Installing a Roof Balcony Skylight | It's HUGE!

[@WillysPerformanceCycleCtr]

Another giant leap in your balcony project! The skylight is a great addition. It’s all coming together nicely! Thanks for sharing this step in your project. Keep on building April!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you! Yes, it is amazing! Thanks for watching.

[@THAT1J0SHGUY]

You're doing all kinds of stuff, when I first started watching you were doing small crafts... It's cool to see you grow

[@briancnc]

Been watching April since she was working out of her backyard shed, what an amazing journey she has had!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you! Yes, the journey has been wild to be sure. And thanks for staying along for the ride.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you!

[@billylusk3515]

Same here, just when i think theres nothing else that she can do to the place she does something else! She just cant sit still

[@drbosb]

That's amazing April - I'm sure y'all will enjoy that view for years and years!

[@AprilWilkerson]

The View is amazing and immediately made me want this house. Thanks for watching.

[@dddube12]

That’s Absolutely Awesome April!!! Glad You Did it!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@BearCreekWoodworking]

This is a Very Cool Skylight April! It adds so much to this loft build. You managed to find unique items for you builds which is awesome!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you so much! It is truly amazing! Thanks for watching.

[@garynagle3093]

Wow. That a fantastic view. Well worth all your planning and work

[@AprilWilkerson]

Yes! I just love it. Thanks for watching.

[@robertkerby2581]

Wow, an Absolutely Amazing project! Well done, April!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you so much! I just love it. Thanks for watching.

[@fredparsons5134]

I love skylights in the kitchen and bathrooms.

[@robertjosephmurphyii4947]

That's so cool great job as always April.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks!

[@Baron3D]

That balcony, so cool!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Definitely! Thanks for watching.

[@louroberts5567]

Good morning, April! Thanks so much for posting this AWESOME video! It is something I've wanted to do for some time now. HOPEFULLY this is that little push I needed! Hope you have a great week! God bless.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching.

[@louroberts5567]

@@AprilWilkerson Always!👍

[@bradwilson6601]

Very cool. Hope it gets used regularly.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Right now Texas is like an oven but won't be long it will be Fall and wonderful weather. Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@timsheteron7903]

Wow what goes through that mind of yours! Amazing job and love the view to!!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you so much!

[@jesperhviid9625]

Super Danish quality. I have Velux Windows which are more than 50 years old and still functions perfectly in the rough climate of western Denmark

[@AprilWilkerson]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing and for watching.

[@more.power.]

Thank you April excellent build.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! Glad you like it!

[@fredericrike5974]

Glad you found all of this! Awesome nook!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks!

[@BearCreekWoodworking]

You have a fantastic scenic view from your loft April! Plus, I would be tempted at night to step over the railing, throw a blanket on the roof, and gaze at the stars! ⭐️ 😆😉

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Looks good April, hopefully it will never leak. Looking forward to seeing it during and after one of the storms we have. Stay safe and keep up the great videos. Fred.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you so much! It's rained several times already and no leaking at all. Thanks for watching.

[@tonyp4894]

April, really love your videos. You are the perfect woman, a self starter, industrious, intelligent, highly motivated, and most of all, cute. The only problem I have is that I don't have a garage you can park the Goodyear Blimp in. Your garage space appears to be huge.

[@Jones572]

Outstanding April!! You're the best! The roof balcony skylight is dope!🤙🏾💯❤

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you!! Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@jimrosson6702]

That’s so very cool.great job and what an amazing look it gave your house. Thanks for sharing

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you so much. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@jrpritchard1622]

Hey April you nailed it one heck of a view you have now and a cozy place to relax and read a book have a great week be safe ❤‍🔥💕👍🙂

[@AprilWilkerson]

Yes! Thank you!

[@corpsegrinderz]

I used to install this Velux model 15-20 years ago. If memory serves me they were called the GDL model back then. Haven't done them in years and hadn't done many being they were pricey back then and not too much in demand. Absolute fantastic feature though and very true, if you want a leak proof skylight, buy Velux! Just looked up the current price of them..... WOW! Here in North New Jersey, thats $7-9K (with materials) project.

