Take advantage of Mother Nature by installing a skylight or roof window, and bring natural daylight into a room. A sky window also helps reduce energy bills by providing illumination during the day without turning on lights. When remodeling a small room where wall space is at a premium, a skylight in the roof, instead of adding a wall window, is a popular solution. And a skylight is often preferred in bathrooms and kitchens where wall space is needed for cabinetry and fixtures. Acrylic skylights are a popular choice for many remodeling projects because they don’t require painting. Moreover, their improved design and sealants will resist water infiltration and prevent moisture from entering the home.
A window installer will charge $1,462, which includes labor and material, to install a 30-by-38-inch glass skylight. If you have carpentry experience and tools, you can buy the unit for $675, install it and pocket a 54 percent saving. This is a project beyond the scope of many homeowners because it involves cutting a hole in the roof, not a job for anyone who lacks advanced carpentry experience and tools. So, if there’s any question in your mind, definitely hire a pro.
When choosing a skylight, you’ll find optional screening accessories like venetian blinds, pleated or roller shades, and remote-control openers. Pay attention to where you locate a skylight in a room and avoid overexposing the space with too much sunlight that may damage furniture and make it too bright or too hot.
To find more DIY project costs and to post comments and questions, visit www.diyornot.com and m.diyornot.com on smartphones.
Pro Cost—DIY Cost—Pro time—DIY Time—DIY Savings—Percent Saved
$1,462—$675—10.5—13.5—$787—54 percent
