How much does a skylight cost to install?
How much does a skylight cost to install?
$1,600 – $4,200 new skylight installation cost
$800 – $2,400 replace an existing skylight
Skylight installation cost
Skylight installation costs $1,600 to $4,200 on average. Skylight prices range from $150 to $2,000 for the unit alone, plus $1,200 to $3,200 for labor to install. The cost to add a skylight depends on the roof type, unit size, model, and installation complexity.
| Skylight size (width x height) | Total installation cost |
|---|---|
| 21” x 38” | $1,400 – $4,100 |
| 21” x 46” | $1,500 – $4,200 |
| 21” x 55” | $1,550 – $4,300 |
| 30” x 30” | $1,450 – $4,200 |
| 30” x 38” | $1,550 – $4,200 |
| 30” x 46” | $1,600 – $4,300 |
| 30” x 55” | $1,700 – $4,400 |
| 33” x 33” | $1,500 – $4,300 |
| 46” x 46” | $1,700 – $4,600 |
*For a new skylight installation.
Installing a new skylight takes 1 to 3 days or 3 to 5 hours for a replacement.
New skylights last 15 to 40 years with 10 to 20-year warranties.
Replacing an existing skylight costs $800 to $2,400 on average.
Average cost to add a skylight
The following table shows the average cost of adding a skylight to a house:
| National average cost | $2,900 |
| Minimum cost | $500 |
| Maximum cost | $5,700 |
| Average cost range | $1,600 to $4,200 |
*Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Skylight costs by type
Skylights cost $150 to $2,000 for the unit and come in three main categories: fixed, ventilating, and tubular. Total costs depend on the model, size, roof type, and installation labor.
| Type | Unit price | Installed cost |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed skylight (popular flat & dome-shaped types) |
$150 – $800 | $1,500 – $4,000 |
| Ventilating skylight (roof windows that open & close) |
$300 – $2,000 | $1,600 – $4,700 |
| Tubular sun-tunnel skylight (bubble-shaped or flat-round skylights) |
$150 – $500 | $500 – $1,000 |
All fixed and ventilating skylights come with these options:
Flat curb- or deck-mounted skylights
Glass, acrylic, vinyl, or polyurethane materials
Dome-shaped or double-dome insulated glass
Fixed skylight cost
Installing a fixed skylight costs $1,500 to $4,000 on average or $150 to $800 for the unit alone. These models resist leaks better than ventilating models but don’t open to release heat.
Ventilating skylight prices
A ventilating skylight costs $1,600 to $4,700 installed or $300 to $2,000 for the unit alone. Costs depend on the type and if there are connections for electric-opening models. Ventilating skylights are the only types that open and close.
| Type | Unit price | Installed cost |
|---|---|---|
| Manual-opening | $300 – $1,200 | $1,600 – $3,900 |
| Electric-powered | $1,100 – $1,600 | $2,500 – $4,600 |
| Solar-powered | $1,100 – $2,000 | $2,400 – $4,700 |
Basic models open manually with a hand crank.
Electric-opening skylights have a remote control with temperature sensors, rain sensors, or timers to schedule the skylight’s opening and closing. Wall switches are also available.
Solar-powered models also have remotes and eliminate the need for additional wiring.
Tubular sun-tunnel skylight cost
The cost to install a skylight tube is $500 to $1,000 on average, depending on the size and roof thickness. Tubular sun tunnel prices are $150 to $500 for the unit alone.
Bubble skylight windows install faster and easier than traditional skylights.
Choose from round shapes of 10” to 22” in diameter.
Add to small spaces in hallways, closets, bathrooms, and kitchens.
Use for roof pitches from 15 to 60 degrees.
Contractors typically install them in a row of multiple units for bigger roofs.
