Figuring out the cost for a Velux skylight isn’t as simple as just looking at a price tag. The final figure you’ll pay is a blend of two key things: the skylight unit itself and the cost of having a professional install it. All up, you should budget somewhere between $1,000 and $3,500 per skylight here in Australia. That range covers both the product and the skilled labour needed to get it fitted perfectly into your roof.
Your Quick Guide to Velux Skylight Costs
When you’re mapping out your budget for a new skylight, it’s smart to think of the total expense in two distinct parts. This way, you avoid any nasty surprises and get a really clear idea of where your money is going. The first piece of the puzzle is the skylight unit, and the second is the installation fee, which can really fluctuate.
For anyone in places like Malvern East, getting a solid estimate is the first real step toward flooding a room with beautiful natural light. It’s a bit like buying a new washing machine; the price on the box is just the start. You also have to factor in getting it delivered and professionally set up so it works safely and doesn’t leak. The exact same thinking applies here.
To help you get your head around the numbers, here’s a simple breakdown of what to expect:
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The Skylight Unit: The price of the skylight itself hinges on its size, type (whether it’s fixed in place or can be opened), and the kind of glazing it has. A basic, smaller fixed model will naturally sit at the lower end of that price scale.
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Professional Installation: This part of the bill pays for the expertise required to cut an opening in your roof, install the skylight, and make absolutely sure it’s weathertight. The complexity of your roof—its pitch, structure, and the material it’s made from—is a huge driver of this cost.
For example, a straightforward installation on a standard metal roof is almost always going to be cheaper than a tricky job on a steep, tiled roof that needs extra structural support.
This overview should give you a good financial starting point. It’s also worth knowing there are some great alternatives out there. For instance, Vivid Skylights has a fantastic range of very cost-effective double glazed windows that are an excellent choice if you’re working with a tighter budget.
To give you an even clearer picture, let’s look at the individual costs that make up the total price.
Estimated Velux Skylight Cost Breakdown
The table below summarises the typical costs you can expect for different parts of a Velux skylight project in Australia. Remember, these are estimates, and your final quote will depend on your specific home and choices.
|
Component |
Typical Price Range (AUD) |
|---|---|
|
Skylight Unit (Product Only) |
$400 – $2,000+ |
|
Professional Installation Labour |
$600 – $1,500+ |
|
Flashing Kit |
Included or ~$100–$250 |
|
Optional Blinds (Manual/Solar) |
$200 – $700 |
|
Total Estimated Cost |
$1,000 – $3,500+ |
As you can see, the final investment is a combination of the product you choose and the work required to install it. As we dig deeper, we’ll unpack the specific factors that influence these prices, giving you the knowledge to make a confident and well-informed decision for your home improvement project.
What Factors Determine Your Skylight Price
Trying to understand why the cost of a Velux skylight can vary so much is a bit like buying a car. A basic model will get you from A to B, no problem. But once you start adding features like a sunroof, leather seats, or a more powerful engine, the price naturally climbs. The same logic applies to skylights.
The final price tag on the unit itself isn’t just a number pulled out of thin air. It’s a direct reflection of the materials, technology, and features you’ve chosen. There are a few key variables that come into play, and each one adds to the overall cost before you even think about installation.
Size and Model Type
The most straightforward factor is size. It’s simple, really—larger skylights need more materials. That means more glass and a bigger frame, so they cost more. A small skylight destined for a bathroom will always be more budget-friendly than a large, architectural feature piece for a living room.
Beyond just the dimensions, the type of model you choose plays a huge part in the final price. You’ll generally come across three main categories:
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Fixed Skylights: These are your entry-level, most cost-effective option. They don’t open and are designed purely to let in as much natural light as possible.
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Manual-Opening Skylights: A step up, these models can be opened with a hand crank or an extension rod. They offer fresh air and ventilation at a mid-range price.
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Electric or Solar-Powered Skylights: These are the top-tier options, giving you the convenience of remote-control operation. The solar models are especially popular because they often don’t require an electrician to install and can include clever features like automatic rain sensors.
