When selecting an installer for a bespoke skylight, it’s important to consider a few key factors before making your final decision. Skylights are a significant investment, so you’ll want to choose an experienced, reputable company that’s transparent in its processes and backed by strong customer reviews.
To ensure your skylight project is in the best possible hands, we’ve outlined what to look for when choosing an installer.
UNDERSTAND WHAT A BESPOKE SKYLIGHT INSTALLATION INVOLVES
Before you start comparing companies, it is a good idea to know what goes into installing a bespoke skylight. These aren’t standard units you can just pop in. They’re made to fit a specific space, so the installer needs to take accurate measurements and ensure the structure can support the weight.
The company you choose should know how to work with custom glass, specialist fixings, and any extras like upstands or internal trims. They should also be able to work with your skylight supplier to ensure a smooth installation.
On-site coordination matters, too. Your installer might need to liaise with builders, electricians or decorators to make sure everything lines up, especially if your project is part of a wider renovation. An experienced team will handle this without a fuss, but it’s worth asking how they approach this side of the job.
Understanding how it all fits together makes it easier to spot the companies that are up to the task.
CHECK THE REVIEWS
The first step most clients take before hiring a company is checking reviews. Customer reviews offer the most honest insight into how a business truly operates, based on real experiences from those who have used their services. These firsthand accounts can provide valuable insights into the company’s reliability, quality of work, and customer service.
Online platforms like Google, Checkatrade, Trustpilot, and Which? Trusted Traders are good places to start. Some companies include testimonials on their websites, but it’s a good idea to compare those with independent sources.
Try to look for patterns in the feedback. If several people praise a company’s communication or punctuality, that can be a clear sign that they’re reliable.
However, it is important to note that if a company has a few negative reviews buried in a sea of positive ones, it is not automatically untrustworthy. There are two sides to every story, and the review may only be showing one side.
A good way to verify the authenticity of a negative review is to call the company yourself. The tone of their response will give you an indication of whether you’d like them to install your bespoke skylights.
You can also ask the company directly if they have any recent clients who would be willing to provide a reference or show you photos of completed skylight installations. Most reputable businesses will be happy to do this, and it can make you feel more confident in your decision.
STUDY THEIR WEBSITE OR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGE
While a sleek website isn’t everything, certain features can help you decide whether to take the next step. A clear portfolio, photo gallery, and genuine images of completed work can give you a real sense of the company’s capabilities and style.
Up-to-date contact information and an “About Us” page are other good ways to choose an installation company for your bespoke skylights. Proudly presenting their team and providing you with ample opportunity and various contact methods demonstrates the company’s commitment to transparency with their potential clients.
You can take note of how regularly the company updates its website or social media channels. A business that shares recent projects, behind-the-scenes clips, or client feedback shows that they’re active and engaged with their audience.
This can give you a feel for how they work, what their current standards look like, and how confident they are in their craftsmanship. If their posts feature real-time installations or happy clients, that’s usually a good sign.
ENSURE THAT THE COMPANY HAS A PHYSICAL LOCATION
Installing bespoke skylights can be expensive, so taking every precaution to protect yourself is necessary.
Unfortunately, people often fall victim to false companies because they trust only a phone number and a contact form. Ensuring the business has a physical location confirms that it exists and is not just a front. Legitimate and trustworthy companies will always provide a way to contact them, whether it’s a phone number, email address, contact form, or address.
You could check whether the business address is listed on services like Google Maps. A visible location, especially with photos or reviews attached, adds another layer of reassurance. If you’re local, you can even drive past to see if the company operates from recognisable premises.
Many well-established firms also display their physical address on invoices, terms and conditions pages, or company registration documents, all of which can be requested before work begins.
These simple checks help confirm you’re dealing with a genuine business, not a temporary or fly-by-night setup.
ASK ABOUT INSURANCE AND CERTIFICATIONS
Before you make your decision, ask whether the company has public liability insurance and the right certifications for the job. After all, they’ll be cutting into your roof, so you need to ensure you have complete peace of mind and the correct coverage, should anything go wrong.
Certifications like FENSA or TrustMark are a good indicator too, as they show that the installer meets recognised industry standards and knows what they’re doing, especially when it comes to insulation and ventilation.
COMPARE QUOTES PROPERLY
Getting more than one quote is always a smart move, but don’t just compare the bottom line.
Make sure each quote breaks down the full scope of work, including labour, materials, finishing, and VAT. If something seems unusually low or vague, that could be a red flag.
A transparent, well-laid-out quote shows that the company is organised and serious about doing the job properly.
Additionally, always ask what’s included in the quote and what isn’t. Will plastering or painting be covered? Are scaffolding costs part of the price? Are there extra charges for disposal or delivery? These details can make a big difference, especially if you’re comparing two similar figures.
You might want to find out how long the quote is valid for and whether there’s any flexibility if your plans shift. Some companies will be more accommodating than others, and that’s useful to know upfront.
FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE INSTALLATION
Once your skylight is in, the job shouldn’t just end there.
It’s a good idea to ask about warranties, aftercare, and what support is available if anything needs adjusting after the installation. Some companies offer a follow-up visit or can guide you on basic maintenance.
Knowing what to expect after the work is completed gives you more confidence moving forward.
ASK YOUR ROOFLIGHT MANUFACTURERS IF THEY HAVE ANY RECOMMENDATIONS
There is a chance that your rooflight manufacturers may not have any recommendations for installers, but it never hurts to ask. A reputable company will never promote one that does a poor job, as their reputation depends on it too.
Asking could save you time searching for an installer, too. If they suggest someone they’ve worked with before, there’s a good chance that the installer already knows how the manufacturer assembles their products. This familiarity can make the installation process run even more smoothly, especially with bespoke skylights where accuracy matters.
WHAT CAN ROOFLIGHT CENTRE DO FOR YOU?
Here at Rooflight Centre, we are not installation engineers. However, we are a highly experienced and knowledgeable bespoke skylight manufacturer that can help you design a custom skylight to suit your exact needs.
Whether you have an existing curb and simply want a small replacement bespoke skylight or you’d like a larger area covered, we can offer you the right support.
We’ll guide you through your options, explain the technical details, and ensure you get a product that fits your space and vision. We’ve worked with homeowners, architects, and builders across a wide range of projects, so we understand what it takes to get things right.
Contact us today to receive a quote from our team!
