Skylights

I want to add a skylight for light and ventilation to cut down on energy costs. I presented the request to the architectural committee and they approved the request, as long as I was willing to take responsibility for the care and upkeep of the skylight, and this responsibility would pass to any future owners. The request was then past to the board. The board shot it down based on appearance and long term maintenance and cleaning grounds. Aren't they required by law to allow solar panels? Doesn't this fall in the same category? This skylight is less offensive to the eye than a solar panel.

Skylights have improved over the years. However, they are not good for improving energy costs. Matter of fact, they are probably the worse for that. We aren't just talking about maintenance issues here. Any window no matter the type is an energy waster. Any time an opening is made in a structure it allows heat loss to go out. Energy efficient windows labels mean no more than how much heat loss they let out. All windows allow heat loss no matter if the sun is shining through them.

A skylight is a bad idea if the original plan of the home never was designed for one. Certain considerations were put in if they were designed. Not the same when modifying to fit one in. They can tend to leak, let too much light in, and cause heat spikes making your A/C work harder not smarter.

Sorry but the skylight isn't a great idea and not necessarily a selling point for a potential buyer. Most potential buyers will see a skylight and think "Oh no skylight maintenance"...Just like people think homes with houses sell better with pools. They don't as many people don't want to take care of a pool in the long run. I'd skip the skylight and look into LED lighting to reduce electric costs and heat.