Think you're ready for a skylight? How can you be sure?
With the Skylight Planning Checklist, of course!
If you think you may want to install a skylight in your home, you should give yourself about four months to get everything in order before installation begins. Here's how we have it broken down:
4 Months Before
Consider this your planning phase. You wouldn't buy a new sofa without seriously considering how it'll go with your home, right? The same goes for skylights, except they involve a bit of construction work, so you're really going to want to make sure you pick the right ones. Roughly four months before your installation, you should:
- RESEARCH YOUR OPTIONS
- Read up on all the different types of skylights
- Check out our before and after galleries for design inspiration
- UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU WANT
- Do you just want more sun or could you go for some fresh air too?
- Do you want a room full of sun or are you looking for more focused lighting?
- CONSIDER YOUR HOME'S LIGHTING NEEDS
- Do you have rooms facing the sun that could capture more sunlight throughout the day?
- Do you need light in small, hard to reach spaces like in your closets, hallways, or stairwells?
- PICK YOUR ROOM
- Bathrooms and kitchens experience heavy moisture and benefit from venting skylights.
- Hallways and stairwells can be dark and experience a boost in daylight and safety with skylights.
3 Months Before
At this point, you're a little more knowledgable about both skylights in general and what you want to change about your home. Now it's time to look at the logistics.
- CONSIDER YOUR HOME'S EXTERIOR
- What type of roofing materials (shingles, tile, metal) are used in your home?
- Do you have a flat roof or an inclined one?
- CONSIDER YOUR HOME'S INTERIOR
- Where in the room do you need more daylight?
- Does that room face north, south, east, or west?
- CONSIDER YOUR LIFESTYLE
- Do you need fixed or venting skylights?
- Do you need solar-powered, electric, or manually operated skylights?
- How high up is your ceiling? Would you need a remote control or turning rod?
- What kind of blinds are you looking for - light-filtering, blackout, Venetian?
- CONSIDER YOUR INSTALLER
- Research the VELUX-Certified Installers in your area.
- Read up about their business and through customer reviews to ensure you've got the right fit.
2 Months Before
Now that you have the logistics, it's time to get into the nitty-gritty planning details.
- INVITE YOUR POTENTIAL INSTALLERS OVER
- Explain what you want out of your skylight and ask for their opinion.
- Request a quote for product and installation.
- Ask what about your expected start date.
- TALK TO YOUR HOA
- Consider any potential HOA requirements.
- Review and submit your plans to the HOA's Architectural Committee if applicable.
- FINALIZE, FINALIZE, FINALIZE
- Select your skylight model, size, flashing, and accessories (remotes, blinds, etc.).
- Choose your installer and set up another meeting to discuss final decisions.
1 Month Before
Installation time is getting close! But there's still work to be done:
- FINAL CONSULTATION
- Meet with your installer for a final consultation.
- Discuss your selected product details.
- Determine final placement details and talk about light shaft choices (if applicable).
- SCHEDULE YOUR INSTALLATION
- Agree upon skylight products, placement, and a job estimate quote with your installer.
- Schedule the installation, and ask for a contract so that all expectations are fully outlined.
2-4 Days Before
Installation week has arrived! Are you ready? If you've been following the checklist, you should be!
- INSTALLATION BEGINS
- Cutting away roofing materials
- Adding drywall ceiling and wall materials as needed for skylight framing
- INSTALLATION IS COMPLETED
- Once your skylight's in place, get to know its features and functionality
- Ask your installer any questions you have about operation
And voila! A skylight all your own to relax beneath and enjoy.
So, where are you on the Skylight Planning Checklist?