Thinking about installing skylights into your home in Brantford ON? If so, one of the questions you ask is this: how much does it cost to install skylights? While skylights are a beautiful feature, you should definitely consider the costs. That way, you can plan to save, or maybe consider financing to be able to have high-quality skylights.
In today’s guide, Straight Arrow Roofing will talk about three topics:
- The typical cost to install a skylight
- Factors affecting the cost of installation
- Considerations when adding skylights to your home
How Much Does It Cost to Install Skylights?
Before proceeding, note that we based our information regarding the costs and cost determinants on HomeAdvisor and Roofcalc.org.
It has been reported that homeowners in the US spend about $700 to $3,000 to install a new skylight. The average cost is at $1,789. Labor charges will start at $500.
But again, please take note that these numbers may vary according to several factors involved in the skylight installation project. We’ll explore common ones below.
Factors That Affect Skylight Installation Cost
1. Type of skylight
How much does it cost to install skylights? Before anything else, know that there are plenty of skylight options to choose from. When selecting a skylight, you’ll also have to consider the shape, positioning, and more.
The cheapest of all is a fixed skylight. While being economical, a fixed skylight can fill a dark room with natural light. A brand new one definitely costs more than a replacement skylight.
Other skylight choices include tubular skylights, ventilated skylights, and solar powered skylights. Solar powered skylights are a premium option since they utilize a power source that automatically closes the units in the event of a bad weather. Cool, isn’t it?
2. Type of roofing material
Installing a skylight into a metal or tile roof is complex. Roofing contractors may charge more.
Another factor to consider to answer how much does it cost to install skylights is the type of roof you have. Roofing contractors, in general, find the job easier to do with a shingle roof. Working with a metal roof or a tile roof is a more complex process.
That said, you’d normally expect to pay more. If you’re wondering whether skylights are also applicable to flat roofs, the answer is yes.
Related: Flat Roof Skylight Installation: 9 Advantages and Challenges
3. Addition of shades and blinds
While skylights provide natural light and ventilation, sometimes too much light can enter a room and cause glare. Because of this drawback, a homeowner may opt to add filtering skylight shades or blinds. This definitely adds up to the costs of installation. Blinds will cost you up to $400 (or more).
If you’re interested in some filtering blinds that come in beautiful colors, we’ll order for you from our trusted manufacturer – VELUX.
4. Type of glass used
Various types of glass used will also help you answer how much does it cost to install skylights. If you want the best glass that reduces your need for cleaning (because it doesn’t cause water spots), do avoid ordinary glass.
An ordinary glass may be cheap but over time, it will cost you more. Imagine having to replace a skylight again and again due to the fragile material. Choose a glass that keeps noise out, requires less cleaning, and keeps daylight to comfortable levels.
5. Number of the skylights
One skylight unit is enough to light up a small space.
How many skylights should you install? The number of skylights will actually depend on the size of a room. A larger room needs more skylights to ensure ample lighting. A small bathroom can have one skylight which involves less cost.
A lot of times, homeowners need more than one unit to illuminate bigger spaces like kitchens and living rooms. Now here’s a technique that’ll help you save when installing multiple skylight units. Place the skylights in one row. That way, only a single shaft is required, and this lowers the cost of labor.
Considerations Prior to the Skylight Installation Process
Hopefully, we gave you a good idea on how much does it cost to install skylights. For this part, let’s discuss 3 important things you should know. Think about these aspects before proceeding to work so that your project will turn out to be a success.
1. Where to install a skylight
Location is of the most important considerations. Where would you place skylight units? Here are 3 options:
- Bathrooms – Natural light and ventilation from a skylight help inhibit the growth of mold. A skylight also offers privacy while you enjoy natural light.
- Home office – Boost your mood and productivity by having skylights in your office.
- Kitchen – Skylights to illuminate your kitchen make an awesome feature. Ventilation type skylights remove stale air.
2. The optimal time to install skylights
Aside from knowing how much does it cost to install skylights, know the best time to install them. When is that, exactly? The best time is when you are to replace your roof.
During the tear-off process, brand new skylights can be incorporated. When the time comes that you need to replace the roof, you can have the skylight replaced as well. Doing this ensures fewer roofing problems as everything is brand new.
Install a new skylight during a roof replacement or installation to make everything brand new.
Also, we mentioned previously that replacing a skylight is also cheaper than installing a new skylight into an existing roofing material.
3. Your choice of roofing contractor
Lastly, don’t forget to consider the right roofing contractor. Not all contractors are alike. Some have all the qualifications and a vast experience to ensure that proper installation procedures are followed. Other contractors may not have a proven track record.
Hire a contractor that’s licensed, insured, and certified to install skylights. Your contractor should be based in Brantford ON and must have a physical address. That way, you can reach them should you need a skylight repair or replacement in the future.
Ready to Install Skylights?
The costs of installing a skylight will range from $700 to $3,000 but remember that this will still change. Recall determining factors such as the type of skylight, roofing material, glass, the addition of blinds, and the number of skylights.
At the end of the day, a qualified local professional will give you the best value for your money. You may pay more but experience long-term savings, rather than go for cheaper alternatives but suffer an early replacement (or injuries – as with skylights that easily break and harm people in the room).
Straight Arrow Roofing is a roofing contractor based in Brantford ON. We will install or replace your skylights while putting your needs and budget in mind.
Give us a call right now at 647-686-7663 and get your FREE QUOTE.