Posted by VELUX Skylights on November 8, 2019

The Skylight Planning Checklist

SKYLIGHT INNOVATIONS HOMEOWNER FEATURED

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
  • 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?