Skylight - installing a new roof, thoughts on a skylight?

[Andrew Mestdagh]

Hi BP Nation!

I'm putting a new roof on a home that I'm planning on living in for 3-5 years, then holding on to it as a rental property and/or eventually selling it.  It's a 1200 square foot Bungalow in the northern suburbs of Detroit.  The tentative plan is to install a skylight in the upstairs bedroom of the Bungalow.  I have a couple questions (below).  Any input or feedback, positive or negative, is very much appreciated!

1)  My quotes for a new asphalt shingle roof range from $4,500 to $5,500.  Any idea how much extra a skylight would cost to install at the same time as the new roof?

2)  Do skylights or the framing need updating more often than a typical roof?  What are the maintenance costs?

3)  Are there any extraordinary challenges to install a skylight during the winter time in a northern climate?  (I would not DIY)

4)  Other than extra natural lighting, any other major benefits to a skylight?

5)  Any major negatives to a skylight?

Thank you BP Nation!

-Andrew

[Laura Weldon]

@Andrew Mestdagh

I worked for my inlaws' roofing company for a few years. Skylights can be problematic and typically don't even last the life of the roof. Solar tubes are amazing! They're less expensive and create an abundance of light (a lot more than you'd think).