Design Skylights Inc

About us

Owner operated. No subs. Cost is determined by the job. No travel charges. Additional charge of $100 for emergency services. Ask about angies list $10 off discount. Additional DBA - Design Skylights. Additional fax - (512) 244-4319.

Business highlights

Emergency services offered
25 years of experience

Services we offer

Skylight replacement & repair.

Amenities

Emergency Services

Yes

Free Estimates

Yes

Reviews
4.830 Reviews
Number of StarsImage of DistributionNumber of Ratings
5
93%
4
3%
3
0%
2
0%
1
3%
Showing 1-25 of 30 reviews
Hollis T.
Oct 2016
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$2,500
Outstanding experience. Top-notch experience. Top quality work. Incredibly responsive and professional. Friendly and polite, knowledgable. I could not be happier with the work he did. I found his prices to be quite reasonable.

Michael B.
Feb 2016
1.0
$1,200
Price is great, service is abysmal (poor communication, very rude, refused to install the product I wanted).
Rodney is the only certified Velux installer in Austin, so if you want Velux skylights, he can get them at a much cheaper than a roofer, since they won't get the dealer discount.  Two roofers quoted me $1200 each to install two 2x4 skylights, Rodney was just $600 each.  He put them in and that was fine.  Then later when I tried to get him to put in a tubular skylight, things went south quickly.
I texted and asked if he could put in a tubular skylight for me which is level on top.  (The level ones bring in light more consistently throughout the day, vs. the angled ones that follow the slope of the roof.  My roof faces west, and I wanted the level version so I could catch more morning light.)  So I texted and asked if he'd put in a level light, but he said the angled version would "work better for you".  I asked why, but he sidestepped the question.  I asked again, and he said, "There is a pitch adapter inside each unit that will allow us to keep the tube straight it will perform exactly the same."  Since that still didn't answer my question and I could see we were getting nowhere by text, I asked him to call me on my landline, and gave him the number.  Instead he called my cell. (ugh)  Again I asked why he thought the angled version would be better, but he repeatedly sidestepped the question, instead telling me that they'd both produce the same amount of light (which isn't true, but even if it were, that doesn't tell me why the angled version would be BETTER).  Finally he said that he's been doing this for years and I ought to just listen to him, and if I wouldn't then I should find another installer because it's a hassle to work with customers like me.  THEN he said that the level version is harder to install and more prone to leaking.  He might have just said that one of the first several times I asked him.  But in any event, I was skeptical of that, so I said I'd check it out and call back.
I called the manufacturer and they said that the level version is NOT harder to install or more prone to leaking (which makes perfect sense, since the only difference is the angle of the dome).
About his claim that both level and pitched models deliver the same amount of light:  First, the manufacturer says otherwise: their brochure says the level version "provides optimum angle for gathering light from all roof directions".  Second, I called them, and they said the same thing.  They also sent me a spreadsheet showing lumens at different angles.  And finally, it makes sense that you'll get less light if the dome is pointing *away* from the sun for most of the day, as it does with the angled version on a west-facing roof.
So I texted him back, told him I'd talked to Velux, and asked if he'd install the level version for me.  He refused.  I asked if he'd install the angled version for me.  He never replied.
By the way, before the 2x4 install, I asked about the U-factor of the product he was installing, and he said 0.27, which is great.  After the install I looked it up and found that he actually gave me the SHGC; the real U-factor is much higher, 0.48.  I texted him to let him know, in case any other customer asked, but he didn't reply, much less apologize for giving me the wrong information.
Anyway, the silver lining is that since he abandoned me and he's the only Velux installer in town, I then looked at Solatube, which I found is a much better product anyway.  I'm scheduled for an install with SolarTexOnline (which has great Yelp reviews).

Liz P.
Feb 2016
4.0
$600
unknown

Liz D.
Oct 2015
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$2,000
unknown

Kathryn F.
Sep 2015
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$6,000
Rodney has all the honesty, integrity and craftsmanship I look for in the contractors we hire to work in our home.  We also are able to apply for a tax rebate on the solar installations.

Willis W.
Jul 2015
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$300
unknown

Pam B.
Jul 2015
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$285
unknown

Cathy R.
May 2015
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
They did it really quick. It was a good service and it was not that expensive.

Erik H.
Oct 2014
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$2,000
He was great! He did have some issues ordering the materials but kept me informed. He was willing to have me on the roof to show me how it was installed and how everything looked. He also showed me how to clean it and he was able to do the quickly.

Robert M.
Jul 2014
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$460

I was searching all over Angie's List, and the internet, for someone who could/would installaA Tubular Skylight in the inner bathroom.  All of the logical candidates (roofers/handymen/window installers, etc.) had no interest to do such a job.  I finally located 'Design Skylights', through Angie's List, called the number provided and got Rodney on the phone.  He was very interested in doing the job, and provided excellent advice on which product and material to use.  On the appointed day, he was here on time, and got right to work.  I had thought of putting in a 14" skylight, however Rodney looked at the bathroom and said, "that would be overkill.  A 10" fixture would be more than enough, and it would save me $200."

How good is that???  Just a great job, and a great experience dealing with Rodney and Design Skylights..



Glenda G.
May 2014
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$25
After a rainstorm, I contacted this firm by phone after a little online research. The business has been in operation for 15 years. Rodney Licata gave me a general idea of the cost of a service call (about $60) and some options that might be causing the leak around my skylight. He offered to have a look and give me a more detailed estimate. We agreed on the following Monday morning. Rodney arrived right on time. He was professional, courteous and personable. He inspected the skylight inside; then went up on the roof and took photos of the area causing the trouble. He went over the details carefully and offered several options. We decided to go ahead with the simplest remedy first ? caulking and cleaning leaves that had backed up between a seam in the metal roof and the edge of the skylight. Then, if that solution fails, we go to "Plan B." He accomplished the repair in about 20 minutes and explained that because he had to be in my area on another call, he would charge me only $25. I will definitely use Design Skylights again in the future. Highly recommended.

