Skylight Installation Cost - Everything To Know In 2022
Skylights have been an incredibly popular lighting option since their first use in Ancient Roman architecture. While they can be more expensive to install than traditional windows, skylights offer a wide range of benefits that make them worth the investment.
For instance, skylights allow in more natural light, which can brighten up a room and make it more comfortable to live in. They also allow you to enjoy views of the sky and stars and can help increase energy efficiency and reduce costs by keeping your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
The cost of installing a skylight will vary depending on the size, type, and placement or location of the skylight. The average cost of installing a skylight is $1,500. However, prices can range from as low as $1,000 to as high as $3,000.
When installing skylights, it's important to work with a qualified contractor to estimate the installation cost and ensure that the skylight is installed properly and meets all local building codes. With a little research, you can find a skylight that fits your budget and provides your desired benefits.
This guide will help you understand the cost of installing a skylight. It will also help you choose the right kind of skylight for your needs and some additional factors that might affect the price.
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Cost for skylight installation
The national average skylight installation cost range is around $3,000, although the average price can vary from one location to another. Here is a brief overview:
- Average Cost: $3,000
- Minimum Cost: $1,500 (30x30 fixed small skylight)
- Maximum Cost: $10,000 (42x72 retractable passive solar light tube)
The cost of skylight installation also varies depending on which features you choose. For example, double-paned glass with Low-E coating and a baffle can help prevent heat loss in a room, so it may be worth paying extra for that feature if you live in an area where it gets very cold.
Skylight Installation Cost: Type
There are three main types of skylights: fixed, tubular, and vented.
Fixed Skylight Installation Cost
Fixed skylights are permanently sealed and do not open or close. They are the least expensive type of skylight and are often used in bathrooms and other small rooms where ventilation is not a concern.
- Price Range: $150 to $1,600
Ventilating Skylight Installation Cost
Ventilating skylights, or vented skylights, can be opened and closed, making them a good choice for rooms that need ventilation, such as kitchens and bathrooms. They tend to be more expensive than fixed skylights.
- Price Range: $300 to $3,500
Tubular Skylight Installation Cost
Tubular skylights offer the added benefit of being able to bring natural light into a room even if there is no opening on the roof. They tend to suit most rooms, as they look like a circular light in the ceiling – so they’re particularly suited to rooms like kitchens and living spaces.
- Price Range: $450 to $1,300
Skylight Installation Cost: Size
The size of the skylight will be one of the biggest factors in the cost of installation. The larger the skylight size, the more expensive it will be to install.
Skylights are available in a variety of sizes, and the cost does vary with size.
Small Skylights
- 16 x 16: $150 - $600
- 16 x 24: $200 - $700
Medium Skylights
- 16 x 32: $300 - $1,000
- 24 x 32: $300 - $1,200
- 24 x 48: $500 - $2,000
Large Skylights
- 24 x 72: $900 - $2,700
- 48 x 48: $1,100 - $3,500
(All measurements in inches, sourced from HomeAdvisor)
Skylight Installation Cost: Features
There are three main types of skylights: manual, solar-powered, and electrical. Manual skylights must be opened and closed by hand, while solar-powered and electrical skylights can be opened and closed automatically.
Additional features that may be available include:
- Double pane glass with Low-E coating: $100 to $250
- Glazing: $20 to $50
- Flashing: $200 to $500
- Tinting: $100 to $400
These features can add to the cost of installation, with the most expensive skylights costing well over $4,000 to install.
The quality of the glass is important and alters the installation cost.
- Best Quality Glass: ~$1,000
- Lower Quality Glass: ~$500
The more features you add to your skylight, the more it will cost to install. The most expensive skylights have the most features. However, the extra cost might be worth it if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions.
Other factors that affect the cost
There are a few extra cost factors that can affect the price of skylight installation. The first is the type of roof you have.
- Flat Roof Installation: $250 to $2000
- Dome Installation: $250 to $3000
The second factor is whether you are getting residential or commercial skylights; in other words, whether you are installing into a home or into a business.
- Residential Installation: $500 to $3000
- Commercial Installation: $1000 to $4000
(Estimates sourced from HomeAdvisor)
Framing material
The frame is also important to the quality of the skylight and affects the installation cost. The better quality frames, such as those made from aluminum, typically have a higher installation cost.