[@maddierosemusic]

Is the skylight alone about $5k? Way cheaper than a dormer.

[@alanwilliamson9350]

Looks awesome April!!

[@alanwilliamson9350]

Also wanted to say thanks for interacting with your viewers. It's much appreciated to know you read your comments when so many others don't seem to.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks. I do my best. Am pretty busy but try to stop and answer a few as often as possible. Thanks for watching.

[@rongrose3746]

The whole project is pretty darn ingenious !!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! I've wanted to do this for several years so is way too cool to see it finally come about. Thanks for watching.

[@kingkong7617]

I think that was the first roof balcony/skylight I have ever seen and it looks great!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! I just love it! Thanks for watching.

[@TheRich4187]

Very cool! Would be nice if it was wide enough to allow for that loved one to stand next to you to enjoy it with someone! A great view is always best when shared!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Depending on the size of person, two could. Or one could turn sideways. Thanks for watching.

[@royhoriuchi5026]

Great series and such a beautiful house!!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Stay tuned for the next videos coming in the Series. Thanks for watching.

[@mattheweubanks6163]

Awesome job as always, April I'm surprised you didn't add on to the roof, like a mini patio. 4:02. That is a pretty awesome view of the outdoors

[@FredMcIntyre]

The balcony skylight looks awesome April! 😃👍🏼👊🏼 ... Great job on the video as well.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you!

[@downunderdave5417]

Simply Stunning

[@AprilWilkerson]

It really is! I love it! Thanks for watching.

[@dennishinkle5010]

That is awesome and it looks sort of like a gable from the outside when it's open. I'm surprised you didn't put a chair close for reading. Well done as always. Thank you for sharing.👍

[@AprilWilkerson]

I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@mickjennings1]

Looks great. In the UK, I'm pretty sure that Building Control would ask that the Common Rafters be doubled up, as well as the supporting timbers below and above the opening. When I installed Velux's to the roof of my detached garage build, that is what they insisted on. Velux's are very heavy.

[@brandondoty9887]

Imagine needing to ask the government for a license to install a window on your own house... lol, lmfao even.

[@michaeldibb]

@@brandondoty9887 Building control in the UK isn't about permission to install a window, LMFAO. it's about making sure any substantial modifications and extensions are structurally safe and to building code now and for future owners.

[@scottthecrazy]

This is an awesome idea. Turned out great!. I like how you can use the skylight as a balcony. I'm not too fond of height but I would feel safe if I had it in my house.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Glad you like it! It really is amazing. Thanks for watching.

[@greenkitty6482]

Wow! It’s so super duper cool😃😃😃

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@IEnjoyCreatingVideos]

Great job on the skylight April! and Thanks for always sharing with us!💖👍😎JP

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching

[@IEnjoyCreatingVideos]

@@AprilWilkerson Your very welcome April! Have a wonderful week!😎JP

[@Ernzt8]

What a great solution! I have a slanted roof in my workspace, so this could be a nice addition. The view isn't the same I'm afraid...

[@AprilWilkerson]

Even without the view, it's still a cool thing to have. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@mrkrause3]

Gorgeous!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks!

[@john900ra3]

Most definitely a beautiful space 👏👏👏

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you! Yes, I just love it! Thanks for watching.

[@danaowen9014]

That skylight is way cool.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! I just love it. Thanks for watching.

[@gusswenson7811]

April that looks amazing… I have to tell you. You choose the best sky light on the market.. I built my house 40 years ago and I put in two of the Velux roof windows.. I have never had a leak.. We live in NH and we get lots of snow. I just had my house roofed with standing seamless metal roofing.. I wish it was around back then.. So you are going to love this new addition to your house. I can’t say enough good things about Velux. Thanks for sharing your adventures with us.. Cheers

[@AprilWilkerson]

Awesome! I love that! Thank you for Sharing and for watching.