Skylight prices by brand
The following table shows skylight prices by the most popular brands:
| Brand | Price range | Types |
|---|---|---|
| Velux | $150 – $2,000 |
|
| Fakro | $220 – $3,500 |
|
| Sun-Tek | $30 – $475 |
|
| SolaTube | $140 – $500 |
|
| Sunoptics | $170 – $650 |
|
*Material prices only.
Cost to install a Velux skylight
The cost to install a Velux skylight is $1,350 to $5,400 on average for fixed or ventilating models. Velux skylight prices are $150 to $2,000 for the roof window unit alone.
Velux tubular skylights cost $185 to $600, excluding installation.
Velux is the biggest supplier with the widest range of skylight options.
Most models come with a 10-year limited warranty.
Cost factors to install a skylight
The cost to put in a skylight depends on various factors:
Size & material – Larger units cost more, need more flashing, and take longer to install. Different costs apply for vinyl, metal, or wood framing.
Fixed vs. vented – Fixed and manual opening models are cheapest. Electric or solar-opening models cost the most for the unit and installation.
Curb vs. deck-mounted – Curb-mounted skylights sit above the roof line and are easier to install. Deck-mounted are flush with the roof but take longer to install.
Roof material type – Metal or tiled roofs require much more labor to cut through than standard asphalt shingles.
Roof design – Trussed A-frame roofs often need skylights installed between the large truss beams, limiting the skylight width and sealing options.
Accessibility – The roof height, slope, and access level affect the total labor costs.
Vaulted vs. flat ceilings – Cathedral vaulted ceilings, also called post & beam ceilings, don’t need a skylight shaft since this ceiling is closer to the roof.
Interior ceiling finish – Plaster or wood ceilings cost more to finish around the new skylight than drywall.
Shapes – Standard flat or domed shapes cost less than custom arched or pyramid-shaped skylight tops.
Framing – Modifying the roof opening to fit the skylight has a wide cost range.
Chase tunnels – A skylight shaft has various fees according to the roof type for installing wood studs, drywall, and then painting the shaft interior.
Glass type – Choose uninsulated single-pane vs. double-pane glass, triple-pane glass, tempered glass, Low-E coating, UV-protective coating, or tinted glazing.
Labor – Metropolitan areas, emergency service, and greater installation complexity have higher worker costs.
Rebates and tax credits – Energy-efficient or solar-powered skylights qualify for a 26% to 30% federal tax credit and sometimes for local rebates.
Permits – An inspection and permit costs $100 to $500 for installing a new skylight.
Structural engineer – Hiring a structural engineer costs $100 to $500 per hour if roof trusses need modifications.
Location – The cost to install a skylight in a bathroom, kitchen, or bedroom depends on the roof type and ceiling height.
Accessories – Automatic dimmers, blinds, and remote controls are extra features that increase the overall cost.
Skylight sizes and prices
While custom sizes are available, most skylights come in these standard sizes:
| Size in inches (width x height) | Skylight Price range |
|---|---|
| 21” x 38” | $200 – $1,200 |
| 21” x 46” | $300 – $1,300 |
| 21” x 55” | $350 – $1,400 |
| 30” x 30” | $250 – $1,300 |
| 30” x 38” | $350 – $1,300 |
| 30” x 46” | $400 – $1,400 |
| 30” x 55” | $500 – $1,500 |
| 33” x 33” | $300 – $1,400 |
| 46” x 46” | $500 – $1,600 |
*Material prices only for fixed and ventilating models.
Labor cost to put in and install a skylight
The labor cost to install a skylight is $1,200 to $3,200 on average. Roof-window fitting includes cutting a hole in the roof, skylight mounting, framing, flashing, and ceiling finishing.
Additional costs may apply:
Hiring an electrician costs $100 to $350 for connecting electrically vented units.
Painter hourly rates are $20 to $50 per hour for finishing interior work.
Drywall ceiling repair costs $150 to $400 on average.
