How Much Do Skylights Cost?

Skylight Prices by Type

Skylights range from $150 to $3,700 each, depending on the type. Fixed skylights tend to be the least expensive, while high-quality, branded skylights cost more but may last longer. Additional features, like ventilating skylights, tend to cost more than basic models. Some of the top brands include Velux, Fakro, and Sun-Tek.

Skylight Cost Factors

The final cost per skylight depends on the size of the window, any finishes to help block out UV rays or improve energy efficiency, and other customizations to fit the style and needs of your house.

Size 

Most standard-sized skylights cost $150 to $3,500. The larger the skylight, the higher the price. If your roof opening doesn’t fit one of the below sizes, expect to pay at least 25% more for the unit than the next-closest standard option on this list.

Window Finish 

You can choose to add a finish to your skylights for an additional $20 to $500. There are various options and uses for finishes. For example, a low-E coating can help block UV rays and improve energy efficiency, while flashing can help seal the edges tightly against the roof. Sealing a roof costs $1,250 on average.

Customizations 

Custom skylights cost about $1,500 to $5,000, not including labor. These windows may feature unique shapes and sizes or particular glass patterns or colors, such as stained or etched glass. Some skylight brands include an optional retractable shade that may come in varying colors. Custom skylights may be the best option if you have an irregular roof—or if you install them during construction on a new home or commercial building, rather than inserting them into a standard, existing roof. 

Because of the complexity of adding custom skylights, labor for this type of project may cost up to $4,000.

Skylight Installation Cost Factors

Installing skylights costs $500 and may go up to $3,000 or $4,000. While this can seem like a steep portion of the project cost, it’s essential to hire a window installer to ensure the window fits properly and won’t leak in the near future. The roof type and additional electrical work to add remote-control ventilation features can also add to the installation cost.

Size 

Professional installation costs go up for larger windows, as these are more difficult to install. You may only need to pay $500 for a pro to cut a 16-by-16-inch hole in the roof, but a 48-by-48-inch hole will range up to $4,000.

The wrong size could be too small and fail to bring in natural light. For example, a 16-by-16-inch opening might not be enough to light a large, open-space living area. On the other hand, if it's too large, air could escape, or water could leak in.

During installation, a pro must properly align the hole in the roof with the ceiling. Otherwise, the window won’t fit into the spot, and fixing that mistake will require more time and money. Expect to pay about $875 for the cost of skylight repairs.  

Roof Type

Installing a skylight on a flat roof typically costs more than on a pitched roof because it requires more drywall work. The windows for a flat roof or Spanish tiled pitched roofs may cost more, around $250 to $2,000 each, due to the added protection against leaks.

A deck-mounted skylight is more common for pitched roofs of 15 to 85 degrees. This type of skylight mounting allows the window to sit flush with the roof. Curb-mounted skylights are best for roofs with a pitch of at least 60 degrees but may require more time for installation, making this mounting style more expensive.

For roofs with trusses, smaller skylights may fit without an issue. But wider skylights may require you to hire a structural engineer for an additional $300 to $500 to widen the truss to fit a skylight.

Location

The national average to install a skylight is around $1,800, although skylight installation costs may vary depending on your region.

Labor

Hiring a window installer starts at around $500. However, more complex jobs, like installing on a steep roof or handling a large skylight, can double the cost of the project. Skylight installation will take about one day.

Electrical Work

Vented skylights with remote controls may require electrical work ranging between $75 and $300. If you opt for these skylights, include the cost to hire an electrician in your overall budget because most installers will not lay wiring. Some skylight brands offer a built-in solar pane, allowing the vented skylight to operate without any need for additional electrical work.

Commercial vs. Residential

Residential skylights cost between $500 and $3,000 to install, while commercial alternatives range between $1,000 and $4,000. Commercial roof windows tend to be bigger and consist of varied materials. Many businesses require safety glass and install these windows to save on lighting bills for large facilities. Safety glass and dome shapes are common for business applications.

DIY vs. Hiring a Window Installer

Unless you have extensive construction experience, you shouldn’t attempt to install a skylight yourself. These windows can be large and heavy to handle on your own, and you’ll need to work on the roof, which can be dangerous.

Skylight installation requires precision. The exterior and interior openings have to line up correctly. A mistake in the measuring process, and you might have to cut a separate hole or buy a different window.

Mistakes are just as bad in the weather-proofing process. If you don't seal the edges, you might need to fix your leaking roof. The cost to repair water damage from a leak can range from $1,000 to $4,100, while the average cost to repair skylight leaks is $25 to $80. 

For these reasons, professional installation is a worthwhile investment. Simpler alternatives, like tubular skylights, can be DIY projects if you possess the necessary expertise. Otherwise, find a skylight installer near you to get a quote for your skylights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do skylights add value to a home?

Although the exact dollar amount is unclear, skylights add some value to a home. Realtors tend to recommend them because they make an instant impression on potential buyers. The relatively low price makes this an often-recommended home improvement option when putting your house on the market.

Can you add skylights to an existing roof?

You can add skylights to an existing roof, but they will work best on angled roofs to ensure water can run off the roof. You’ll also want to hire a contractor with experience retrofitting skylights into roofs, as an improperly-placed skylight may leak in the future.

How long do skylights last?

Most skylights last between 20 and 40 years, although others can last up to 55 years. The life expectancy of a skylight depends on the brand you choose, the quality of the installation, and the climate. Areas with changing temperatures and lots of rain may see more frequent damage. Be sure to choose a window with a warranty in case the skylight leaks or fails before its expected life span is over.

What’s the difference between solar tube lighting vs. a skylight window?

Tubular skylights—also known as tunnels, tube lighting, or solar tubes—have been around since the 1980s. They’re small, cylindrical-shaped windows with a dome that sits on the roof, typically in small rooms, hallways, and closets. Solar tubes diffuse light into a home and filter out UV rays, but they don’t offer a view of the sky. In comparison, skylight windows offer sky views, and some contain filters that partially block harmful UV rays. 

Skylights are usually more expensive and challenging to install than solar tube lighting. A tubular skylight costs between $450 and $1,300 for the product and installation. That's about 60% of the price of a skylight or a roof window because the opening is smaller than fixed styles.

These tubes can also significantly decrease energy costs by eliminating the need for electric lights during the daytime. The tunnels let in less light than a full-roof window, which is enough to replace lighting for an entire room. Still, the natural light compares favorably with most ceiling lamps.