he cost to remove a skylight and roof over the opening in 2025 typically ranges between $1,200 and $3,500, depending on several factors like roof type, labor rates, structural changes needed, and finishing work. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
🧱 Average Cost Breakdown
Item | Estimated Cost |
---|---|
Skylight removal | $200–$500 |
Framing the roof opening | $400–$800 |
Roof decking repair | $300–$600 |
Shingle or roofing replacement | $200–$700 |
Interior ceiling patching | $100–$500 |
Disposal, permits, cleanup | $100–$300 |
➡️ Total Cost Range: $1,200–$3,500
Higher-end if it’s a tile roof, multi-story home, or if structural issues are found.
🛠️ Factors That Affect Cost
-
Roofing Material
-
Asphalt shingles = cheaper
-
Tile, metal, or slate = higher cost (more labor, fragile)
-
-
Roof Pitch & Access
-
Steep or high roofs require more time and safety setup.
-
-
Interior Repairs
-
If drywall, insulation, or paint need repair, costs go up.
-
-
Structural Reinforcement
-
Older or trussed roofs may need added support.
-
-
Weatherproofing
-
Flashing, underlayment, and sealants are crucial for long-term leak prevention.
-
🔧 Optional Add-Ons
-
Install attic insulation in former skylight cavity: +$100–$300
-
Full roof inspection: +$100–$250
-
Roof replacement (if it’s due anyway): costs vary greatly
✅ Is It Worth It?
Removing a skylight can be a good choice if:
-
It leaks repeatedly or is aging.
-
It causes heat gain or energy loss.
-
You’re remodeling or replacing the entire roof.
-
You want to reduce maintenance or improve aesthetics.
What Rooms Are Skylights Most Commonly Removed From?
Skylights are most commonly removed from rooms where they have become problematic or no longer serve their original purpose. Here are the top rooms where skylights are typically removed—and why:
🛁 1. Bathrooms
-
Why Removed:
-
Frequent leaks from moisture exposure and steam buildup.
-
Mold issues from condensation.
-
Privacy concerns.
-
-
Alternative: Upgrade to a ventilation fan and brighter LED lighting.
🛏️ 2. Bedrooms
-
Why Removed:
-
Too much early morning light disturbing sleep.
-
Heat gain in summer or cold drafts in winter.
-
Difficult to shade or insulate.
-
-
Alternative: Recessed lighting or blackout curtains over the skylight (if not removing).
🍽️ 3. Kitchens
-
Why Removed:
-
Water leaks causing ceiling and cabinetry damage.
-
Grease and humidity buildup accelerating skylight deterioration.
-
Renovations that shift the room layout or lighting design.
-
-
Alternative: Under-cabinet or pendant lighting, or switching to solar tubes.
🛋️ 4. Living Rooms / Great Rooms
-
Why Removed:
-
Persistent leaks in vaulted ceilings.
-
Too much glare on screens or fading furniture.
-
Roof replacements where skylights are aging or no longer match new roof materials.
-
-
Alternative: Larger vertical windows or solar control films.
🧱 5. Hallways & Entryways
-
Why Removed:
-
Aesthetic reasons during modern remodels.
-
Cost vs. benefit is low for small or dark hallways.
-
Cracks or leaks in hard-to-reach locations.
-
🛠️ Common Reasons for Removal Across All Rooms
-
Roof replacement (easier to roof over than re-flash)
-
Skylight is outdated or no longer manufactured
-
Damage from storms, hail, or tree debris
-
Energy efficiency upgrades (especially in hot climates like Arizona or Texas)
-
Preparing the home for sale (avoid future buyer concerns)
Here are lighting alternatives to skylights—organized by room type and lighting goal—so you can maintain natural brightness, warmth, and ambiance without the leaks, heat, or upkeep skylights often bring:
💡 GENERAL LIGHTING ALTERNATIVES TO SKYLIGHTS
1. Solar Tubes (Sun Tunnels)
-
Best for: Bathrooms, hallways, closets, kitchens
-
Pros: Natural light, minimal heat transfer, low leak risk
-
Cost: ~$700–$1,500 installed (less than a skylight)
-
Note: Great compromise between natural light and low maintenance
2. LED Recessed Lighting (Can Lights)
-
Best for: Any room
-
Pros: Sleek look, dimmable, customizable placement
-
Cost: ~$100–$300 per fixture (installed)
-
Note: Use daylight-spectrum bulbs (5000K) for a skylight-like effect
3. Pendant or Chandelier Fixtures
-
Best for: Kitchens, dining areas, entryways
-
Pros: Decorative + functional, wide light spread
-
Cost: ~$150–$1,000+ depending on style
-
Tip: Use LED bulbs to keep energy usage low
4. Track Lighting
-
Best for: Living rooms, kitchens, hallways
-
Pros: Flexible, can direct light to specific areas
-
Cost: ~$200–$600
-
Note: Modern designs look clean and work well with vaulted ceilings
5. Wall Sconces
-
Best for: Bathrooms, hallways, bedrooms
-
Pros: Soft indirect light, good for ambiance
-
Cost: ~$100–$400 each (installed)
6. Clerestory Windows
-
Best for: Living rooms, kitchens, stairwells
-
Pros: High-mounted windows for natural light without privacy loss
-
Cost: More expensive (~$2,000+), but permanent and beautiful
🔦 ROOM-BY-ROOM RECOMMENDATIONS
Room | Lighting Alternatives |
---|---|
Bathroom | Solar tube, LED can lights, vanity lighting, wall sconces |
Kitchen | Recessed lighting, under-cabinet lights, pendant lights |
Bedroom | Recessed dimmable LEDs, bedside sconces, soft ceiling fixtures |
Living Room | Track lighting, floor lamps, dimmable overhead LED fixtures |
Hallway | Solar tubes, wall sconces, flush-mount ceiling lights |
Entryway | Chandelier, pendant fixture, sidelights next to the front door |
Elite Solar Lighting & Fans Is A Skylight Installer Located In Arizona
Elite Solar Lighting & Fans offers residential and commercial solar tube installation services throughout the entire united states, including Arizona, California, New Mexico, and more.