[Troy8432]

Bought a new Begonia and close next month. I plan on having developer install prior to closing to avoid any possible conflicts between developer and non-developer installer in case of a leak. We know we want at least one in the kitchen over the sink and one in the master bath. Not sure what size or additional locations. Interested in recommendations.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

We have a begonia, have the large in the middle of the kitchen, and one in the bathroom. Also had extra light blocks installed for more light. The light during the day is amazing, and requires no artificial light the entire day.

If I have known, I might have put a tube in the living room but that might also make the TV harder to see with all the extra ambient light.. . We have no chandelier in the living room, but potentially that might work, but the original two is plenty for now.

sportsguy

[Arctic Fox]

One in master bath might cause bedroom to be too light at night in full moon - make sure they are not near a fan as rotating blade shadows very annoying

[Troy8432]

Not familiar with the term “light blocks”. What are they? Important to note, we’ve never lived in Florida and are relocating from Virginia. Came down there on two LSVs.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Originally Posted by Troy8432

Not familiar with the term “light blocks”. What are they? Important to note, we’ve never lived in Florida and are relocating from Virginia. Came down there on two LSVs.

translucent blocks put in place of cinder blocks to allow light through the walls instead of windows

many new houses have them in the bathrooms. . . worthwhile having them in the garage, I missed that one.

[Chatbrat]

There are two problems with any and all solar tubes-
1) additional penetrations to any roof, especially in a high wind area are not desirable
2) you can dim a solar tube

We installed additional recessed lighting & with the new LED lamps, very energy efficient if it matters to you

[Labanz]

Agree with last comment. I cannot understand installing solar tubes instead of additional LED fixtures. When I priced both payback on solar tubes were over 30 years.

[kidnerkim]

We have a begonia as well. We put them in kitchen, living room, guest bath, laundry & garage. They now have a night light thing as well that we added to laundry & garage

[Ga.dawg]

We have a Begonia also , we have the big size in center of kitchen and it’s perfect, wish we had and probably Will and I highly recommend you put one in the utility room ,

[retiredguy123]

Another problem with solar tubes is the you will always try to turn them off when you leave a room. The LED "daylight" bulbs provide light that is similar to natural light and they only use about 20 percent of the energy of incandescent light bulbs.

[VApeople]

Originally Posted by Troy8432

I plan on having developer install prior to closing to avoid any possible conflicts between developer and non-developer installer in case of a leak.

I don't think the developer installs solar tubes.

Wait until you move in to determine if you need solar tubes. Our house faces east and we have a couple windows on the south side, so we get plenty of natural light.

Our neighbors have a house like ours that faces south and they did not get much natural light in their kitchen and living area, so they had solar tubes put in.

[LizzieBorden]

We had ours installed after build, and used “Solar guys”, they are the best. One Regular size in the guest bath, one in the Laundry room, one in the master bath, and a larger one over the island with chairs. I had the natural window light over the sink, so didnt put one there. We love them.

[woderfulwendy1]

Originally Posted by Labanz

Agree with last comment. I cannot understand installing solar tubes instead of additional LED fixtures. When I priced both payback on solar tubes were over 30 years.

Have 3 tubes, wish I would have put 2 more. Love them, nothing like "real" light.

[sallyh26]

Solar Guy’s did all 3 of mine. I love the solar tubes. I live in a Patio Villa. In the main area I had the biggest 24”, each bath I added the 10”. What a difference.

[rambleon]

The small ones are fine for the bathrooms. Install the bigger ones in any other room such as a kitchen or family room. I have 4. Garage entry, both baths and the kitchen. They are fantastic. Get the Solar Tubes. I have 4 in my other house up north.