[@davethepak]

another great video - love the build! Oh, and you are not kidding about the Texas heat and humidity lately..... Soooo..... tell us more about that ladder with the interesting top? looks like designed to lean into it. Short video about the ladder?

[@AprilWilkerson]

Stay tuned to the rest of videos in the Series. When I get to the ladder all will be explained. Thanks for watching.

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

Hey April, great video. I've never seen one of those before.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Aren't they just the best? I love it! Thanks for watching.

[@kylekyle8071]

Look at that view April like a kid with a birthday present

[@HeyMichaelLeo]

Very cool, they should come out with one 6' wide. 😊

[@10OF9OFBORG]

The Roof Balcony skylight is my favourite idea April! Would you come over do mine? Just kidding! Awesome work! 👍🏻👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@futublock]

OMG what amazing thing the bascony like this :O

[@AprilWilkerson]

It truly is! Thanks for watching.

[@mikecurtis2585]

Nice I love that design! Looks amazing!!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you!

[@CreatorCade]

Thats a cool idea.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@Scooterdude01]

WOW, great job

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@jacobdavis17]

Great video!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks!

[@jrehtil1494]

Nice job you guys

[@jaydouglas1090]

So what did you do to fix the roof structure after cutting out the rafter?

[@lisastreet8920]

Very cool.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks!

[@rickyt3961]

thanks April! that’s too cool! 🪟

[@AprilWilkerson]

Yes! Thank you for watching.

[@Kellygaugler-w3i]

Wow!!!

[@ThomasBussmann]

@AprilWilkerson - Dang, April, there are two things about the skylight and the ladder stairs that I can't "unsee", now that I see them. Hope, you see my words as constructive criticism 🙂. In my eyes, you let the foreground shelf block the free view and access to the window (at 5:56 or 9:39 ), kind of hiding part of the window behind the shelf. Why ? - The podest could have been extended a bit further into the room, about 1-2 feet, avoiding to cut out that "rectangle" next to the porch door. As a result: No shelf would block part of the window and also no partial blocking of the view (while you are standing further away from the window). Another thing I can't unsee now: How often would go upstairs on the ladder stairs after entering the building from the porch ? - I dare to assume: Not very often. How much better would the ladder stair be mounted in regard to function and practicality if mounted going upwards from the right to the left ? The ladder stairs would the be a logical continuation of the normal staircase (which is coming upwards from the lower level of the house). This would also make it possible to avoid the cutting out of the precious 2 feet of rectangular upper floor (that would have enabled you to pull the skylight window further into the room). And the ladder stairs could still have been placed far enough away from the bed on the upper floor. Maybe I didn't express myself clearly? - If so, I apologize for providing some frowning. 🤣

[@velray1231]

U make it look easier than it is .

[@jbratt]

Step one: check the weather before cutting the hole.

[@schillrainer]

I would love to install a skylight like this in our house. But we have 3 or almost 4 storeys and the roof is very steep. We also have roof tiles, as is usual in Germany. So unfortunately it's a really difficult job. I also have to save a bit because the windows are very expensive.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Yes, that type of roof would be challenging. Thanks for watching.

[@donwilliams3626]

I can see clearly now!

[@Cdshakes]

Did you have to check with anyone about removing that roof rafter? Is this a structural problem? I guess where you live you don't have to be concerned with snow loads, but you should warn people about just randomly removing a roof rafter. I think I would have put some of that self-sticking membrane under the shingles and onto the edge of the roof rafter for some added insurance. It is a very cool feature tho!

[@locke3141]

Generally, if it’s a truss, modifications are essentially a cardinal sin in building. With dimensional lumber, as long as the load is successfully transferred using an accepted method (in this case, manufacturers guidance), it should be okay. I’m honestly more concerned with the cantilever where the ladder is. Even if the ladder is carrying weight, how’s that load carried down? I’d be surprised if the LVL supplier had any specs for this application and I feel like it won’t take long for this to start sagging. You wouldn’t catch me on a loft built like that.