Glazing and Functionality
The type of glass, or glazing, is another critical piece of the pricing puzzle. While the standard glass is excellent, you can upgrade to high-performance double glazing with special coatings. These can improve thermal efficiency or reduce noise, but they will add to the cost. For homeowners in areas like Malvern East, splurging on superior glazing can lead to real energy savings down the track.
It’s also crucial to remember that the skylight itself is only half the story. The total investment is heavily influenced by how complex the installation is. The cost for installing a Velux skylight can swing wildly based on your roof’s structure and the model you’ve picked, with total project costs often landing somewhere between $1,000 to over $3,500.
The added functionality is where you see the biggest price jumps. A solar-powered model with a built-in rain sensor that automatically closes at the first drop of rain offers a level of convenience and peace of mind that a basic fixed model just can’t match—and its price reflects that.
While Velux offers a fantastic array of premium choices, it’s good to know there are brilliant alternatives out there. For instance, Vivid Skylights has a fantastic range of very cost-effective double glazed windows that deliver brilliant performance and incredible value.
Ultimately, figuring out how much it costs to install a skylight comes down to balancing these product features against the realities of the installation itself.
Understanding Skylight Installation Costs
When you’re figuring out the cost of Velux skylights, it’s easy to focus on the price of the unit itself. But that’s only part of the story. The labour involved in the installation often makes up a huge chunk of your total investment and can change a lot from one project to the next.
Think of it like this: buying the paint is just the first step. It’s the careful preparation of the walls and the skilled application that truly transforms a room. The same goes for a skylight.
The complexity of the installation is the single biggest factor driving those labour costs. A few key things come into play, each one influencing how much time and skill your project will demand from a professional.
What Drives Installation Expenses
Getting from a solid roof to a beautifully installed skylight involves a lot more than just cutting a hole. The unique characteristics of your home really dictate how complex the job will be, and in turn, the final price.
Here are the key factors:
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Your Roof Type: Working with terracotta or concrete tiles is a more delicate and time-consuming process than installing on a standard metal roof. Each tile has to be carefully lifted and put back to get that perfect, leak-proof fit.
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Roof Pitch: A steep roof is trickier and more dangerous for installers to navigate. That increased risk, along with the need for extra safety gear, will naturally be factored into the labour quote.
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Accessibility: If your roof is tough to access, installers might need more time or even specialised equipment, which adds to the cost. A straightforward, single-storey home is a much simpler job than a multi-level house with a complicated roofline.
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Structural Work: Does a roof rafter or truss need to be cut to make room for the skylight? If so, you’ll need a qualified pro to build a new support frame. This is a much more involved and costly task than just fitting a skylight between the existing rafters.
For example, an installation on a steep, tiled roof in a suburb like Malvern East is always going to be more complex than one on a low-pitched metal roof. For a really detailed breakdown of these factors, you can check out our full guide on skylight installation costs.
A crucial but often forgotten piece of the puzzle is the flashing kit. This is a pre-fabricated metal frame that creates a completely watertight seal between the skylight and your roof. It’s a non-negotiable part of any professional installation and your best defence against the elements.
The Full Picture on Pricing
Beyond the main installation, you also have to think about the interior finishing. Creating the light shaft that connects the skylight down to your ceiling involves plastering, sanding, and painting. These finishing touches are what make it look polished and complete, but they are often quoted separately.
Research shows that installation costs can vary quite a bit across Melbourne. Labour alone can range from $600 to $1,200 AUD. When you add the cost of the unit, the total average investment usually lands between $1,000 and $3,500 AUD per skylight.
This price range reflects a growing demand for energy-efficient homes. Because natural light cuts down on daytime electricity use, high-quality, double-glazed models have become a really smart investment for many Australian homeowners.
Choosing Your Model: Fixed vs. Manual vs. Solar
Picking the right Velux skylight really comes down to a classic balancing act: how you’ll use it every day versus what your budget allows. The cost of Velux skylights is directly linked to the model you choose, and each one offers a different experience. Your decision will likely boil down to three main options: Fixed, Manual-Opening, and Solar-Powered.
You can think of it like choosing a car. The fixed model is your trusty, no-fuss sedan—it gets the job done (letting in light) for the best price. The manual model is like adding a sunroof; you get the extra perk of fresh air for a bit more. Then you have the solar-powered option, which is the luxury model with all the bells and whistles, giving you total convenience and automation.
