How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Skylight in 2024?

Willing to convert your attic into a living room or multifunctional storage space, but its atmosphere fits Dracula rather than a human being? If you are about to renovate a whole house or its housetop, you can seize this opportunity to install a skylight window. It allows for transforming a gloomy, unwelcoming under-roof space into a dreamy escape. How? Skylight windows let in a lot of natural light, illuminating it in a way that standard units often cannot. As they can be opened and closed, you can keep the air in a room fresh without A/C.

However, homeowners who equipped their homes with skylights 15+ years ago can face various window failures. You can notice water stains, dampness, or pooling water around the unit, indicating a leak. Or you may feel a drop in the temperature when standing under the skylight. Furthermore, fogging, discoloration, problems with opening/closing, or higher energy bills can also indicate the necessity for skylight window replacement. 

Can’t wait to upgrade your attic? The skylight cost can vary from $1,000 to $3,800, with most homeowners spending $2,400. If you are on a tight budget, you can go for a low-end option of $390. 

The cost of brand-new skylights

National average cost	$2,400
Low-end cost	$390
High-end cost	$4,500
Average cost range	$1,000 - $3,800

The National Average Cost to Replace a Skylight 

If you’ve already had a skylight and want to replace it with a brand-new one of the exact dimensions, you can expect to spend between $420 to $1,550. The skylight window cost will depend on a unit’s size, shape, and add-on features. Thus, most US homeowners pay about $970 for a standard option. Please note that window contractors don’t usually include services for removal and disposal of the old skylight in the cost. 

With MyHomeQuote, you can get the best deal in your area. We can help you receive multiple personalized quotes from local contractors, so it won’t be a big deal to discover the most affordable skylight window replacement cost. Submit your request by filling out the form below.

The national average cost range of replacing a skylight

Average cost range

$420 - $1,550

The National Average Cost to Install a Skylight

The absence of a ready-made window opening makes things more complicated. If the installation requires significant changes to the roof structure, window contractors can charge an additional fee. Plus, you’ll have to get a building permit to create a new construction. How much does it cost to install a skylight? The average prices vary across the US, falling between $1,280 and $2,800. Your expenses can go up or down depending on your roofing material and the skylight type, size, and features you choose. 

The national average cost range of installing a skylight

Average cost range

$1,280 - $2,800

The Cost to Install a Skylight by Size

Once in the market, you can get your hands on skylights of various sizes, from tiny ones to massive 46''x46'' units. Their dimensions make for the main cost drivers as manufacturers need to spend more materials and labor to produce a bigger window. In other words, the skylight prices can change depending on the unit size you opt for. Please note that contractors can charge more for installing oversized windows.  

If you have a trussed housetop, you are more likely to choose a 25-inch-wide skylight, as contractors can’t cut trusses to change the standard distance between them. But homeowners of other roof types should better consult a specialist to define all available customization options. 

The skylight price by size

Size	Average cost (material only)
22 x 22	$290 - $550
22 x 46	$400 - $800
30 x 30	$300 - $640
30 x 46	$470 - $830
46 x 46	$960 - $1,300

The Cost to Install a Skylight by Type 

Skylights are available in three different types to fit various housetops and budgets. But they are all designed to ensure abundant light for all the spaces. So, it’s worth paying more attention to the functions you want to take advantage of and the skylight installation cost you can afford once you select a skylight type that perfectly matches your roof. 

Tubular Sun-Tunnel Skylight

If your suitable-for-window space is limited but still needs one to get more natural light, a tubular type is just the ticket. Such skylights have a sleek and modern design that fits into tighter places where standard skylights can’t. They come with flexible shafts, making the installation process a cinch. That’s why getting skylights installed costs less. The price of windows only can vary from $330 to $650.

Fixed Skylight 

As fixed skylights can’t be opened for ventilation, the likelihood of leaks and drafts decreases, making them ideal for cold states. They can also offer unique lighting and views of the sky, adding a feature to your home that is both functional and eye-catching. How much does a skylight cost? You can shell out from $350 to $900 per unit alone. 

