How Much Does Skylight Installation Cost in October 2023?

Installation costs can vary depending on the type, size, quantity and brand of skylights. In general, you can expect to pay between $200 and $1,000 for a skylight before installation, and between $1,000 and $3,000 with installation included.

Skylight Installation Cost by Type

There are three main types of skylights:

• Fixed skylights cost between $200 and $1,200 with installation. This traditional skylight provides sunlight and views of the sky.
• Ventilating skylights, or vented skylights, look like fixed skylights but also open like a normal window to let in air. Costs range from $400 to $2,000 with installation, making vented skylights more expensive than other options.
• Tubular skylights are the most budget-friendly type of skylight, typically ranging from $200 to $500 with installation. Tubular skylights, unlike fixed and ventilating skylights, are not windows. Rather, they funnel in sunlight through reflective tubing in your roof. Tubular skylights are also easier to install.

Skylight Installation Cost by Size

Larger skylights require more material and labor to install than small skylights. However, labor costs to install a large skylight are only modestly higher as professional installation typically has a base cost.

Compare skylight costs (before installation) by size:

• 25-inch by 25-inch: $150–$500
• 33-inch by 33-inch: $300–$800
• 49-inch by 49-inch: $500–$1,900

Skylight Installation Cost by Quantity

The more skylights you install, the more you’ll pay. However, your cost may not increase linearly by the number of skylights. Instead, many contractors charge a base fee for installation that increases per skylight added.

We recommend speaking with a roofing or window professional to get a personalized quote based on the number of skylights you want to install.

Skylight Installation Cost by Brand

There are several well-known skylight manufacturers, including Velux, Sun-tek and Fakro.

Based on our research, Fakro skylights start at around $200 and can go up to $3,000 at home improvement stores. Sun-Tek skylights tend to be cheaper, ranging from around $200 to $300. Neither price range considers installation.

High-quality skylight brands with built-in technologies cost more. For example, VELUX offers solar-powered “Fresh Air Skylights” with a built-in rain sensor that closes the window automatically during inclement weather. Velux estimates the total cost of this skylight to be between $2,800 and $5,700 with installation.

No two skylight projects are the same. Several factors can affect the final cost of your skylight installation:

• Skylight type and size: As we mentioned previously, tubular and smaller-sized skylights cost less than larger or traditional skylights.
• Skylight shape: Although skylights are most commonly shaped like squares or rectangles, circle, dome or pyramid shapes are also available. Ultimately, custom-shaped skylights are the most expensive.
• Material quality and customization options: Vinyl is the cheapest skylight framing material, while metal and wood tend to be pricier. Most skylights are made with tempered or double-pane glass, though acrylic tends to be the cheapest. You can also choose the type of glass and glazing you want, but custom options will cost more.
• Roof type and structure: Although a flat roof is safer to work on than a pitched roof, a skylight installation on a flat roof can actually cost more because it requires additional waterproofing.
• Installation complexity and labor requirements: Several factors like weather, roofing materials, and the number and size of skylights determine the complexity of an installation job. The more time-consuming and complex the job, the more you’ll pay for labor.

We recommend speaking with a professional roofer or window company for a personalized quote.

Additional Considerations

In addition to the standard considerations for determining the cost of a skylight project — like the size, material and quantity of skylights — you should also consider:

• Skylight installation vs. replacement: The labor cost of replacing an existing skylight will be less than installing a new skylight, as contractors will not need to create a new opening in your roof.
• Curb-mounted vs. deck-mounted skylights: If you care about the appearance of your skylights from the exterior of your home, you’ll need to decide if you want deck-mounted or curb-mounted skylights. Curb-mounted skylights are the most common and least expensive but will protrude from your roof more than deck-mounted skylights.
• Time of year: You’ll pay more for labor costs during your installer’s peak season, typically months with temperate weather and minimal rain. You may have to wait longer to schedule an installation during peak season.
• Additional features: Extra features like skylights that open, blinds that open and close with a remote control, or specific size requirements will cost more.

Installing a skylight can be time-consuming, so hiring a professional tends to be more expensive than with standard window installations. This high cost might lead some homeowners to opt for do-it-yourself (DIY) skylight projects.

Although you can install a skylight yourself, it is not a beginner-friendly project. You have to cut open your roof and ensure the skylight is carefully sealed. Improperly installed skylights create more issues like water damage due to leaking.

Even replacing an old skylight with an existing roof opening can be challenging. It requires working on a roof for an extended period and replacing the window’s sealant membrane and flashing.

We recommend hiring a professional to install skylights on your home unless you have prior contracting experience.

Commercial skylight installations tend to be larger and more complex, often featuring many large skylights. Some commercial buildings even have entirely glass roofs.

Comparatively, the trusses in the roof of most homes limit skylight size. Residential skylight projects are typically much smaller than commercial projects, both in the quantity and size of skylights installed. Therefore, residential installations are significantly cheaper than most commercial installations.

Installing skylights does not have to break the bank. Consider our top tips for budgeting and saving on skylight installations:

• Choose energy-efficient skylights: Energy-efficient skylights prevent air loss that increases your energy bill. Well-insulated skylights can help lower your energy costs by minimizing the need to turn on lights during the day.
• Explore financing options: Most window installation companies offer flexible financing options to break down your project cost into manageable installments.
• Compare quotes: We recommend gathering at least three quotes from reputable contractors before deciding on an installer. To determine which provider offers the best value, you can ask questions about the exact services and warranties you’ll receive.
• Apply for tax credits and rebates: Energy Star offers a tax credit worth 30% of the total cost of your energy-efficient window or skylight project. You may also be eligible for other rebates or tax credits for energy-efficient home improvement projects.
• Budget for maintenance and repair: If your skylight leaks or breaks due to improper installation or standard wear and tear, it could cost you hundreds of dollars to repair or replace. It is worth considering future maintenance costs and if they fit into your budget when deciding to install a skylight.
• Consider cheaper alternatives: Tubular skylights are a cost-effective alternative to traditional window skylights that still allow you to funnel natural light through your roof.

The national average cost of a new skylight with installation is between $1,000 and $3,000, but the size, material, quantity and shape of your skylight, among other factors, greatly influence the price.

We recommend getting an estimate for your project from a professional. Many window installation companies or roofing contractors offer free quotes for skylight installations.

Faith Wakefield is a writer based in North Carolina. She holds economics and English degrees from UNC Chapel Hill, and her work has been featured on EcoWatch, The World Economic Forum and Today’s Homeowner. In her free time, she loves to binge-watch personal finance videos on YouTube, collect books and spend time in nature.

Tori Addison is an editor with over five years of experience in the digital marketing industry. Her includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York’s Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.