When you start looking into skylights, two big questions pop up almost immediately: "What size do I need?" and "How much is this going to set me back?" Trying to find a straight answer can feel like wading through mud, but it really doesn't have to be that complicated.
Think of it like buying a car. A base model gets you from A to B just fine, but once you start adding things like leather seats, a sunroof, or a bigger engine, the price tag naturally climbs. Skylights are much the same. A simple, fixed skylight is your most budget-friendly option, perfect for places like hallways or small bathrooms where all you want is a splash of daylight.
But as you look at larger sizes or add features—like the ability to open it manually or with an electric remote—the price goes up accordingly. In Australia, you can expect to pay anywhere from around $700 for a small, fixed unit to over $3,000 for a large, solar-powered model with all the bells and whistles. It all comes down to the model, size, and features you pick for your home.
Your Quick Guide to Velux Skylight Sizes and Prices
Common Velux Sizes and Price Brackets
In Australia, Velux skylights come in a pretty standard range of sizes. You'll find compact fixed models starting around 55 cm x 78 cm, which are great for smaller spaces. On the other end of the spectrum, you can get large, openable skylights up to about 134 cm x 140 cm that can flood a whole living area with light.
While those basic fixed units start at about $700 AUD, if you're eyeing a top-of-the-line model with solar power, remote control, and built-in blinds, the unit alone can easily top $3,000 AUD. For more details on what’s out there, you can check out some great info on Velux skylights and alternatives at Vivid Skylights.
To give you a clearer picture, here's a quick summary of what you can expect to see.
Velux Skylight Models At a Glance Sizes and Price Estimates
This table gives you a solid starting point for your budget, breaking down some of the most popular Velux models, their standard dimensions, and the estimated price for just the unit itself.
| Velux Skylight Model | Common Size Range (W x H) | Estimated Unit Price (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed Skylight (FS) | 550mm x 700mm – 1140mm x 1180mm | $700 – $1,500 |
| Manual Opening (VS) | 550mm x 780mm – 1140mm x 1400mm | $1,200 – $2,200 |
| Electric Opening (VSE) | 550mm x 780mm – 1140mm x 1400mm | $2,000 – $3,000+ |
| Solar Powered (VSS) | 550mm x 780mm – 1140mm x 1400mm | $2,200 – $3,500+ |
| Flat Roof Skylight (FCM) | 600mm x 600mm – 1200mm x 1200mm | $800 – $1,800 |
Just remember, this is a guide. Prices can shift based on the supplier and any special features you might add on.
Key Takeaway: The price on the box is only for the skylight unit itself. Your total investment will also include a flashing kit (which is absolutely essential for waterproofing) and professional installation, which we'll dive into a bit later.
How to Decode Velux Model Codes and Sizes
Jumping into the Velux catalogue can feel a bit like trying to read a secret language. You’re met with a jumble of letters and numbers, but what do they actually mean for your home? Getting your head around these model codes is the key to finding the right skylight for your space and your budget.
Think of the model code as the skylight’s DNA. The first few letters tell you its core function—its personality, if you will. Once you know what they mean, you go from a confused browser to an informed buyer, able to spot what each product does without digging through pages of descriptions.
Understanding the Key Model Prefixes
Let’s break down the most common codes you'll come across. Each one points to a different type of functionality, which has a direct impact on the final price.
FS (Fixed Skylight): This is the simplest of the bunch. An FS model is purely for letting in light. It doesn’t open, which makes it a really popular and cost-effective choice for hallways, stairwells, or any room where extra ventilation isn't the main goal.
VS (Manual Venting Skylight): The 'V' here is for venting. A VS model can be opened by hand, usually with a winder handle or a telescopic rod if it's installed out of reach. It's a great mid-range option for kitchens and bathrooms where letting out steam and improving airflow is a must.
VSE (Electric Venting Skylight): The 'E' tells you it's electric. These skylights open and close with the push of a button on a remote control. They're perfect for high ceilings where convenience is key and often come with clever features like rain sensors that automatically shut the window when it starts to drizzle.
VSS (Solar Powered Venting Skylight): And 'S' stands for solar. This is the top-of-the-line option, giving you all the convenience of an electric skylight but with the eco-friendly bonus of solar power. A small, built-in solar panel charges a battery, so it operates completely wirelessly without needing to be hardwired into your home’s electrical system.