Greg H.
May 2014
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$300
unknown

Lynn S.
Sep 2013
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$1,000
On time, neat and professional.  Did a great job.  Looks beautiful.

Gilda T.
Jun 2013
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Design Skylights' price was reasonable. I like the fact that they were able to fit in quickly and I like the workmanship, it was great. They have a good warranty.

Pat M.
Mar 2013
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$511
I contact him on a Monday and he couldn't come until the next day and I was going to be out of town. He asked if it was ok for him to come look at it and call me with an estimate. He called and I authorized him to replace it. He said it would take about 1 1/2 weeks to get it. I missed his voice mail and when I called he was ready to install it. Very nice, professional. He has Velux products and I may  replace the interior blind that I have over the skylight with one that has a remote control.

Lucian R.
Mar 2013
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$1,000
I contacted Design Skylights through Angies List. He gave me a very good estimate on the work I wanted perfomed, and a date the job would take place. Rodney was prompt, arriving at my home at the specified time, and after a brief consultation, started work immediately. He had all the materials, and was very professional in every aspect of the installation.  He communicated with me at every stage, making sure about the correct placement of the Sun Tunnels. He covered with plastic all countertops in the bathroom, and his clean-up was very through. The job was completed on time, and was very satisfied with the results. I can recommed  Mr. Licata  to anyone who is looking for sky-lights or Sun Tunnel installation. A very positive experience.

Mary B.
Jan 2013
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$3,500
Rodney was an A+ professional...he arrived on time, discussed the products available, explained the various options and provided a clear, line-item estimate. Prices were quite reasonable and his actual installation work was exceptionally good.   We had two fixed skylights installed in the livingroom and a tunnel light plus four recessed lights installed in the kitchen. The work was done with great care to minimize the dust and debris;  the work was done in the time frame Rodney had specified. We will definitely return to Skylight Designs for any future natural light features.

David B.
Mar 2012
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$500
This gentleman, Rodney, is a true professional. He provided a free, initial consulation, during which we discussed different product and placement options. Rather than attempting to sell us on a higher-priced option, such as the installation of multiple skylights, Rodney instead recommended that we simply install a single sun tunnel, based on the layout of our living room and what we were trying to accomplish.

On the day of installation, he arrived on time with all necessary materials, completed the job quickly and cleaned-up thoroughly. The sun tunnel looks great, adds significant light to our living room, and was cost-effective.

Rodney was honest, personable, courteous, efficient and professional. I would gladly hire him again, and would recommend him to others without hesitation.

John S.
Dec 2011
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$4,000
Rodney showed up quickly to estimate work.  Estimate was timely and accurate.  Rodney was very punctual, and his help in deciding placement and size was right on.  He completed the work in 3 consecutive days.

Fernando B.
Sep 2011
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$600
He arrived on time and took very good care to cover the furniture and surfaces where he was going to be working.
He was very professional and gave us an estimate of the total cost before he began to work.
He did a great job, the price was what he quoted us, and we would definitely use him again in the future.

Camille S.
Jul 2011
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$1,000
Like I said so many good things about Rodney and Design Skylights. There is only one Don't. I would not go anywhere else so that is the only don't I have. Thank you Rodney.

Katherine T.
Apr 2011
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$3,000
The job was done very well. He came in, told us what the options were and told us what it would take. He also told us that we had one that was special and it would take time. He came in, did the job fast and did not waste time. I was very happy. He ran into some problems which he got a hold of the company and got that taken care of. He made a recommendation to put in solar controlled shades. Looking at the cost for putting the wires in and running the controls, it seemed like a wash. We love them. They are great. I spent $3000 but one third of that was the remote controlled shades. He was very good. The price was realistic and I got what I paid for. He called before he came.

BRAD L.
Apr 2010
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$450
I'm happy with my experience. I think I received great value for my money.

GARY H.
Mar 2010
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$975
From start to finish Rodney performed professionally. Installation took about 3 hours and he was on time, prepared the work area to minimize any dirt, meticulously installed the skylights, and cleaned up and hauled off the boxes, packing and debris. He was friendly, informative, and took extra steps to insure a quality installation (like taping all the duct seams to prevent any insect infiltration). Very, very clean and professional installation. I can recommend him without any reservations whatsoever. Add his 10-year warranty and this is as good as it gets.

Brenda H.
Mar 2010
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$1,600
We live in a log house and had great difficulty in even FINDING someone who would put skylights in our roof since it is metal. Several providers suggested I would not be able to have it done at all. I finally contacted Design Skylights and he came the next day to give us an estimate. He was undaunted by the metal roof and said he could do it and still give us a 10 year no-leak guarantee. He did the job at the scheduled time and the skylights are beautiful! We have had many heavy rains since then and not even a hint of a leak. They changed the look of our entire house from dark to bright! We were so pleased with his work, his personality, his attitude and his price.
Showing 1-25 of 30

Licensing

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FAQ

Design Skylights Inc is currently rated 4.8 overall out of 5.
Yes, Design Skylights Inc offers free project estimates.
No, Design Skylights Inc does not offer eco-friendly accreditations.
No, Design Skylights Inc does not offer a senior discount.
Yes, Design Skylights Inc offers emergency services.
No, Design Skylights Inc does not offer warranties.

Contact Information

4004 Arbol Cove, Round Rock, TX 78681

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