Natural light isn’t just great for taking photos— it actually offers numerous health benefits! Many homeowners wish they had more natural light in their homes, and skylights are something many people dream of having.
- Skylights may seem like a luxury, but their price might surprise you!
- The average skylight installation cost ranges from $1,000-$2,500.
We’ll outline five factors that can make that price range go up or down, plus the pros and cons of installing a skylight.
5 Factors That Impact Skylight Installation Cost
Like many things in life, you get what you pay for with a skylight (or “roof window”). You can opt for a cheap installation from your neighborhood handyman, or you can have a trusted, professional roofing contractor install a premium product with great warranties. You’ll have to decide what you value more. (And when it comes to your home, we’ll always encourage going for high-quality professional work!)
Beyond the contractor you choose, there are five main considerations that can impact the final price of your skylight installation.

1) Size
You can purchase different-sized skylights depending on your budget and roof size. Overall, a smaller skylight will have a lower installation price and reduce energy costs.
A good rule of thumb is that the skylight space should equal no more than 5% of the floor space in any given room. This can go up to 15% for rooms that don’t have other windows.
- 25-inch by 41-inch: $350-$650
- 25-in. by 57-in.: $400-$1,000
- 49-in. by 49-in.: $550-$2,500
2) Shape
Skylights come in different shapes, and you can pick which one works best for your aesthetic and space. However, more complex shapes come with a higher price tag.
- Square: $250-$2,000
- Circular: $500-$1,000
- Pyramid: $600-$3,000
3) Style
You may be surprised at how many skylight styles there are on the market. Ventilating and fixed skylights are two of the most popular types, but you can also find:
- Tilt window
- Deck-mounted
- Electric-opening
- Solar-powered ventilating
- Tubular
Ventilating skylights run on the more expensive end, with a fixed skylight at more of a midrange price. Any modern features like solar power or electric opening will cost more.
4) Number of Units
There’s a reason bulk stores like Costco and Sam’s Club are popular. It’s usually cheaper to purchase things in bulk than on an individual, per-unit basis.
The labor costs in your skylight installation likely won’t go up very much unless you install five or more skylights. Your contractor may even offer a promotion if you install more than one skylight.
5) Commercial or Residential
A new skylight window will almost always cost more on commercial buildings. This is because commercial buildings typically have several larger skylights compared to a single-family home which may have one or two smaller skylights.
Commercial spaces also may install custom skylights with unique, specialized shapes and features.

Pros and Cons of Skylights
Before you move forward and install a skylight, take a look at the pros and cons to ensure it’s the right decision for your home.
✅ Pros of Skylights
Aesthetic Design
Skylights impact your interior design by adding a beautiful focal point. An unexpected burst of natural light can brighten up any space.
Increased Home Value
Many people love the idea of having a skylight in their homes. If you decide to sell your home in the future, the skylight will increase your home value.
Consistent Light
Standard windows often have contrasting light patterns throughout different times of the day. But skylights track the sun throughout the day, allowing your home to maintain a consistent flow of natural light. With consistent natural light coming into your house, you’ll use less energy from artificial light.
Heat Gain in Winter
Skylights bring heat into a home. In wintertime, skylights can offer more heat than standard windows, which takes pressure off your furnace.
❌ Cons of Skylights
Too Much Light in Bedrooms
Many people prefer to sleep in darkness, so if you install a skylight in a bedroom, you may find that the natural light can interrupt your sleep.
Potential for Roof Leaks
Areas like chimneys, roof valleys, and, yes, skylights can be prone to roof leaks. Improperly installed skylights can lead to water damage, so make sure you hire a reputable roofing contractor.
Difficult to Clean
Unlike standard windows, skylights are harder to reach. Plus, their flat position on a roof means they collect dirt faster than windows. You’ll need to stay on top of cleaning and maintenance at a higher rate than your other windows.
Extra Heat When Not Needed
While the heat gain from skylights can be a huge perk in winter, it can also be a disadvantage in warmer months. Your air conditioning unit will need to work harder in the summer months to combat the heat gain from a skylight.
Is a Skylight Right for Your Home?
Skylight installations are often more affordable than many homeowners expect. But in order to reap all the benefits of a skylight, you should opt for a high-quality professional installation.
Take a peek at Directorii to find a qualified roofing contractor in your area who can install a fantastic skylight for your home or business.