How Much Does it Cost to Vault a Ceiling?

 

Learn about the expenses of building a new home with vaulted ceilings or adding a vaulted ceiling to a home. Vaulted ceilings, which are at least 11-12 feet high on average, are becoming increasingly popular among current homeowners and those looking to build a home. Vaulted ceilings are incorporated in a wide variety of home styles, from Farmhouse to Contemporary to Craftsman. Most vaulted ceilings occur in living rooms, great rooms, foyers, and sometimes dining rooms and bedrooms. Any ceiling that extends past the common 8’-10’ ceiling heights is considered vaulted. These high heights, which began in cathedrals, have always been known for their ability to make any room look substantially bigger. 

 

Is Vaulting a ceiling really worth it?

We recently published a blog post about the Open Concept, which is essentially a wall-less connection between the kitchen, dining room, and living room, creating a large, open, airy space. Vaulted ceilings and open floor plans seem to go hand in hand. If you love wide open spaces in your home, you are most likely drawn to tall, open spaces. Whether you are interested in adding a vaulted ceiling to an existing home OR modifying a house plan to include these high, airy ceilings, there are definitely added costs and timing to be considered.

 

 

 

How much does it cost to vault the ceiling of a whole house?

When it comes to vaulting an entire house, a few factors can significantly vary the cost. Factors such as the house’s size, the complexity of the vaulted design, the materials used, and the labor involved all contribute to the overall expense. Typically, homeowners can expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $50 dollars per square foot for a basic project. As mentioned earlier, the estimate can increase if modifications are needed or if high-end materials are chosen. We recommend budgeting not only for construction but also for fees related to architectural or engineering services. If you want to get an accurate estimate, we suggest you consult with local contractors.

 

How much does it cost to vault a flat ceiling?

According to House Logic, the cost to add a vaulted ceiling of 11-12 feet high to a 20 X 20 room in an existing home costs around $18,000-25,000. That exorbitant price is the reason why most vaulted ceilings occur in new-construction homes and are not added to existing residences after a home is already built. 

If you’re interested in vaulting a ceiling prior to construction, on a house plan that does not currently have vaulted ceilings, the prices may look a little different. Typically, we have found that families choose to vault family rooms and master bedrooms the most. However, we occasionally receive requests to vault the ceilings in unexpected rooms, such as a loft. The price to modify a house plan to include a vaulted ceiling depends on the designer and the design of the house plan. To learn more about our Modification Process, click here.

 

 

Do you need planning permission to vault ceilings?

Determining whether you need permission to vault a ceiling can depend on your location and the specific regulations of the local planning authorities. If you’re unsure, you should check your local building codes and regulations. 

If you’re planning to vault a ceiling in a new plan you’ve purchased, that’s a much simpler answer. You can easily modify one of our plans to feature a vaulted ceiling. All you have to do is make a Modification Request! Please Contact one of our customer service representatives live on our website, and we will gladly walk you through the modification process.

If you do choose to add a vaulted ceiling in your current home, you will need to focus on the following areas, costs, and experts:

• Roof Trusses – For design, lumber, gussets, and machine setup.
• Lumber – Costs for truss bracing & drywall backers.
• Rough Carpentry – It’s time to line up the vault, install backers, and brace.
• Insulation – Time and material to install batt insulation in the sloped ceiling.
• Drywall – Time and material to hang and finish added ceiling area.
• Paint – Time and material to paint a taller ceiling area.

 

Can you make any ceiling vaulted?

When interested in making a vaulted ceiling, the feasibility of converting a ceiling to a vaulted design depends on various factors. The structural integrity of existing buildings and their roof systems plays a crucial role in the possibility of vaulting a ceiling. Vaulting an existing ceiling means altering the roof structure to extend the height or changing the shape. If you’re planning on vaulting an already-built home, you will likely need a structural engineer’s expertise to ensure the building structure’s integrity. Keep in mind that vaulting an already existing roof may be pretty costly due to complete reconstruction. 

 

However, if you are planning to build a house, you have other more cost-friendly options! As you search for the perfect house plan, don’t be dismayed if your favorite home doesn’t have a vaulted ceiling. It’s easy and affordable to modify any house plan to fit your needs, even if that need is for a 12-foot ceiling.

 

We facilitate numerous modifications of our over 20,000 house plans on a daily basis and on average, we receive at least 2-3 requests a week for vaulted ceilings OR the opposite: to bring down the vaulted ceiling to a normal height. The latter is primarily because of the costs involved in building and heating a room with a vaulted ceiling. Building a vaulted ceiling can be a bit more costly because it requires more building materials and labor. These tall ceilings can also create a steeper, more expensive roof by creating a larger roof line. Subsequently, because heat rises, vaulted ceilings are seen as wasted, heated space by some homeowners.

 

 

Can you vault a ceiling without removing the roof?

If you desire the vaulted look but don’t want to go through the intricate process, vaulting a ceiling without removing the roof is possible. The most common method involves adding a raised structure beneath the existing roof to make the vaulted effect without altering the original roof. This process involves installing a framework of arches to support the higher elevation. Others have achieved the look by installing beams or rafters to create a vaulted appearance without compromising the roof’s structural integrity. Both of these methods allow for you to transform your space while not completely changing the structure of your home. As always, we recommend you consult an architect or structural engineer to ensure that any modifications meet safety standards and adhere to local building codes.