how much will it cost to rise a low ceiling in a home, say from 8' to 10' or 12'?

Answer 1

As a contractor for 30 years I would tell you it will probably cost more than your house would be worth after the project is done. It would entail removing the roof trusses and adding on to the walls, which would make a huge mess for a long time. If you have rafters that are on a steep pitch, then it might be possible to move the ceiling joist up a couple of feet. But even this involves a huge mess and possible hassles from the inspectors, and a long time moving out of your house.

Answer 2

Without further details about what exists this will pretty much be a guessing situation. I've been a contractor for a long time, but I wouldn't take the job.

Without knowing what exixts above the current ceiling, you'll have to consider more structural changes than just raising IT,,,Like raising the roof for example.? Without knowing if it's a single story or a two story home and where the room in question is, in the house, I can only assume. IE: If a two story house and the ceiling to be raised will intrude by 2 ft. or more, into the space above, you might, in essence consider that space above will be lost. If the room is under roof, then all manner of structural changes will have to be considered.
I understand that many houses SEEM to look like "there's a lot of wasted space up here." But certainly the structure is designed with a very specific purpose initially. Of course ADD ON's are possible, but costly, and need deep research into safety issues, etc.
I suspect, in a direct answer, "far more than you imagine, and perhaps can afford."

Steven Wolf

Answer 3

it depends on the area you want to lift. if it is one room on a lower level on a two story or a split it would be both expensive and quite extensive. if it is a section of a single story like a ranch style home it could be very easy in comparison. raising a section of roof with the ceiling is not difficult. separating the trusses or the rafters with the collar ties as long as it is an existing unit that functions properly and raising the unit to the desired level is fairly easy. a system for guiding the section properly while lifting must be used or the wind or a mechanical mishap can topple the unit. plumbing and electrical work must also be taken into consideration.

Answer 4

it depends on if you are trying to raise it to be flat or cathedral could be costly insulation Sheetrock re framing it is probably going to have some type of slope next to outside wall any ways