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.
Download Your Skylight Planning Checklist
Ready to brighten your home? Download our skylight checklist to guide you through every step of your project. From choosing the right size to selecting the best features, this checklist will help you make informed decisions and ensure a smooth installation.
