A skylight over a breakfast table and one above a desk used late in the afternoon serve different routines. Before discussing opening sizes, write down when the room feels too dark and where people sit. That simple sketch helps a roofer and designer judge which roof slope could bring useful light into the room.
Follow the sun for the hours that matter
For a home in the United States, an east-facing skylight generally favors morning light. A west-facing opening can bring direct sun late in the day. North-facing glazing tends to give steadier, softer light, while a south-facing slope can receive strong direct sun. Trees, dormers and neighboring buildings may change what actually reaches the glass. The VELUX guide to skylight orientation illustrates the differences.
Trace the opening all the way to the ceiling
Ask the installer to mark the proposed opening on both the roof plan and the ceiling plan. Where an attic separates them, ask for a section drawing showing the shaft between the two. From the chair or work surface below, consider where a patch of direct sun might land and whether you would want a shade you can reach or operate.
Add the orientation, shaft finish, shade choice and interior finish work to the written scope during roof installation planning. A useful proposal describes how daylight will reach the spot where you want it and who will finish the opening inside.