Ventilating Skylight

Ventilated skylights are the best choice for improved air circulation in rooms with high humidity, like bathrooms and kitchens. They also allow plenty of natural light to flood in, creating a more welcoming space. The cost of skylights can vary from $370 to $1,380 per unit based on the way of operation you choose: 

• Manually vented units. As you can open and close them like standard windows, they can be befitting for easy-to-reach places. They are popular among homeowners looking for options on a tight budget.
• Electronic units. They are equipped with sensors for auto-closing during rain and can be operated at the touch of a button. Thus, you can benefit from natural lighting and controlled ventilation.
• Solar-powered ventilated units. Instead of wiring, these windows use the sun’s energy to operate. So, you can get all the advantages of electronic units but in a more sustainable and eco-friendly way. 

The cost to add a skylight by type

Type	Average cost (material only)
Tubular sun-tunnel skylight	$330 - $650
Fixed skylight	$350 - $900
Ventilating skylights	$370 - $1,380

The Cost to Install a Skylight by Glass Type

Whether for soundproofing, improved insulation, or better safety, the right quality glass type is required. Modern homeowners are now offered numerous options that can meet all their needs. However, you should be ready to shell out more on it than standard glass that can boast neither durability, UV protection, nor impact resistance. 

If you don’t know what glass type will be the best for your home or how much to replace a skylight in your city, it’s worth asking for professional advice. MyHomeQuote can connect you with trustworthy contractors in your neighborhood. Fill in the form below to put the matching process in motion.

The list of upgraded glass types involves the following:

• Laminated glass. You can enjoy reduced noise, ultraviolet protection, and enhanced energy efficiency. However, this glass type can be costly due to higher installation charges and the material’s price. The unit alone can cost you from $1,100 to $2,000.
• Tinted glass. For reducing heat gain, glare, and UV radiation, the tinted type is the best bet. You can also boost privacy and energy management. How much do skylights cost? The price range is between $550 to $3,100.
• Insulated glass. This glass type allows for preventing thermal heat transfer, leading to energy conservation and lower HVAC costs. Plus, it can minimize condensation and provide sound insulation. However, the average cost to install a skylight can land between $390 to $1,760 per unit. 
• Low-E glass. If you strive to safeguard your interior fabrics against harmful UV rays and follow-on fading, installing Low-E glass is a proactive move. It lets in sunlight while reflecting heat. You can expect to pay from $650 to $1,500.
• Impact-resistant glass. If you live in an area with severe weather conditions and potential impact incidents, impact-resistant glass for your skylights is worth the investment. In addition to enhanced durability, it offers sound insulation. The cost of a skylight can be anywhere from $730 to $1,970.
• Tempered glass. As this glass type shatters into small, obtuse pieces when broken, you can make your home safer. Plus, it comes with superb heat and impact resistance. The cost can range from $650 to 1,300, excluding installation. 

The cost of a skylight by glass type

Glass type	Average cost (material only)
Laminated	$1,100 - $2,000
Tinted	$550 - $3,100
Insulated	$390 - $1,760
Low-E	$650 - $1,500
Impact-resistant	$730 - $1,970
Tempered	$650 - $1,300

The Cost to Install a Skylight by Brand 

The skylight manufacturer’s reputation and warranties are often reflected in the cost. Plus, companies establish their pricing policy based on the quality of materials they use for window production. In other words, if you want high-end skylight units with a 10-year leak-proof guarantee, you should be ready to fork out more. 

SolaTube

By maximizing the use of daylight, SolaTube units can significantly reduce energy consumption, lowering your utility bills. Depending on the type you select, they can provide excellent illumination even in difficult-to-reach areas. This brand is considered quite budget-friendly, as the cost to install a skylight ranges from $155 to $600 per unit. 

Velux

Whether you are interested in fixed, tubular, or vented skylights, you can get them all with this brand (all types of glass are available, too). Velux units meet Energy Star guidelines for energy efficiency, meaning that they can help reduce energy costs. The cost to replace a skylight starts at $170 and goes up to $2,300.