- Vinyl Framing: $175 to $1,225
- Wooden Framing: $350 to $2,750
- Metal Framing: $225 to $1,600
(Estimates sourced from Forbes Home)
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What is the Labor cost for installing skylights?
The labor cost varies based on the complexity of the installation. The average time it takes to install a skylight is approximately 6 hours and ranges from 4 to 8 hours, and the cost will vary by region, ranging between $1,600 and $2,000.
The average cost of installing a skylight ranges from $2,500 to $3,000, depending on its size and complexity. As you can see, hiring an expert for skylight installation costs isn't cheap – but if you add up all those tools and materials and include your time in trying to do it yourself, you may find that getting professional help is actually the less expensive option.
If you want to know what is a fair price to pay for skylight installation, you need to be able to compare costs. The best way to get multiple estimates from qualified professionals is by contacting various roofing services in your area. You can even use a website like Angie's List or Home Advisor for free quotes from pre-screened, trusted contractors.
How long does it take to install a skylight?
The length of time it takes to install a skylight varies widely depending on several factors. If you are replacing an existing skylight with a new, larger one, plan on spending more time than if you were installing a small, simple skylight.
When planning your renovation or installation project, consider budgeting anywhere from two to 10 hours for removing and reinstalling an old skylight and four to 20 hours for setting up a new one. It's also important to factor in the amount of work involved in getting rid of any older framing or insulation. The less work you have to do, the faster your project will be completed!
Skylight replacement costs
After talking to our customers, we've noticed they're most interested in skylight replacement costs, specifically how much replacement skylights cost. The simple answer is that it depends on many factors, such as size and type of skylight. To get a more specific answer, you need to know some details about your skylight before you can figure out how much it will cost to replace it.
You should also consider whether or not you want to hire a professional or DIY (do-it-yourself) since most repair jobs are easy enough for anyone with experience working with their hands. Once you have all of your information together, you can start to get some estimates from local contractors.
The average cost for a skylight replacement is from $500 to about $1,500 for a small, standard-sized skylight.
Why install skylights?
Installing skylights is a great way to add a beautiful, natural light source to any room and can provide health benefits for you and your family. A skylight lets in natural light that is known to help reduce stress, prevent depression, and improve moods by regulating sleep patterns, circadian rhythms, and hormone production.
One of the great things about skylights is that they let in lots of natural light and fresh air, which has been shown to boost your mood. When you feel happy and healthy, you're more likely to want to work productively.
Also, having too little natural light can increase your stress levels and make you prone to illness; if you're stuck at a desk most days, installing skylights is a simple way to combat these issues.
Skylight Installation FAQs
Do skylights add value to a home?
When you're looking to purchase a home, one of your top priorities is likely to get a great deal. However, it may be surprising to learn that skylights won't necessarily increase or decrease the resale value of your home. While adding skylights can make your house more attractive to buyers, it also adds a substantial cost during installation.
Will a skylight leak in heavy rain?
When it comes to skylights, it's pretty common for homeowners to worry about leaks and water damage. But skylights aren't always bad news in rainy climates. Although it can affect the end cost of a skylight, installing a rain sensor would not only add functionality, but is also a very practical thing to have on a new skylight.
How do skylights work?
A skylight is an opening in a roof that allows light and some of the outside air to come into your home. It's an unobtrusive way to bring nature indoors, but it won't work if you don't get it installed correctly—if rain and snow can leak through, so can cold air. An improperly sealed skylight will also let moisture collect inside your home.
Will skylights reduce my heating and cooling bills?
Another benefit of skylights is that they can reduce your heating and cooling bills. Because sunlight enters your home through a skylight, you won't need to use as much artificial lighting.
A study by Energy Star found that replacing all standard light fixtures with ENERGY STAR-qualified ones could save over $1,400 per year in energy costs. Because natural light is free, you'll have more money left over at month's end for things like groceries and vacations.
Do skylights always leak?
The truth is, skylights can leak – but usually, it's because of poor installation, roof opening or an inadequately sealed window. A quality professional installation of a skylight shouldn't leak, but it's important to have your skylight regularly inspected to make sure it's in good condition and increased lifespan.
If you do find a leak, don't despair—it can usually be fixed with some caulking or weatherstripping.