To help you compare, here’s a quick look at the features and typical costs for each main Velux model.
The Fixed Skylight: The Budget-Friendly Choice
If your main goal is simply to drench a dark, forgotten space with beautiful natural light, a fixed skylight is your most direct and cost-effective path. These models don’t open, which means fewer moving parts and, as a result, a lower price tag.
They are absolutely perfect for bringing life to hallways, stairwells, or any room where extra ventilation just isn’t a priority. The elegant simplicity of a fixed skylight makes it a go-to for homeowners who want the biggest visual impact for the smallest investment. Unit prices for fixed models typically start on the lower end, often between $230 to $800 AUD, depending on the size and glazing you select.
The Manual-Opening Skylight: A Breath of Fresh Air
Stepping up a notch in both price and function, the manual-opening skylight brings ventilation into the picture. These models are operated with a simple hand crank or a telescopic rod, allowing you to let fresh air flow through your home and release any trapped heat.
This makes them a brilliant fit for kitchens and bathrooms, where steam, humidity, and odours love to linger. The ability to open up the skylight provides a real, tangible benefit for a modest increase in the upfront cost of Velux skylights, with unit prices generally landing between $580 and $1,140 AUD.
The Solar-Powered Skylight: Ultimate Convenience
For the absolute peak of convenience and smart home living, the solar-powered skylight is the top-of-the-line choice. These models open and close with a remote control and have a clever little solar panel that charges an internal battery. The best part? No electrician is needed for the installation.
Many even come with a built-in rain sensor that automatically closes the skylight the moment it starts to drizzle, giving you complete peace of mind.
While the initial cost is higher, often running from $1,280 to over $1,830 AUD for the unit alone, the long-term benefits and sheer ease of use are hard to beat.
If you’re leaning towards a solar-powered Velux, it’s well worth looking into any available solar tax credits. These incentives can significantly help offset that initial investment, making the premium option much more accessible.
Why Do Premium Brands Like Velux Cost More?
When you start looking into the cost of Velux skylights, you’ll quickly notice they sit at a premium price point. This isn’t just clever marketing; it’s a direct reflection of a long, proven history of quality and a rock-solid reputation built over more than 80 years.
The Velux story began in Denmark way back in 1941. An engineer named Villum Kann Rasmussen came up with a new type of roof window that could turn dusty, forgotten attics into bright, liveable spaces. His innovation was all about maximising daylight and ventilation, a mission that still drives the company today.
This heritage of precision Danish engineering is exactly why Velux is such a trusted name in the Australian market. When you choose a Velux product, you’re not just buying a window. You’re investing in a legacy of reliability and performance that has stood the test of time.
What Your Investment Truly Covers
So, what tangible benefits does that premium price tag actually get you? The higher cost translates directly into specific features and guarantees that deliver real, long-term value, making the initial spend a smart investment for many Aussie homeowners.
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Superior Weatherproofing: Velux is famous for its hardcore testing and robust flashing systems. They’re engineered to create a completely watertight seal, giving you peace of mind against Australia’s wild weather, from torrential downpours to blistering sun.
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High-Performance Materials: Every single component, from the solid frames to the advanced glazing, is chosen for its durability. These materials are built to perform for years without breaking down.
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Proven Durability: These skylights are simply built to last. The brand’s entire reputation is built on products that can handle decades of sun, wind, and rain without failing.
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Comprehensive Warranty: A top-tier product deserves a top-tier guarantee. Velux stands behind its skylights with a comprehensive warranty that covers both the product and its installation, protecting your investment for the long haul.
Ultimately, the cost reflects confidence. It’s the confidence that your skylight won’t leak, that it will work perfectly for years to come, and that it will genuinely make your home a better place to live.
This unwavering commitment to quality is why so many homeowners feel the higher initial cost of Velux skylights is well and truly justified. By exploring the benefits of skylights in more detail, you can see how this investment pays dividends in both your home’s value and your daily quality of life. The price covers the product itself, its history of innovation, and the assurance that it will deliver on its promise.
Smart Ways to Budget for Blinds and Add-Ons
A skylight installation doesn’t just end with the glass. To get the most out of your new feature, it’s a smart move to think about accessories like blinds right from the very beginning. This foresight helps you avoid surprise costs later on and ensures you get an all-in-one system that truly works for you.
