Product, price and quality usually go hand-in-hand with all skylight products. The higher the price the more technology and quality components can be offered in your skylight.
One aspect that shouldn’t change is the installation of similar skylight products. BUT how can you ensure you receive the care required when installing a skylight into your most important and usually most expensive asset?
STEP 1 – Deciding which Company to receive a quotation from;
- Always choose a business that specializes in the industry. A specialist will always provide the best value to their customers. Someone who installs skylights all-day, every-day will be able answer all your tricky questions.
- Choose a company that has a good reputation and has experience in skylights, NOT just ‘the (construction) industry’.
- Ensure they are a ‘long term business’. Many ‘in and out’ import products can make it difficult to find replacement parts or make warranty claims. Remember, each manufacturer will make replacement part to suit its own product. Customisation in the future will often require you to replace the whole skylight.
- Some manufacturers provide specialized installation training courses to ensure the best results.
STEP 2 – When the installer arrives at your home to quote your skylight;
- Ask if the person that will be installing your Skylight is a certified installer
- Request to see samples of the product – make sure the ceiling fixture matches your décor.
- Ask to see a copy of the warranty – 5, 10, 15 year warranties, or lifetime warranties, can vary from business to business. Make sure there are no exclusions and keep a copy for your records. If they have an option, register your warranty on the website.
- Make sure the installer looks inside the roof cavity to sight any obstacles. If this is not completed, it can often create additional ‘surprises’ at the time of installation.
- Make sure you clarify the exact location of the unit in the ceiling. You may want it to line up with other lighting fixtures. If not possible, the installer should be able to explain why.
STEP 3 – Fix your costs;
- Ensure the end quotation is a fixed price. Many businesses will provide a base price that may vary at the time of installation.
In the end, we all want a tradesman that will treat our home as his own. Hopefully, these little tips will help you choose the best skylight for your home and deliver all the benefits that natural light can provide.