Do Skylights Add Value To A Home? (Explained)
If you're a homeowner, you're always looking for ways to improve your home and increase its value. One upgrade that you might be considering is adding skylights.
After all, who doesn't love the idea of natural light flooding into their home?
Sadly, skylights won’t give you any direct ROI.
But it is a selling point!
In this post, I'll shed some light (pun intended!) on the impact of skylights on your home's value. And I'll also go over the cons of installing them.
Do Skylights Increase Home Value?
No, skylights won’t increase the selling price of your home. There is almost 0 ROI.
But, they can definitely make it more appealing and easier to sell.
A lot of homebuyers are really drawn to the natural light, open feel, and unique look that well-placed skylights can provide.
Because of this, homes with skylights often have an advantage in the market - they offer a good feature that can attract more interested buyers and help the home sell faster.
The exact impact depends on things like location and what buyers in that area prefer, but in general, skylights are seen as a positive feature.
Other Benefits Of Installing Skylights
Apart from making homes more appealing and marketable, skylights have many other pros:
Energy Savings
One of the biggest advantages of skylights is that they can help lower your energy bills.
With all that natural light streaming in during the day, you don't have to rely as much on electric lights. This can lead to some nice savings over time.
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Plus, many modern skylights are designed to be energy-efficient.
They come with features like special low-emissivity coatings and insulated glass to make them even more efficient, keeping heat in during winter and out during summer.
Ventilation
Skylights don't just let in light; they can also allow fresh air to circulate through a room.
Some models can be opened up, so you can get that nice breeze flowing, which can reduce stuffiness and odors.
This ventilation feature is especially handy in rooms without many windows or where moisture can build up, like bathrooms and kitchens.
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For example, a skylight will let out the humidity and prevent mold growth in a steamy bathroom. In a kitchen, it can help clear out cooking smells and smoke.
Aesthetic Appeal
Beyond the practical advantages, skylights can also make your home look nicer.
They give a feeling of openness and can make small spaces seem bigger and more inviting. Most buyers will find this very appealing.
For example, a dark attic or a small bedroom can feel much more spacious and airy.
Skylights can also be attractive design elements, adding a unique touch to a room's look.
They can create interesting light patterns and highlight architectural details, making the room more visually appealing.
Natural Light
The most obvious benefit of skylights is that they bring natural light into a space.
Natural light has been linked to all sorts of health benefits like improved mood, better sleep, and higher productivity.
Skylights allow sunshine to reach areas that would otherwise be dim or reliant on artificial lighting, creating a healthier and more comfortable living environment.
The Cons Of Skylights
As great as skylights can be, there are some potential downsides to consider too:
Installation Costs
One big factor is the cost of installation.
Depending on the size, type, and complexity of the project, getting skylights installed can be a significant investment - anywhere around $2800 - $7000!
And you can't DIY it either.
You need to hire professionals to handle the installation to ensure proper sealing and insulation, which adds to the overall expense.
High Maintenance
Skylights need regular maintenance to keep them in good shape and working properly.
This includes cleaning the glass to prevent buildup, inspecting seals and flashing for any damage or leaks, and making sure any moving parts (like on operable skylights) are working.
Neglecting maintenance can lead to costly repairs or replacements down the road.
Energy Efficiency Concerns
While skylights can save energy by reducing the need for electric lights, they can also potentially cause issues with heating and cooling.
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In hot climates, skylights may let in too much heat - so you need more air conditioning.
Now in colder areas, skylights can cause significant heat loss if they are poorly insulated. This will drive up heating costs.
Proper installation and energy-efficient designs are a must to avoid these problems.
Potential For Leaks
One of the biggest risks with skylights is the possibility of leaks.
If they're not installed correctly or if the seals and flashing deteriorate over time, skylights can allow water to get through the roof.
This is not an “if”, it WILL happen one day.