Sky Lights? Good or Bad Idea?

[Rachel Trimble]

Hi everyone,

I'm rehabbing a triplex right now that has terrible light in the 3/2 main unit kitchen. There is a 2/1 unit wrapping around it, so there's no way to cut windows out for natural light. There is a back door which help a lot. We have to replace the roof and some of the joists in the ceiling. All of the ceiling sheetrock is ripped off as there was water damage. Is it a good idea to add skylights? If so, would this be a question to ask the roofer or a general labor crew? What should I expect to pay? Do you see any complication with leaks or other issues down the road? I really appreciate any feedback you have to offer!

RLT

[Chris Eaker]

@Rachel Trimble

Anytime you cut a hole in the roof, you are inviting a potential for water intrusion. But if that is the only way to get natural light into a room, then it's worth doing in my opinion. It sounds like if you're going to do it, now is the time. The carpenter will need to frame it out and the roofer will need to be very careful when they flash it.