These add-ons are more than just a finishing touch; they give you precise control over your home’s environment. Just like choosing the right curtains for a window, the blind you pick for your skylight will have a real impact on light levels, privacy, and even your energy bills. Let’s look at the most popular choices.
Choosing the Right Blind for Your Needs
Velux offers a range of blinds, each designed to fit their skylights perfectly and serve a specific purpose at a different price point. The best choice really comes down to how you use the room and what your lifestyle demands.
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Blockout Blinds: An absolute must for bedrooms or media rooms where you need the ability to completely darken the space. They also provide fantastic insulation, which helps keep the room cooler in summer and warmer in winter. You should plan to budget around $250 to $500 for one of these.
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Light-Filtering Blinds: These are brilliant for living areas, kitchens, or home offices. They gently diffuse incoming daylight, cutting out harsh glare without plunging the room into darkness. They provide privacy while keeping things bright and airy, typically costing between $200 and $400.
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Solar-Powered Blinds: For the ultimate in convenience, you can’t go past a solar-powered blind. Operated by a remote control and powered by a discreet, integrated solar cell, they are a game-changer for high or hard-to-reach skylights. Expect to pay between $400 and $700.
By planning for blinds early on, their cost can be rolled into your overall project budget. It’s a proactive step that guarantees you get the comfort and control you want from day one, rather than treating it as a costly afterthought.
Thinking about these extras helps you see the complete picture. For example, a new skylight in a Malvern East bedroom would benefit enormously from a solar-powered blockout blind. It improves sleep quality and thermal efficiency, making it a valuable part of the initial investment.
Still Have Questions About Velux Costs?
Got a few lingering questions about what goes into the cost and value of Velux skylights? Perfect. Let’s tackle some of the most common ones we hear from homeowners, so you can feel completely confident about your decision.
Do Velux Skylights Actually Add Value to My Home?
Yes, they absolutely do. Think of a high-quality skylight from a brand like Velux as a smart home improvement that pays dividends. It seriously boosts your home’s kerb appeal, floods the interior with beautiful natural light, and can even help with energy efficiency.
Features like these are a huge drawcard for potential buyers, particularly in desirable suburbs like Malvern East. A well-lit, inviting home can have a real, positive impact on your property’s market value, making it a fantastic investment.
Are There Cheaper Alternatives to Velux?
Of course. While Velux is definitely a premium, top-of-the-line brand, there are other excellent manufacturers out there offering great value without cutting corners on quality. It’s always a good idea to get a few different quotes and compare your options.
For instance, Vivid Skylights has a fantastic range of very cost-effective double glazed windows that are an excellent budget-friendly option. This is a great way to get that light-filled result you’re after while keeping a close eye on your budget.
Looking at alternatives just ensures you find the perfect fit for your project’s specific needs and finances.
How Can I Get an Accurate Skylight Quote?
The only real way to get a firm, all-inclusive price for the cost of Velux skylights is to have a certified installer come out for an on-site consultation. A quick chat over the phone simply can’t capture everything involved.
An expert needs to get their eyes on a few key things in person:
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Your roof’s structure and what it’s made of (like tile versus metal).
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The accessibility and steepness (pitch) of your roof.
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Any potential curveballs, like needing to cut and re-frame a roof rafter.
This hands-on assessment is what allows them to give you a detailed, comprehensive quote. It will cover the skylight itself, the flashing kit, all the labour, and any interior finishing work, so you have total clarity with no hidden surprises down the track.
Will a New Skylight Affect My Home Insurance?
Generally speaking, a professionally installed skylight is seen as a standard home improvement and should be covered by your existing policy. That said, it’s absolutely essential to give your insurance provider a heads-up about the modification.
Using a certified, insured professional for the installation is non-negotiable. This not only guarantees the work is up to code but also prevents any potential headaches with future insurance claims related to leaks or structural issues. It’s all about protecting your investment for the long haul.
Ready to transform your home with beautiful, natural light? Vivid Skylights offers a premium range of fixed and electric opening skylights designed for Australian homes. Explore our cost-effective, high-performance options and see the difference for yourself.