Skylight Installation Costs in the Kitchen and Bathroom

A skylight can be a great addition in a kitchen remodel or bathroom remodel, but are they expensive? They add natural light and provide beauty, but at what cost? What are the skylight installation costs in a kitchen or bathroom?

There are several factors that affect how much you’ll pay for one or more skylights in the bathroom or kitchen. Here’s an overview of these factors.

Cost of the Skylight – Not all skylights are created equal, and their costs vary. Beyond a basic, stationery skylight, the factors that will make them more expensive include: tinting, the inclusion of shades, a window that opens to allow ventilation, and energy efficiency. One of the pricier types of skylights is known as a solar tube. It is designed to bring in maximum natural light given the space allowed. They work very well in bathroom and kitchen remodels where ceiling space is limited by vent fans, light fixtures, vent hoods, cabinets and more. Solar tubes use mirrors and lenses to reflect and refract light, concentrating it and directing it to be used exactly where you need it.

Cost of Installation – Some skylights are easier to install, so will cost less. Factors affecting installation including the height of the window off the ground, the size of the window, the type of ceiling and roof that must be worked with, and the complexity of the window.

Skylights can cost as little as $200 or as much as $2,000 or more. Installation of a small skylight may run as little as $500. Larger skylights in more difficult locations may cost as much as $1,500 to install. The key is to find out your option and get written estimates from several different contractors.

Choosing a Contractor – Talk about your skylight options with several contractors before you select one. They may each prefer different products and can talk you through the pros and cons of each one. A remodeling contractor can help you decide where to locate skylights, even which direction they should face, to give you the most benefit. Ask the contractors what they plan to do to ensure that the skylights don’t leak.

Skylight contractors provide you with written estimates about the specific skylights they install. Don’t make a decision on skylights until you know the benefits of each option, any disadvantages, and have several written estimates for the work.