By learning these four simple codes—FS, VS, VSE, and VSS—you can instantly figure out the functionality and rough price point of almost any Velux roof window you see.
Making Sense of the Size Numbers
Right after the letters, you'll spot a size code, something like 'M08' or 'S06'. These codes match up with specific width and height measurements. For instance, an M08 skylight is typically 78cm x 140cm, a very common size that works well in living areas. A smaller C04 model might be 55cm x 98cm, which is often a perfect fit for a bathroom or study.
You don't need to memorise every single code, but it’s useful to know they represent standard dimensions. For a complete guide on how these codes translate into actual measurements, you can check out this detailed breakdown of Velux skylight sizes to find the perfect match for your project. Having this knowledge helps you confidently compare different models and make sure you’re choosing a skylight that’s scaled just right for your room, getting the best result for both light and looks.
Understanding The Factors That Shape Your Final Cost
The sticker price you see for a Velux skylight is really just the starting line. Think of it like buying a base model car—the price gets you in the door, but the final cost grows as you add the features that make it yours. Several crucial components add up to the total investment, turning a simple window into a custom solution for your home.
Every choice you make, from the type of glass to whether it opens, adds another layer to the overall cost. These aren't just cosmetic add-ons; they are functional upgrades that dictate your skylight's performance, energy efficiency, and day-to-day convenience. Let's break down exactly what these factors are so you can put your budget together with confidence.
This infographic gives you a quick rundown of the core Velux model types, showing how the Fixed (FS), Manual Venting (VS), and Electric/Solar Venting (VSE/VSS) options differ in what they can do.
As you can see from the icons, the main difference is their ability to open. This one feature directly impacts both their complexity and, of course, their price.
Glazing: The Unsung Hero Of Performance
The glass in your skylight does a lot more than just let in light; it's a high-tech barrier standing between you and the elements. Standard double glazing is fine, but for the harsh Aussie climate, high-performance glazing with a Low-E (low-emissivity) coating is pretty much essential. This invisible metallic layer is a game-changer, reflecting heat to keep your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
Beyond that, you have options like laminated glass, which can significantly cut down on outside noise and adds a layer of safety. The Australian market is also heavily shaped by our climate and strict building codes. Prices for Velux skylights here are often higher due to mandatory bushfire attack level (BAL) testing, which demands tougher materials. For example, a skylight rated for BAL 40 needs a reinforced frame and specialised glass, which can add 20-30% to the unit's cost compared to a standard model.
Flashing Kits: Your First Line Of Defence
A flashing kit is a non-negotiable part of any skylight installation. It’s a set of custom-fitted metal pieces that create a completely watertight seal between the skylight's frame and your roof. The type of kit you need comes down to your roofing material.
Tiled Roofs: These need a specific profile to mould perfectly around the contours of your tiles.
Metal Roofs: Corrugated or flat-pan metal sheeting requires a completely different kit design.
Get the flashing wrong, and you're practically inviting leaks. It's a critical piece of the puzzle.
Key Insight: Whatever you do, don't skip or cut corners on the flashing kit. It’s the single most important element for guaranteeing a leak-free installation and protecting your home's structure for years. For a deeper dive into budgeting, our guide on the cost of Velux skylights provides a comprehensive breakdown.
Add-Ons: Convenience At A Cost
This is where you can really personalise your skylight. Popular additions like solar-powered blinds are fantastic for controlling light and heat with just the touch of a button. Rain sensors, which often come standard on electric and solar models, give you peace of mind by automatically closing the skylight the moment it starts to rain.
To get a better handle on how these costs fit into the bigger picture of home renovations, exploring resources dedicated to understanding remodel costs and pricing tools can be really helpful. Each of these features makes the skylight much easier to live with, but they will add to your final invoice.
Choosing the Right Skylight Size for Your Room
Picking the right Velux skylight size isn't just about what looks good on the roof. It’s a careful balancing act between inviting in that gorgeous natural light, respecting the scale of your space, and keeping your home energy efficient.
If you choose a size that’s too small, you simply won’t get that bright, airy transformation you're hoping for. But go too big, and you risk turning your room into a greenhouse, especially during a scorching Aussie summer. The secret is matching the skylight’s glass area to the room's floor space—a simple calculation that makes all the difference.
