One of the first questions homeowners ask is:
"How much does a skylight cost?"
The honest answer is: the skylight itself is only part of the total project cost.
A complete skylight project may include the product, roof installation, flashing work, electrical connection, ceiling framing, plastering and painting. That is why a skylight that appears affordable as a product can become a much larger project once labour and finishing are included
At Splendid Skylights, we think the better question is:
"Which daylighting solution gives me the best value for this room?"
1. Start with the product cost
Different daylighting products suit different rooms and budgets.
- Common options include:
- Solar Lights
- Tubular Skylights
- Fixed Roof Windows
- Electric Opening Roof Windows
- Custom Skylights
For current product pricing, refer to the SHOP PAGE.
2. Installation can cost as much as the skylight
This is the part many homeowners underestimate.
A skylight costing around $1,500 may require another $1,500 or more for installation, depending on the roof and ceiling construction.
The final cost depends on:
- roof type
- roof pitch
- roof access
- flashing requirements
- ceiling type
- whether electrical work is required
- whether plastering and painting are required
Installation cost is not just labour. It is the work required to cut into the roof, frame the opening, integrate the flashing and make the roof weatherproof again.
3. Ceiling work can add a lot
A cathedral ceiling is usually simpler because the roof window can open directly into the room.
A flat ceiling usually requires a plaster light shaft between the roof and the ceiling below.
That shaft may require:
- timber framing
- plasterboard
- stopping
- sanding
- painting
This can add significant cost, especially if the roof cavity is deep or the shaft needs to be splayed.
The good news is that a standard light shaft is well within the scope of many competent handymen and DIY renovators. We provide practical guidance showing how to build a simple, effective shaft.
Roof Types & Light Shafts
4. DIY can reduce the total cost
Because installation is such a large part of the total project, DIY can make a big difference.
Splendid Skylights products are designed to be installation-friendly, with:
- purpose-designed flashing systems
- pre-engineered components
- clear instructions
- installation videos
- technical support
Even if you use a builder or roofer, having a DIY-ready product helps reduce uncertainty and installation time.
Installation Videos
Technical Resources
5. Choose the right daylighting solution
The lowest-cost solution is not always the cheapest skylight. It is the product that suits the room.
Solar Lights
A Solar Light is often the easiest option.
It uses a roof-mounted solar panel to power a ceiling-mounted LED panel with a daylight-feel colour temperature.
Benefits:
- no roof penetration
- no plaster shaft
- simple installation
- ideal where a skylight is difficult
- can provide light after dark
Solar Lights
Tubular Skylights
A tubular skylight brings real daylight through a reflective tube to a ceiling diffuser.
Benefits:
- genuine natural daylight
- no plaster shaft
- easier installation than a roof window
- excellent for hallways, walk-in robes, pantries, laundries and bathrooms
Tubular Skylights
Roof Windows
A roof window costs more, but it can transform a key room.
Benefits:
- natural daylight
- sky views
- ventilation with opening models
- architectural impact
- wow factor
- improved resale appeal
This is where Splendid has a particularly strong value position, especially with Electric Opening Roof Windows.
6. Electric opening roof windows are better value than many people expect
Electric opening roof windows used to be considered a premium luxury.
That is changing.
Manufacturing improvements and standardisation now make electric models far more affordable than many homeowners expect. For rooms such as kitchens, bathrooms, stairwells and main living areas, electric opening roof windows provide daylight and ventilation in one product.
For current pricing, compare the options in the SHOP PAGE.
Opening vs Fixed Roof Windows
7. A skylight can modernise an older home
Many Australian homes from the 1950s, 60s and 70s were built under different expectations around natural light.
The result is often:
- dark hallways
- gloomy kitchens
- internal bathrooms
- windowless walk-in robes
- living areas that need electric lights during the day
One of the most effective ways to modernise an older home is not by adding more lights, but by adding more daylight.
A well-positioned skylight or roof window can make a room feel larger, brighter and more valuable. In key rooms, it can also create the kind of wow factor buyers notice immediately when the home is later sold.
8. Consider long-term value
A skylight keeps providing value long after installation.
Depending on the product, it can provide:
- free daylight during the day
- reduced reliance on artificial lighting
- free natural ventilation with opening models
- improved comfort
- better use of dark spaces
- increased appeal during renovation or resale
The return is not just lower electricity use. It is the daily improvement to the home.
9. Affordable Skylights – Value for Money Without Compromise
When homeowners search for affordable skylights, they are rarely looking for the cheapest product available. More often, they are looking for good value for money—quality products, sensible pricing and long-term performance without paying more than they need to.
The price difference between skylights is influenced by factors such as glazing performance, flashing systems, engineering, installation complexity and brand positioning. Premium brands are often an excellent choice for specialised architectural applications or projects with unique design requirements. However, for many residential projects there are value-focused alternatives that deliver comparable daylight, weather performance and durability without paying for features you may never use.
One of the biggest opportunities to reduce the overall project cost is installation. Labour can often cost as much as, or more than, the skylight itself. Splendid Skylights offers a wide range of complete systems, including DIY-friendly Skylight Kits and Solar Lights that are engineered for straightforward installation, helping reduce labour costs while maintaining quality and weather performance.
Rather than offering a single solution, we provide four product levels to suit different projects and budgets:
- Essential – Practical daylighting solutions for everyday projects.
- Standard – Reliable performance and excellent value.
- Trade Choice – Professional-grade quality and durability.
- Premium – Maximum performance, features and specification for demanding applications.
The smartest buying decision is knowing where to invest and where to save. High-quality glazing, well-engineered flashings and proven weather performance are worth paying for because they influence comfort, durability and long-term reliability. Expensive branding or premium features that aren't required for your project often are not. If you're comparing premium imported brands, our Velux Alternatives guide explains where a premium product may be justified—and where a value-focused alternative could be the smarter investment.
The bottom line
The cost of a skylight project depends on more than the product price.
Consider:
- product cost
- installation cost
- ceiling and shaft work
- electrical work
- DIY potential
- long-term daylight and ventilation value
- resale appeal
For a hallway or walk-in robe, a Solar Light or Tubular Skylight may be the best value. For a kitchen, living area or stairwell, an Electric Opening Roof Window may cost more upfront but deliver much greater lifestyle and property value.
