How much does a skylight cost?
Short answer. Skylight cost ranges widely: a simple tubular daylighting device, installed, can come in under a thousand dollars, while a new fixed or venting glass skylight with framing, flashing, a drywall shaft and paint can run several thousand. The biggest cost drivers are the type of unit, whether a new roof opening and interior shaft are needed, and whether it goes in during a roof replacement.
Cost drivers
- Type. Tubular units cost least, fixed glass skylights come next, manual venting units cost more, and electric or solar powered venting units with rain sensors cost the most.
- Size and glass. Larger units and upgraded glass (low-E, laminated, tinted) add cost.
- Flashing kit. A manufacturer's kit matched to the roofing type is an added but essential cost.
- A new opening. Cutting rafters, adding headers, building a light shaft and finishing drywall add carpentry, drywall and paint labor, and may need a permit.
- Blinds. Shades are extras, often worth it on south and west faces.
- Roof type and pitch. Steep or complex roofs take longer.
The cheapest time to add one
During a roof replacement the shingles are already off, so flashing in a new skylight costs less and ties into new underlayment and shingles. Adding one to a mid-life roof means cutting into and patching existing shingles.
Operating costs
A poorly placed skylight can raise cooling bills in Georgia. ENERGY STAR rated units with low-E glass, facing north or east where possible, keep that down.
Getting a fair quote
Ask for the unit model, flashing kit, interior finish work and any framing changes to be listed separately so you can compare bids line by line. See replacing a skylight with the roof and roof replacement cost in Georgia.