Skylight Installation

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. 1.How big of a skylight do I need? Every skylight is sized to fit a particular room according to many different factors. First, understand that most people, being disappointed with a dark room, oversize their skylight causing too much heat loss in the winter and too much heat gain in the summer. Many contractors install a standard 2x4 skylight, without considering all the different factors. We look at which direction the skylight will face, how large the room is, how reflective the materials are in the room, how deep the shaft will be, along with many other factors.
2.How much does a skylight cost? Standard skylight installations vary from room to room. Many factors go into the estimating process, including skylight size and style, house type and existing construction conditions, location, etc. An average installation including the skylight, weatherproofing, all interior finish except for interior painting averages about $1,350.00. Keep in mind, some will cost more and some will cost less. Additionally, if you install more than one skylight, the price per each goes down.
3.How much light will I get in the room? We are told that a skylight brings in eight times more light than the same size window. The biggest difference however is in the quality of light. An example would be for you to stand in your room, with your back to the largest window looking into the dark part of the room. (It helps if you don't stare at the bright window while you walk into the room to start this experiment) You should notice that the room really isn't as dark as you thought. The reason for this is that your eyes have to adjust, just like a camera does, between the bright light and the dark corners of the room. In doing so it makes the room seem darker than it really is. Light from a skylight brings the light down from the ceiling, lighting up all corners of the room evenly. A window can cause "shadows" in your room, but a skylight typically cannot because the light is coming from overhead.
4.Do I need one that opens? Operable skylights work best in bathrooms, kitchens, rooms that have high cathedral ceilings, or rooms without any other ventilation. They have the same leak proof warranties as the "fixed" or nonoperable skylights do and do not have any long term problems. In most cases you will not need an operable skylight, except to solve ventilation problems in the examples above. And do not plan on venting the whole house with just one skylight. A whole-house fan works better, with proper ventilation of the attic space.
5. How long does it take to install? We typically figure one day per skylight for the installation. If we are installing more than one in a vaulted ceiling, we may put enough workmen on the job to do all in one day. After the installation, the drywaller will come in, either the same day or we will schedule another day. He typically does not need an entire day to do his job.
6. Do they lose much heat in the winter? A well designed and sealed skylight does not lose so much heat to make a difference in your heating bill. In fact, the suns rays help heat the room at times. You should never feel a cold draft from a skylight.
7.Do they gain heat in the summer? A skylight that has the proper glazing (that lets the light in) and is sized correctly will never let too much heat into the home. There are many glazing products that are designed to let the light in but block the harmful UV rays that can cause heat gain and interior damage.
8.Do I need to be home from work the whole day while the installation is being done? Typically, most people will need to be home to let us in and to be available during the layout of the skylight opening in the ceiling. After that the homeowner is free to come and go at will.
9.Do we need to use a shade? Typically, a skylight installed with the correct size will not need a shade unless it is the bedroom. A shade is usually required in a bedroom because of moon light and early morning light. You can always install a shade after we have completed the skylight installation.

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. Biggest factor in looking at different companies is how long they have been in business and how long have they had their employees. My previous customers call for more work, ten or twenty years later and can still find the same installers. Many companies claim they have long term employees, but we have the proof!

Q. What questions should a consumer ask to hire the right service professional?

A. Top Ten Reasons Why You Should Choose Us To Install Or Repair Your Residential Skylights

1. We will Enhance the Architectural Beauty of your Home.

By inviting the Beauty of Natural Light into your home from above, you will add more appeal with the inherent sense of openness a Skylight provides. Skylight Specialists, Inc. can do this quickly, cost effectively, and with the genuine craftsmanship expected from a professional job done right the first time.

2. We have a Solid Background.

Rob Packard, President & Founder, started construction in 1975 and founded the company that is now Skylight Specialists Inc. in 1980. Additionally, our construction crews have an average of 10 years specializing only in the intricacies of skylight installation and repair.

3. We are Licensed and have Proper Insurance.

Skylight Specialists, Inc. are registered with the State of Colorado, & is licensed throughout the Denver Metro area. Rob Packard holds a Denver supervisor Class "B" License. Certificates of Insurance, with your name as the certificate holder, are available upon request.

4. Different Types of Work we can do for you.

Skylight Specialists, Inc. is a General Contractor that specializes in Skylights for both residential and commercial properties. Additionally, we are the exclusive Denver Metro Area Velux Certified Technicians for Service Warranty Work, plus installations and repairs.

5. We can provide References for you.

Skylight Specialists has over 8,500 Residential References, as well as commercial references upon request. Also, Skylight Specialists is on The Tom Martino Referral List.

6. We have Qualified Employees.

Skylight Specialists put all employees through an extensive training program to ensure Top Quality Craftsmanship. An ongoing Training program is carried on to see that everyone is proficient in the latest methods in construction and to provide top quality customer service. We have a high average years worked record of our employees.

7. We have a solid Warranty.

Skylight Specialists, with an extensive background in the business, have selected vendors and material suppliers that have minimal call back ratios and who stand behind their products. Our employees are the best in the business and our company warranty covers labor and materials for Five Full Years on new skylight installations. Ask how you can get even higher warranty coverage for peace of mind.

8. Our proposals Cover All Variables.

Skylight Specialists offers written Complete Contracts. Whenever possible, we try to make an allowance and note all possible contingencies in order to avoid any back charges.

9. Commitment to Craftsmanship

We have always followed the principal of Quality Based Training vs. Production Based (or Piecework) Training. Our perspective of a Skylight is not that of a speed-bump in production, but as a True Addition of Architectural Beauty. This philosophy is key in doing the Job Right the First Time

10. We Plan for Longevity

Our work, our company, & our commitment to excellence have and will Stand the Test of Time through our solid belief in customer service and quality workmanship.