Whether you’re renovating a property or a homeowner looking to sell, a positive return on investment is always the end goal. The property market is tough, and in today’s cost-of-living crisis, you need to stand out to sell big.
Some ways to increase your home’s value include fitting a new kitchen, building an extension or converting a loft. However, these renovations are often long-term and require a lot of commitment.
So, how can you add value to a property without expensive renovations? You might not believe it, but rooflights (also known as skylights) are a relatively low-cost, minimally invasive architectural feature that can help push your home to the top.
Are rooflights a good investment?
Yes, skylights are an excellent long-term investment because they raise the price of a property. Increased natural light is coveted in new and old builds, so it’s highly likely that potential buyers will pay more for homes that already have a rooflight installed.
But what makes them such attractive architectural features?
1. Architectural interest
Depending on the positioning and design, rooflights can cast dynamic patterns of light and shadow throughout the day. They make a property unique, particularly when installed in unusual places, like bathrooms or kitchens.
A well-designed rooflight can be a strong architectural statement reflecting the homeowner’s style and taste.
Not only do they make a property look more interesting and modern, but potential buyers can enjoy views of the sky, passing clouds and storms from the comfort of their homes.
They’re a focal point that drives the eye upwards and provides a direct connection to nature. Plus, strategically placed rooflights can create an illusion of increased space in smaller or confined areas.
2. Increased natural light
There’s nothing more depressing than a dimly lit room. Homeowners are unlikely to show interest in a property if half of it is shrouded in darkness. Luckily, that’s where rooflights come in!
Skylights are installed within the structure of your roof, typically in areas with limited obstruction from surrounding areas or vegetation. By capturing the sunlight at its most direct angle, rooflights maximise the number of rays a single room gets.
Even when the sun’s position changes, you can still bring light to rooms that might not receive much through traditional side-facing windows. Unlike these windows, rooflights are not obstructed by adjacent structures, trees, or other buildings.
Plus, the sunlight that enters through rooflights tends to be more diffused and evenly spread compared to side-facing windows. The safety glass reduces harsh shadows and allows the spread of light to be more evenly distributed across the room.
3. Increased energy efficiency
If you’re not planning on selling your home just yet, don’t worry: reap the rewards of rooflights yourself! At TuffX, we use energy-efficient glass to prevent heat from escaping out of your rooflight and into the outdoors.
The aluminium frame and thermal break inside a TuffX rooflight create an insulated barrier: this reduces condensation and keeps your home nice and toasty. Rest assured that when you turn your heating on, half of it won’t be lost through the cracks of an inefficient rooflight.
Instead, you may even save money on heating costs! With a better-insulated room, you’ll stay warmer for longer and can reduce dependency on fossil fuel-based boilers.
These cost savings also apply to your electricity bills. As your room receives an influx of natural light during daytime hours, you’re much less likely to turn on the overhead light or table-side lamps.
Your home will be filled with the sun’s rays, meaning there is less need for artificial lighting. This decrease in energy expenditure is a selling point for potential buyers and another reason that rooflights are a worthwhile investment in the long term.
4. Increased privacy
Everyone wants more natural light. But for ground-level homes in public areas, side-facing windows can make privacy a problem.
Regular, vertical windows might be the traditional choice for new builds, but they allow pedestrians a look into your home. With rooflights, they’re strategically placed for optimum sunshine and minimal access.
Densely populated residential areas may have a lot of foot traffic, and the upward orientation of rooflights gives you all the benefits of side-facing windows compromising privacy.
Plus, our TuffX fixed rooflights are unopenable for maximum security.
Combined with their rooftop location, this limited accessibility reduces the risk of unwanted intrusion. You can reduce direct lines of sight into your home without giving up the wonderful benefits of sunshine: that’s what makes rooflights so great.
Selling your home? Increase prices with TuffX rooflights!
You don’t need to rip out your kitchen or tear up the conservatory to increase your property’s value. Create a brighter tomorrow with one of TuffX’s easy-to-install rooflights. We offer countless options, like walk-on rooflights, fixed glass rooflights and roof lanterns for commercial and residential properties.
FAQs
1. Are skylights suitable for all types of homes?
Yes, skylights are suitable for all types of homes. They work equally well with modern and period properties, so long as they’re in the most optimal position for sunshine.
However, before installation, you’ll need to consult a professional to confirm your home is suitable for a rooflight and where it should best be placed.
2. Can skylights replace artificial lighting entirely?
While skylights can significantly reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day, they might not eliminate the need entirely. Particularly at night, you’ll still need overhead lighting and lamps to navigate your home.
3. How do skylights impact energy efficiency?
Skylights enhance energy efficiency by reducing reliance on artificial lighting and contributing to passive solar heating: this can lower your energy consumption for heating systems.
4. Can skylights be installed in any room?
Skylights can be installed in various rooms, like lounges, kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms. However, the suitability depends on factors such as room size, ceiling height, and the direction your home faces.