[@AprilWilkerson]

I checked with Structural Engineers, ran all the numbers by them and it checks out safely. Thanks for watching.

[@ronw8628]

Usually you double up the left and right rafters. However that might be more for floor joist (horizontal framing) when making a stairwell opening etc. Doubling up the roof rafters probably not necessary because the roof does not have a live load in this situation. Even though the double pitch roof required positioning the skylight higher which required a ladder, I think a lower skylight wouldn't let light in at the right place. So unintentioned good tradeoff.

[@primeral]

I can envision this for stargazing with a telescope. Awesome idea!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Absolutely! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@massoud139]

Darling , it looks fantastic ! Keep up your great work !

[@tahseenashfaq]

Lovely project, hope you put up balcony rails. Wouldn’t want to be up there drunk 😂

[@AprilWilkerson]

The Library Loft's railing system is currently being made and will be installed in a few weeks. Stay tuned for more videos in the Series showing all steps. Thanks for watching.

[@mrwest5552]

April ! you cut a hole in your house ? you aren't welcoming the mothership to land are U ? (well if they brought extra blades and batteries)

[@mariajoseelyseu7968]

Lindo! 💖💖💖💖

[@AprilWilkerson]

Yes it certainly is! I just love it. Thanks for watching.

[@pileofstuff]

A thing I've been wondering about the new mezzanine platform - doesn't the local building code require a railing? Where I am you can't even build a deck more than 1 foot above the ground without a railing being required.

[@trishblakely3476]

She has stated several times in the construction process that there will be a railing.

[@pileofstuff]

@@trishblakely3476 Don;t know how I missed that. I'll have to re-watch the other videos again.

[@trishblakely3476]

I’ve been following her Instagram stories, she mentioned it there but not sure about these videos.

[@pileofstuff]

​@@trishblakely3476 That explains it - I don;t have an instagram account.

[@michaeldowning6655]

I am surprised you didn't make it a lot larger so you could walk out onto the roof like a widow's walk. suppose you could always do that sometime in the future :P

[@yeetyeet6035]

Nice karate kick on the drywall by the way.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks!

[@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

Love skylights of any kind. Cool project, but it doesn't seem huge 😂

[@AprilWilkerson]

It may not very wide but is very long and then it goes out so there's that. A small hole would be perhaps size of a baseball or smaller. This is definitely a giant hole, especially by comparison. Thanks for watching.

[@pwhite2579]

Does it come with some sort of screen?

[@wolfgangschmidtke8023]

Hallo April und danke für deine Info und das Video super kommt das Balkon Fenster aus Germany??! und tschüss aus Düsseldorf Germany 👍👍🇩🇪🇺🇲🇺🇲🛠️🏡🌈😁

[@eugenbran3269]

Superrrrr

[@ronw8628]

Somebody makes it look easier than it actually is. I prefer a face -mask- shield over googles. I've used both. A face shield stops dust from settling on your forehead and later falling into your eyes and it doesn't fog up. Try finding the shield when you need it though, lol.

[@bluesquadron593]

I am sure someone has asked it already, but will there be (I hope) a railing at the edge of the loft?

[@AprilWilkerson]

It was addressed in a previous video. Yes, glass railing is being custom made and will be installed in a few weeks. Stay tuned in watching the Series to see all the steps. Thanks for watching.

[@bluesquadron593]

@@AprilWilkerson Thanks April!

[@madwilliamflint]

Ooh! You made this look MUCH less like witchcraft than I'd expected.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Nope, no witchcraft involved, just a lot of hard work but very satisfying at the end result. Thanks for watching.

[@madwilliamflint]

@@AprilWilkerson Heh. And an acute understanding of the value of proper preparation.

[@smicksmookety]

5:24 "Scarecase" noice

[@-iIIiiiiiIiiiiIIIiiIi-]

She went from DIY Specialist to Cartel Lord real fast. What are we gonna see a random Tiger in the background next?!

