Kitchen and Bath Skylights: Small Change, Big Return

From Kayla on July 19th, 2010 in Window Replacement

The days of expansive remodels may be on hold for now, but that doesn’t mean the value of your home has to deteriorate. There are still plenty of ways to squeeze as much out of your existing investment as possible—without spending more than your wallet can handle. Case in point: adding a skylight in the kitchen or bathroom.

kitchen skylight

As in remodeling days past, the kitchen and bathroom are still the best rooms to remodel if you hope to make the money back in the future, making them perfect locations for an upgrade. But beware: you won’t necessarily make more if you spend more. According to the National Association of Realtor’s Cost vs. Value Report, a smaller kitchen remodel will bring back a 72.1% return, while a higher-end kitchen remodel will only get a 63.2% return.

bathroom skylight

So what brings the most bang for your buck? We recommend a skylight installation in your kitchen or bathroom. This is becoming a popular option for both rooms because of their high moisture and humidity levels. It’s also a quick and easy way to make either room more visually appealing.

kitchen skylights

The cost of installation ranges from $800 to $2,000, depending on the complexity of the skylight. It’ll cost more, for instance, if the skylight allows for ventilation or comes with remote-control blinds. But every model has its own perks. Venting skylights can expel hot air along with kitchen and bathroom odors, but all of them will decrease energy bills by allowing in more natural light. In a bathroom, skylights can also reduce the moisture build-up that eventually leads to mold.

Better lighting, improved air ventilation, more energy savings and increased home value? That’s a smart idea all-around.

Photo Credit: Everyday Holiday, Waas Up, & Healthy Green Living

2 Responses to “Kitchen and Bath Skylights: Small Change, Big Return”

FourEd Says:

July 28th, 2010 at 12:26 am

Skylights are certainly a very good way of making a room look bigger than it actually is. They will provide much more light and give a much better feel to a room.

Solar Power for Everyone | Calfinder Remodeling Blog Says:

November 29th, 2011 at 3:59 pm

[...] you “warm up” to the idea of solar energy in your home, consider installing a simple skylight that will bring solar power in its most undiluted form to your living area, reducing your need for [...]

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About the Author:

Kayla Albert
A freelance writer by trade and an artist at heart, Kayla is a spastic go-getter who likes to believe she is on the cutting edge of new trends in any arena. When she isn’t playing with words, she is most likely enthralled by some horrific reality show or reading a new self-help book. Before joining the fantastic CalFinder team, Kayla worked towards her bachelor’s degree in English Writing from the University of Colorado at Denver. She is committed to bringing a quirky edge to remodeling ideas and home design. You can also read Kayla's work at Confessions of a Perfectionist.