skylight/roof light or sun pipes

[bowsaw]

soon to get the keys for a house with a single storey kitchen extension, its got some light but the extension roof did not have any natural light options added at construction, would you go for a few sun pipes or skylights?

is there mush of a difference cost wise and install time?

I'd go with skylights - you will get much better quality of light in than with sun pipes which are designed for internal rooms where there is no way of getting a window in. Skylights would probably be cheaper to install, however.

We added a couple of sunpipes to our kitchen as it was so dark that we had to put the lights on most days.

Really please at the difference it made.

We used 12" ones (as they are designed to fit between existing rafters)
A friend added a bigger one to her landing (which had no windows) and it's amazing but obviously more expensive to buy and install

Some sun pipes have a multifaceted dome on the roof which are designed to draw in the light from different angles (e.g. early and late in the day when the sun is lower in the sky). We've used this type and been really pleased with them and are about to add some more. I've not heard such good things about the ones with the flat panes on the roof.

Skylights every time. Velux now do them with white frames and they look really smart

I have roof lights from The Heritage Rooflight Company (I think) and they are very slim and discrete. We think they are a much better product than Velux if your house is older because they blend into the roof because of their very slim profile and dark frames. They also come in quite a variety of widths and lengths.

We have a velux that is remotely operated and it is just wonderful to open up when you're cooking (as well as putting cooker hood on) and creates a lovely cool breeze through the house. It closes automatically when it rains too.

looks like i best get into the roof void an check out knocking though