[@AprilWilkerson]

What? What are you talking about?

[@terrygroce1594]

You are an amazing lady. love your channel

[@AprilWilkerson]

Awesome! Glad you enjoy my channel. Thanks for watching.

[@bv226]

Very very cool. But, why, you’re in Texas. It’s 150 degrees outside!!! 😃

[@AprilWilkerson]

At times but at other times it's perfectly lovely weather. I would only open it if weather permitting. Thanks for watching.

[@GamesplayChris42]

Safety is never dorky April!

[@plasmac9]

What safety? She built a loft 8+ feet in the air that doesn't have a railing. One wrong step or moment of misjudgment and someone is going to get seriously injured.

[@AprilWilkerson]

As previously stated in video, the custom Railing is being built and will be installed in a few weeks. Stay tuned for more videos on this Series to see all the Steps. Plus, I have control on who is in my house and would be going up in my Library Loft. No one is going to fall. Thanks for watching.

[@fitztastico]

4:47 Are my eyes deceiving me or is that an absolute cake on top of that roof? 🍰🍑😉

[@stoveguy2133]

A mini dormer would be cooler. Be tighter. Less prone to hail damage. Snow load.

[@vl7852]

now the other side?

[@johnjunge6989]

Looks good if you don't have a neighbors roof to look at!! ha

[@SomePoserStoleMyName]

Skylight .. . . Or .. . . Snipers nest? Should we be concerned?

[@dougbeard7624]

You made goggles cool.

[@m.c.o.3068]

Mask, respirator for insulation, dust!

[@zonoskar]

Weird, almost no Dutch house has this roof design.

[@1202jazzman]

Skylight yes, those that open NEVER! In TX, you'll have weather conducive to opening...3 days a year, maybe.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Not where I live. We have many times the weather is perfectly lovely. Thanks for watching.

[@carrieemery7191]

be nice on 4 of july

[@AprilWilkerson]

I don't do fireworks, in fact they scare my dogs. Thanks for watching.

[@kchiem]

Ed Sheeran woke up with Saoirse Ronan in one of those.

[@martine.210]

Haha, true.

[@mrxmry3264]

YMMV but i wouldn't want a skylight in my roof. why? easy: in summer it lets in sunlight, heating up the interior and increasing the demand on the air conditioning (i'm sure that is even worse in texas) and in winter it lets heat escape, which of course increases heating cost.

[@Ralaron]

The sun heats up the entire roof. If necessary they can temporarily close off this balcony to mitigate anything you’re stating.

[@mrxmry3264]

@@Ralaron it's not about heating up the roof (the insulation should take care of that), it's about letting sunlight in which then heats up the interior.

[@AprilWilkerson]

I have shades on the windows to open/close as much as I want. It's all good. Thanks for watching.

[@vl7852]

So European

[@larryriffett918]

Oscillating tool does just as good a job on the drywall probably cleaner than that heavy Sawzall. Just saying

[@brentolsenthanksformaking2528]

Good job Romans 10:9-13❤

[@rustadroad1965]

You literally have no idea what you are doing. Removing structure from your roof. You should stop. You are so far outta of your knowledge base.

[@AprilWilkerson]

I thoroughly researched this, talked to professionals and consulted Structural Engineers. Thanks for watching.

[@plasmac9]

I'm concerned about your pattern of lack of safety. That loft not having a railing is a recipe for disaster. Building code exists for a reason. You over-engineer one part but are severely lacking on others. The skylight is cool, the loft is cool. The lack of a railing is not cool.

[@AprilWilkerson]

As explained in a previous video, the Railing is being custom made and will be installed in a few weeks. Stay tuned for more videos on the Series and you will see all Steps. Thanks for watching.

[@AllenBrosowsky]

You said many times in this video "intimidating", well BS to that I find it hard to believe ANYTHING really intimidates you. Am I wrong, possibly, but not likely.

[@AprilWilkerson]

It does, but I push through and don't let it stop me. Thanks for the vote of confidence and for watching.