Adding a Skylight to owner's apartment in Duplex

[Francis A.]

Hi all!

Newbie here. You all have built a wonderful home away from home here in Biggerpockets!! Bravo!

I have a question regarding skylights. I live in Southern California and about to live in a self owned duplex. We'll be occupying the larger apartment in the duplex. The smaller apartment will be tenant occupied.

We are seriously thinking of installing two skylights, (1) in our kitchen and a smaller one in our master bathroom both of which happen to be on the same side of the building.

This is purely for the visual (added natural light) enhancement of our (owners) living quarters.

In terms of real estate appreciation, what do skylights realistically add in appraised value to the duplex?

Does the psychological aspect of having a wonderfully lit kitchen and bathroom influence the bank's appraiser when that time comes to see how much the duplex has appreciated?

Or would this be in effect pouring money down the drain regardless of how much enjoyment that added natural light brings?

Thanks in advance!

Francis

[Ralph Soles]

@

Best wishes to your success

[Colleen F.]

Not much added value I would think. In California maybe a green add-on and a selling point but probably doesn't add to appraised value. The way appraisals are done comparisons to other properties this is a very small contribution to the overall value of the house. You can certainly ask an appraiser. Do it because it increases your quality of life and/or passive solar heat but don't expect it to increase house value like say the addition of a outdoor living space like a deck or patio might.

[John Pearson]

look into the spyder tubular skylight, you may be able to get both lights from a singular roof opening, and use at least a 6" high curb,,, see local recommendations and codes

[Francis A.]

To: David Ganney,

You’re a rock star, sir! The info you’ve shared is stuff I’d been trying to glean off the internet before I stumbled upon this site. Awesome stuff!!

To: Ralph Soles

Thanks for your well wishes! It so happens that I am going to my first foreclosure seminar today. Maybe we can chat sometime.

To: Colleen F.

Thanks for the pointers. I was actually leaning towards not installing skylights if they didn’t add value. Maybe it’s the penny-pinching ambitions in me. But we’ll definitely get bids and go for it. Thanks for the thumbs up!

To: John Pearson

Thanks for the recommendation. I picked up a few skylight manuals but hadn’t heard of this brand. I will look into this model.

Thanks so much again and blessings to all!

:-)

Francis