Fakro

Whatever shapes, sizes, and styles of skylights you are looking for, Fakro has something to offer. If you live in a state with constant snow, here you find models with thicker frames for better impact resistance. But all the products are designed with energy-efficient features. You can pay anywhere from $250 to $3,700. 

The cost of skylights by brand

Brand	Average cost (material only)
SolaTube	$155 - $600
Velux	$170 - $2,300
Fakro	$250 - $3,700

Labor Cost to Install a Skylight Window 

Skylights differ much from other window types and do require professional assistance. Labor costs for their installation can vary greatly depending on your location, the unit type, the complexity, and whether any structural changes to the housetop are required. 

The average skylight installation cost is $500+ for simple projects. This price includes cutting the hole in the roof and ceiling, skylight mounting, insulating, and finishing. However, sophisticated projects like installing vented units on steep roofs can cost about $3,000 to get things done. 

Willing to get a true sense of the skylight replacement or installation cost for your specific project? Look no further than the MyHomeQuote platform. With us, you can receive a few (5!) bespoke quotes from local pros. Share your requirements in the questionnaire below to hear from us soon. 

The Average Skylight Installer Cost (Project/Hourly Rates)

Most window specialists don’t offer flat rates for their services, as they have to make allowance for numerous aspects, including the size and type of skylight and its location. Professional services of skylight contractors cost between $55 and $70 per hour, but the price can hike up. Please note that completing the job can take 6-8 hours. In other words, you can fork up $330 to $560+ per unit for installation.

Additional Factors Affecting the Skylight Installation Price 

It’s crucial to plan your budget precisely beforehand to not run out of money in the middle of the project. Even though the size and type of skylight are paramount, the list of cost-affecting factors is much longer. Hence, once you decide to put a skylight price calculator to good use, make sure to consider the following:

Skylight Window Shape

To cut expenses, you can go for standard options like square or rectangular shapes with a price tag of $1,100. More eye-catching alternatives, like triangular or custom ones, can cost you up to $3,600.

Roof Design 

For example, a trussed A-shape roof comes with skylight installation requirements, limiting the choice. Depending on your case, you can add $120 to $800 to the total price. 

Permits

If you aren’t going to enlarge the existing window opening, you can skip this point when calculating the possible skylight replacement cost. But for the first-time installation, you need to schedule an inspection and get permits. You can pay anywhere from $130 to $600.

Mounting Type

The way your window will be mounted can also affect the price tag, even if it’s a replacement skylight project. Thus, curb-mounted units are more budget-friendly—about $900 per unit, excluding installation—but offer less curb appeal. Deck-mounted units, on the other hand, cost more—about $1,400—but they won’t affect your home’s exterior. 

Roof Material

As tiled and metal housetops make it harder for contractors to create a window opening than asphalt shingles, they can charge a higher fee. Depending on the complexity, you can pay $55+ more in labor costs. 

Accessibility 

The steeper your housetop, the higher your expenses, as contractors must take additional safety measures and devote more time to installing your skylight window. While the average hourly rate ranges from $50 to $80, it can be increased up to $100.

Interior Ceiling Finish 

The cost to finish the interior ceiling during a skylight installation will depend on the type of finish you choose. If you have a plaster or wood ceiling, you can expect to pay up to $600, while homeowners with drywalls can only pay $250. If you want to add molding or a specialty finish, the cost can increase significantly. 

Framing

The cost of framing can land between $250 to $500+. The price usually involves creating an opening in the roof, adding supports as needed, and creating a curb for the skylight. However, any modifications of load-bearing structures can double your expenses.

Accessories

You can upgrade your project by going for various add-ons like automatic dimmers and remote controls. But each extra feature will affect the total cost. While remote controls cost around $80, automatic blinders can set you back $500. 

The additional skylight replacement costs to consider

Cost-affecting factors	Average cost
Skylight window shape	$1,000 - $3,500
Roof design	$120 - $800
Permits	$130 - $600
Mounting type	$900 - $1,400
Roof material	$55+
Accessibility	$50 - $100* per hour
Interior ceiling finish	$250 - $600
Framing	$250 - $500+
Accessories	$80 - $500