Mountain View, CA

How much does a skylight cost to install?

$1,600 – $4,200 new skylight installation cost

Get free estimates from skylight installers near you, or view our cost guide below.

May 6, 2022

Reviewed by Tom Grupa and 4 expert skylight installers on HomeGuide.

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 installation cost - chart
Skylight installation cost - chart

Skylight installation cost
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:

Average cost to add a skylight
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.

Find top-rated skylight installers in your city. View Pros

Large skylight installed in kitchen for natural light
Large skylight installed in kitchen for natural light

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.

Skylight cost by type - chart
Skylight cost by type - chart

Skylight cost by type
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.

Ventilating skylight cost
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.

Ventilating skylight with remote installed in kitchen
Ventilating skylight with remote installed in kitchen

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. These bubble skylight windows install faster and easier than traditional skylights.

  • Comes in round shapes of 10” to 22” in diameter
  • Ideal for small spaces in hallways, closets, bathrooms, and kitchens
  • Compatible for roof pitches from 15 to 60 degrees
  • Often installed in a row of multiple units for larger spaces

Return to top

Skylight prices by brand

The following table shows skylight prices by the most popular brands:

Skylight prices by brand
Brand Price range Types
Velux $150 – $2,000
  • Fixed
  • Vented
  • Tubular
  • All types of glass & plastics
Fakro $220 – $3,500
  • Fixed
  • Vented
  • Tubular
  • Various glass models
  • Thicker frames to resist heavy snow
Sun-Tek $30 – $475
  • Fixed
  • Tubular
  • Polycarbonate (plastic)
  • Tempered glass
SolaTube $140 – $500
  • Tubular
  • Flexible tubing with highly reflective interior
  • Options for internal solar-powered night lights
Sunoptics $170 – $650
  • Fixed
  • Vented
  • Square or rectangle shapes only
  • Glass or acrylic (plastic)
  • Pyramid shapes

*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 unit alone. The total cost of installing a Velux roof window depends on the size, model, and installation complexity.

  • 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.

Return to top

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 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 ease-of-access 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.
Get free quotes from local skylight installers. View Pros

Skylight sizes and prices

While custom sizes are available, most skylights come in these standard sizes:

Skylights sizes and prices
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 costs include cutting a hole in the roof, mounting the skylight, framing, installing flashing, and ceiling finishing.

Additional costs may apply:

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:

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. Flat-roof window installations take longer and require more precise flashing and sealing to prevent water from pooling around it.

Pitched vs. flat-roof skylight prices
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.

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.

Commercial skylights cost
Type Installed cost Sizes
Continuous vaulted $125 – $500 per linear foot
  • 16” – 84” wide
Dome units $1,250 – $1,600 each
  • Up to 50” square
  • Single or double
  • Acrylic
Extra-large round units $1,200 – $5,800 each
  • 60” – 90” wide
  • Plastic
Glass roof canopies $3,000 – $7,000+ each
  • 150 – 300 square feet or larger
  • Custom-built

Return to top

Pros and cons of skylights

The following table shows the pros and cons of installing skylights:

Pros and cons of skylights
Pros Cons
  • More natural light for dark interiors
  • Summer energy savings due to less electric lighting needed
  • Natural heat gain for colder rooms
  • Flexible installation options
  • Spacious design aesthetic
  • Increased homebuyer appeal
  • Fresh air (ventilating models)
  • Overheating & over-lighting rooms
  • Heat loss in winter
  • Leaking with improper installation
  • Harder to clean than regular windows
  • Expensive for new installations
  • Condensation buildup without proper ventilation
  • Color fading of interior carpets & furniture from excess light
  • May increase homeowners insurance

Frequently asked questions

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. However, plastics like 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
Still have questions? Ask a pro. View Pros

Return to top

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:
  • 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?
  • Can I get a detailed estimate of all the work included?

Get free estimates on HomeGuide from trusted pros:

Get free estimates


Skylight installation
Looking for a pro near you?
Get free custom quotes from qualified pros in your area.

Looking for pros near you?


Answer some questions

Let us know about your needs so we can bring you the right pros.

Get quotes

Receive quotes from multiple pros that meet your exact needs.

Hire the right pro

Compare quotes, message or call pros, and hire only when ready.