Cost to install a skylight in attic
The cost to install a skylight in a roof with an attic is $2,600 to $5,700 on average. Roofers must build an additional chase, or a framed tunnel shaft, through the attic and finish inside and around it with drywall and painting.
Related costs include:
Drywall installation costs $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot.
Interior painting costs $1.00 to $3.00 per square foot.
Flat vs. pitched roof skylight installation cost
Flat-roof skylight prices are $150 to $1,100 for the unit alone. The cost to install a skylight in a flat roof is $2,100 to $4,800 on average.
| Type | Average cost installed |
|---|---|
| Flat-roof standard skylights | $2,100 – $4,800 |
| Pitched-roof skylights | $1,600 – $4,200 |
The roof pitch or slope determines the unit and mounting type required.
Flat-roof skylights often have domed glass to promote water drainage.
Flat-roof window installations take longer and require more flashing and sealing to prevent water from pooling around it.
Roof window finish costs
Common roof window finishing options include:
Adding blinds costs $100 to $500 per window for materials only.
Residential window tinting costs $40 to $100 per window on average.
Upgrading to laminated-, impact-, or triple-pane glass costs $100 to $250 per window, depending on the size.
Commercial skylights cost
Commercial skylights cost $1,000 to $7,000, depending on the material type, design, and size. Most industrial skylights are custom designs with glass, acrylic, or polycarbonate materials.
| Type | Installed cost | Sizes |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous vaulted | $125 – $500 per linear foot |
|
| Dome units | $1,250 – $1,600 each |
|
| Extra-large round units | $1,200 – $5,800 each |
|
| Glass roof canopies | $3,000 – $7,000+ each |
|
Pros and cons of skylights
The following table shows the pros and cons of installing skylights:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Skylight installation FAQs
Do skylights add value to a home?
Skylights add value to a home by increasing natural light as an extra selling point for homebuyers. While skylights don’t increase the property value much, a house with skylights is typically more appealing than homes without them.
How long do skylights last?
Skylights last 15 to 40 years on average, depending on the type, brand, climate, and installation quality. Most warranties last 10 to 20 years. Acrylic, polycarbonate, or polypropylene domes only have warranties of 1 to 5 years.
How long does it take to install a skylight?
Installing a new skylight takes 1 to 3 days to cut a hole in the roof, prepare the opening, install the unit, and finish the interior and exterior sides. However, replacing an existing skylight takes 3 to 5 hours on average.
Do skylights always leak?
A professionally installed skylight does not leak. Modern skylights sealed with the manufacturer-recommended flashing are the most leak-resistant.
Most causes of skylight leaks are:
Improper installation
Neglecting maintenance
Aging of low-quality materials
Poor roof drainage systems
Hiring a skylight installation contractor
When hiring a roofing company or skylight contractor near you, be sure to:
Compare at least three estimates.
Look for pros with credentials from:
Top brands like VELUX skylight certification programs
Local skylight manufacturer installation programs
State boards that issue roofing licenses
Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Select licensed, insured, and bonded companies with 5+ years of experience.
Ask for references.
Avoid selecting the cheapest quote as quality may suffer.
Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
Never pay in full upfront. Use a payment plan instead.
Questions to ask
How long have you been installing skylights?
Which skylight types and brands do you recommend for my roof, and why?
What’s the price difference for a flat vs. a domed skylight?
Where are the best places in my roof to install a skylight?
Will I need a skylight chase tunnel through my roof, and how much is it?
Is a roof inspection part of the installation?
What do you advise to increase the skylight insulation?
Can I get a skylight with impact-resistant tempered or laminated glass?
Do you offer skylight coating options for higher energy efficiency?
How much extra is it for skylight shades, soundproofing options, or tinting?
Will you use the flashing recommended by the manufacturer?
How long will the installation take?
Will you pull all permits and supervise inspections?
Are you familiar with all the local building codes for skylights?
What’s in your warranty, and how long does it last?
Do you charge extra for cleanup after the job is complete?