We do the opening, the unit, and the flashing.

Most skylight problems don’t start with the glass.

They start where the skylight meets the roof.

We handle installation, repair, and replacement of skylights across Los Angeles. Velux-trained installers. Manufacturer-spec installation standards. The work is straightforward when the details are right, and a constant source of leaks when they’re not.

That usually shows up as:

• staining around drywall corners
• fogging between panes
• slow roof leaks that only appear during heavy rain
• “mystery” water intrusion that’s been patched more than once

In most cases, the skylight itself isn’t the real problem. The flashing and integration into the roof system is.

What skylight installation actually costs in Los Angeles

A typical Velux FCM installation on a composition shingle roof usually runs $1,800–$3,200.

That range shifts based on a few real conditions on site:

• roof pitch (steeper = more labor time and safety setup)
• opening size
• whether framing needs to be adjusted or rebuilt
• roof type (tile roofs typically add $200–$600 due to cutting and re-flashing work)

Flat glass systems and custom units sit higher because the framing and curb work becomes more involved.

Most pricing variation isn’t about the skylight itself, it’s about what we find once the roof is opened.

Do you need a permit for skylight installation?

In Los Angeles, yes, when a new roof opening is being created.

The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) generally requires permits for new skylight penetrations.

If we’re replacing a skylight in the exact same opening, it’s often exempt, but that changes depending on jurisdiction. Cities like Beverly Hills, Pasadena, and Glendale each enforce their own version of the code.

The practical reality is simple: If we’re cutting a new hole in your roof, it’s usually a permitted job.

How long installation takes

Most residential skylight installations are completed in one day.

The work typically includes:

• cutting and framing the opening (if needed)
• setting the skylight unit
• installing flashing and weatherproof integration
• sealing roof transitions

We don’t handle interior drywall finishing (tape, texture, paint). That’s typically coordinated with a finish contractor afterward.

More complex jobs, structural changes, multiple skylights, or tile roof systems, can extend into a second day.

Can a leaking skylight be repaired?

Most of the time, yes.

The majority of skylight leaks we see are not product failures. They’re installation failures that show up years later.

Common causes include:

• improperly installed step flashing
• missing or failed counter-flashing
• sealant used where flashing should have been doing the work
• roof movement that breaks rigid seal points

If the frame is still solid and the glazing is intact, repair is usually the right move.

Replacement only becomes necessary when:

• the frame is deteriorating
• the glazing is cracked or fogged beyond repair
• or the system was installed in a way that can’t be reliably corrected

We’ll usually walk both options on site before anything is decided.

Skylight brands we work with

We install and service: Velux, CrystaLite, Solar Industries, Kingspan Light + Air, Lane-Aire, and Acra Light Solar.

Brand matters less than most people think.

What matters more is:

• roof type
• opening size
• curb vs deck-mounted design
• and how the flashing system integrates with your specific roof

Two identical skylights can perform completely differently depending on how they’re installed.

If you’re comparing options, we can walk through the tradeoffs without pushing one system over another.

What to do next

If you’re dealing with a leak, or planning a new skylight, the fastest way to understand your options is an on-site inspection.

Most issues can be diagnosed quickly once the roof system is visible.