The 10-20% Rule of Thumb
A fantastic guideline to start with is that your skylight's glass area should be between 10% and 20% of the room’s total floor area. This isn't a strict law, but a proven range that lets you tailor the amount of light to your specific needs.
For a space that feels a bit gloomy, like a south-facing room or a deep kitchen with few windows, you'll want to aim closer to that 20% mark to really brighten things up. On the other hand, if a room already gets a fair bit of sun, sticking closer to 10% will add a beautiful, balanced glow without overwhelming the space.
To make this a bit clearer, here’s a quick guide to help you visualise the right fit for your home.
Recommended Skylight Size Based on Room Area
| Room Floor Area (sq m) | Recommended Skylight Glass Area (sq m) | Example Velux Size (W x H in cm) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 sq m | 1.0 – 2.0 sq m | 78 x 140 or 114 x 118 |
| 15 sq m | 1.5 – 3.0 sq m | 94 x 160 or 134 x 140 |
| 20 sq m | 2.0 – 4.0 sq m | Two 78 x 140 units |
| 25 sq m | 2.5 – 5.0 sq m | Two 94 x 160 units |
| 30 sq m | 3.0 – 6.0 sq m | Two 114 x 140 units |
Think of this table as a starting point. It’s a handy tool for matching skylight glass area to your room’s footprint to achieve that perfect level of natural light.
One Large Skylight or Several Smaller Ones?
This brings up a great question: is it better to go for one big statement piece or spread the light out with a few smaller units?
A single large skylight can be a stunning architectural feature. It creates a dramatic, focused pool of light that looks incredible over a kitchen island or a dining table. It’s a bold choice and often a bit simpler to install.
However, placing two or three smaller skylights across the ceiling distributes light much more evenly. This approach is perfect for larger rooms, as it gets rid of harsh bright spots and gloomy corners, creating a softer, more ambient feel. It’s worth noting that in the Australian market, fixed models are incredibly popular, making up about 46% of sales because they're simple and cost-effective. You can find more details on skylight market trends at Research and Markets.
Don't Forget Your Roof Pitch
Finally, the angle of your roof—its pitch—has a big say in your decision. A steep roof will catch direct sunlight for longer throughout the day, so you might get away with a slightly smaller skylight.
Conversely, a flatter roof gets less direct sun, meaning you’ll probably need a larger glass area to capture the same amount of beautiful daylight. Taking your roof’s pitch and orientation into account is that last crucial step to finding the perfect Velux skylight size for your home.
Budgeting For Professional Skylight Installation
Buying the Velux unit is just step one. The real magic happens during the installation, and honestly, this is where a good chunk of your budget will go. It can be tempting to think about the savings of a DIY job, but installing a skylight means cutting a hole in the most important protective layer of your house: the roof.
Getting this wrong isn't just a minor oops—it can lead to serious leaks, structural damage, and repairs that cost far more than professional installation would have in the first place. That’s why we always say investing in a skilled, certified installer is one of the smartest moves you can make. The peace of mind from a guaranteed, leak-free finish is worth every dollar.
What Drives Installation Costs
The price for a professional skylight installation in Australia is never a flat fee. Several things can change the final quote, turning what seems like a simple job into something a bit more involved.
Roof Complexity: A steep roof pitch or tricky access points mean more time, specialised safety gear, and extra labour, all of which push the costs up.
Structural Work: If the perfect spot for your skylight is right over a rafter or ceiling joist, a carpenter will need to frame the opening properly. This is non-negotiable for maintaining your home's structural integrity.
Interior Finishing: The job isn't done once the skylight is in. The quote should also cover making good on the inside—plastering, sanding, and painting the new light shaft so it looks like it was always there.
When you're getting quotes, choosing a reliable contractor is absolutely crucial. It helps to be prepared with a list of questions to ask a roofing professional to make sure you're getting a comprehensive quote and making a well-informed choice.
Crucial Tip: Always insist on a detailed, itemised quote. It should break down every part of the job, from the structural work and flashing right through to interior finishing and rubbish removal. This kind of transparency is your best defence against surprise costs down the track.
DIY vs Professional: A Cost-Risk Analysis
The idea of saving $800 to $1,500 on labour by installing a skylight yourself is definitely appealing. But let's talk about the risks. A tiny, almost unnoticeable mistake when fitting the flashing can create a slow, persistent leak that silently ruins your ceiling, insulation, and even the roof structure over the years.
