recessed skylights in a fix and flip.

[Rowan Shelly]

Hi everyone,

I recently got my first deal and have been working on the scope of work with my partners/mentors. The property we're rehabbing has three recessed skylights. Two of them are in the "L" shaped kitchen, and are in pretty optimal areas. The third is in the living room, and it's in an odd spot near one of the walls, nowhere near the center of the room. One partner thinks we should keep the skylights, because they would be a great selling point of the house. The other says to get rid of them, because upon inspection it will be one of the first thinks the inspector goes for and it would make problems for the end buyer (having to maintenance in 2-3 years) especially with a new 30 year roof and lastly it wouldn't bring any additional value. Both have valid points, so I want to get your thoughts. 

[Pat L.]

I would NEVER install them again & have taken out some during rehabs. Everyone I have ever had the pleasure of owning has leaked. I recently redid the entire roof of an addition, ice shield over the entire 15x20 roof & extra work caulking etc around the 5 year old skylight & after the winter freeze & thaw it leaked. We assume it has to be a seal on the glass.

[J Scott]

I generally get rid of them.

[Rowan Shelly]

Originally posted by @Pat L.:

I would NEVER install them again & have taken out some during rehabs. Everyone I have ever had the pleasure of owning has leaked. I recently redid the entire roof of an addition, ice shield over the entire 15x20 roof & extra work caulking etc around the 5 year old skylight & after the winter freeze & thaw it leaked. We assume it has to be a seal on the glass.

The leaking is my concern and as neat of an addition as it is, it doesn't seem to be worth the extra work and money. Thank you for your response!

[Rowan Shelly]

Originally posted by @J Scott:

I generally get rid of them.

Thats where I was leaning towards, it seems to be easier and more cost effective. Thank you for your incite!

[Mike McCarthy]

There are two types of skylights. Ones that are leaking, and ones that will leak.

I wouldn’t recommend them.

[Rowan Shelly]

@Mike McCarthy That seems to be the consensus. I’ll have to remember this. Thank you for sharing.