mounted | $1,500 – $2,500 |
Optional Upgrades
Some improvements may be made on Skylights:
- Low-E Coatings: Enhance energy and block UV penetration.
- Tinted Glass: This will reduce glare and regulate the heat.
- Motorized Controls: They are remotely manageable.
- Window Blinds / Shades: Control the amount of light entering the room.
- Insect Screens: Effective for vented skylights
These upgrades add another $200 to $ 1,000 or more, but could significantly enhance comfort and performance. While talking of upgrades, if you are also looking for space-saving ideas, bathroom pocket doors are an excellent choice.
How to Save on Skylight Installation?
Skylight installations are costly, but you need not have to sacrifice quality when trying to save money.
- Choose Tubular Skylights: Tubular skylights are the least expensive and quickest-to-install option and are the budget choice when your only goal is to get natural light.
- Stick to Stock Shapes and Sizes: Do not utilize custom or unusual shapes. Rectangular and square skylights are easier to mass produce and install, and are thus less expensive.
- Compare Multiple Quotes: Always get at least three quotes from licensed contractors. Help yourself discover trends in prices and negotiate a better deal.
- Upgrade to a Higher Quality: More expensive skylights are of better quality and will last longer than the cheaper ones. You will need fewer repairs and longer replacements with these lights.
Energy Efficiency and Seasonal Impact
Day skylights save you money on your electric bill because you do not need to have lights switched on in the daytime. They will, however, surely provide a gain of heat in the summer and heat loss in the first winter, unless you have supplements that are energy efficient.
Installing double-paned, low-e glass as a permanent installation could redistribute indoor temperatures year-round.
You should consider the timing of the installation as well. Spring and the beginning of autumn are the best times for skylight installations, as the weather is fine. Do not install when it is wet or in winter, as the risk of the installation rises and scheduling becomes difficult.
Putting in energy-saving technologies can save on your skylight installation costs in time while balancing your comfort indoors. For more information about skylights and daylighting, read this daylighting guide.
DIY vs. Professional Installation
Lastly, always carefully choose between DIY and professional installation. It’s a difficult job involving cutting the roof, the frame, the flash, and sealing.
If anything goes wrong, it may cause leakage, insulation issues, and several other problems. Also, doing work on the roof can be dangerous, especially if it’s your first time and you don’t have safety equipment.
Skilled contractors know a roof system and can make it watertight and up to code. Most good installers stand behind their work and will take care of the permit paperwork.
Proper installation is required for warranty coverage by some manufacturers as well. So, unless you are fully confident in your skills, it’s best not to attempt installing a skylight on your own.
Conclusion
Wrapping it up, the average skylight installation cost is $1800. This price can further increase or decrease depending on the design, its working mechanism, materials, type of light, and your roof. Before buying, carefully analyze everything and plan your budget accordingly.
And while it’s tempting to save money, remember that a quality installation ensures longevity and avoids issues later on. It’s an investment that will brighten your home, save energy, and potentially increase its value.