What's more, most product warranties—Velux included—are only valid if the unit is installed by a professional. A botched DIY job could completely void your warranty, leaving you on the hook for the full cost of any repairs or replacements. Before you decide, it’s worth looking into what’s involved in finding a qualified Velux skylight installer to understand the value they bring.
Hiring a pro isn’t just paying for labour; it's an investment in quality, safety, and the long-term security of your home.
Making Your Final Decision and Buying Smart
You’ve done the research, crunched the numbers on sizes, and worked out a budget. Now it's time to pull the trigger with confidence. This last step is all about making sure your investment is a smart one and that you’re protected for the long haul.
Think of this as your final pre-purchase checklist. Before you sign anything, double-check the warranties. Velux offers a solid warranty on their products, which is great, but you absolutely need a separate workmanship warranty from your installer. This is your safety net, guaranteeing their work against leaks or installation mistakes and giving you two layers of protection.
Securing a Quality Installation
Getting a certified installer isn't just a suggestion—it's non-negotiable. You want a professional who has specific experience installing Velux skylights, especially on a roof like yours. Don't be shy about asking for references and photos of their past jobs. A good, reputable installer will be more than happy to show off their work.
Once you’ve picked your installer and the order is placed, think about delivery. You'll need a safe, dry spot to store the skylight if it turns up before installation day. It’s also a good idea to coordinate with your installer so they can be there to inspect the unit for any damage from transit before they start cutting a hole in your roof.
It's always worth asking your supplier about any energy-efficiency rebates. Depending on your state and the skylight's performance rating, you might be eligible for a credit that shaves a little off your overall cost.
Considering a Quality Australian Alternative
While you’re looking into Velux skylight sizes and prices, it’s always smart to see what else is out there. A fantastic Australian-owned alternative to consider is Vivid Skylights. Based right here in Melbourne, they specialise in high-quality fixed and electric roof windows designed specifically for Australian conditions.
Vivid Skylights really packs a punch with its standard features, like double glazing, self-cleaning glass, and a sleek, frameless design that stops water from pooling. Better yet, every unit comes with the flashing kit included and is backed by a 10-year leak-free warranty, offering amazing value and genuine peace of mind for your project.
Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers.
When you’re thinking about adding a skylight, a few questions always pop up. It’s completely normal. Getting the right information is the first step to making a decision you’ll be happy with for years to come. Here are the straight answers to the things we get asked most often.
How Long Do Velux Skylights Typically Last?
You can expect a good 20 to 30 years of service from a Velux skylight, and sometimes even longer if it's well looked after. They’re built tough, with expertly sealed glass units designed to stop fogging and leaks in their tracks. Plus, their warranties are pretty solid, which definitely adds peace of mind.
The real key to a long life, though, comes down to two things: your local climate and, most importantly, the quality of the installation. A perfectly fitted flashing kit isn’t just a recommendation; it’s essential for keeping water out and ensuring your skylight lasts for decades.
Can I Install a Skylight on Any Type of Roof?
Pretty much, yes. Velux has designed flashing kits for almost every common roof in Australia, whether you've got tiles, corrugated metal like Colorbond, or even slate. The biggest thing to consider isn't the material, but the pitch (or angle) of your roof.
Most Velux models are designed for roofs with a pitch between 15 and 90 degrees. If your roof is flat or has a very low pitch, don't worry—you just need a special flashing kit or a custom-built curb to create enough of an angle for water to drain away properly.
A Quick Heads-Up: Always double-check that the flashing kit is an exact match for your roofing material. Using the wrong one is the number one cause of installation headaches and future leaks.
Do Velux Skylights Make the House Hotter in Summer?
That’s a fair question, especially with the Aussie sun. The short answer is no, not really. Modern Velux skylights are surprisingly energy-efficient. They come standard with double glazing, a low-E coating, and argon gas insulation, all of which work together to block a huge amount of heat from getting through.
If you want to take it a step further, you can opt for glazing with even better UV protection and heat-blocking power. For ultimate control, adding a solar-powered blind is a game-changer. It lets you manage the light and heat with the touch of a button, keeping your home noticeably cooler when the temperature climbs.
Ready to bring beautiful, natural light into your home? Explore the high-quality, Australian-designed alternatives at Vivid Skylights and get a custom quote for your project. Visit https://vividskylights.com.au to learn more.