On This Page:

1. Raising Ceiling Height Cost
2. Cost of Raising a Ceiling in a House
   1. Cost to Vault Living Room Ceiling
   2. Cost to Raise Garage Ceiling Height
   3. Cost to Raise Ceiling Into Attic
   4. Raise Basement Ceiling
   5. Remove a Drop Ceiling
3. Vault Ceiling Cost
4. Cathedral Ceiling Cost
5. Vaulting a Ceiling Cost Factors
6. DIY vs. Hiring Professional Contractors
7. FAQs

Raising Ceiling Height Cost

Cost of Raising a Ceiling in a House

It costs about $60 per square foot to raise a ceiling in your house, but does not include the price of raising a roof. Raising a ceiling is a cost-effective way to create more living space in your home, and popular projects include vaulting a family room or living room ceiling, or raising the roof of your foyer. Usually, this upgrade is done by appropriating attic space that isn’t being used.

If you have a larger project in mind, or you need to raise the roof on your home, the price goes up considerably. Raising a roof costs range from $15,000 to $125,000 and beyond. If there is a major structural change – like moving or removing a chimney – you may find the price prohibitive to the work you want done.

Cost to Vault Living Room Ceiling

It costs between $18,000 and $25,000 to vault an 11- to 12-foot ceiling in a 20 by 20 room.

There are other considerations to make before vaulting your ceiling. You’ll pay more for heating, because it takes more energy to fill the new, larger space. This particular renovation doesn’t really have a high return on investment (ROI) because it’s an upgrade that looks great, but doesn’t really add any function to your home. The new height may mean you need to hire a pro to clean and maintain lights and fans in the room.

Finally, vaulted ceilings need a specific type of ventilation that prevents mold growth. It can also help make the heating and cooling process more efficient, and helps make sure your home and roof maintain structural integrity.

Cost to Raise Garage Ceiling Height

It costs between $50 and $200 per square foot to raise the ceiling in your garage. This is just an estimate. Price can vary significantly based on factors like:

• The type of roof you have.
• Local labor and materials cost.
• Whether you have an attached or detached garage.
• The structural integrity of your house or garage.
• Whether you finish the interior of the garage or not.
• If you replace the roof, raise the roof or raise the entire structure.

Cost to Raise Ceiling into Attic

It costs about $60 per square foot to raise a ceiling into the attic of your house. Whether or not you have an accessible attic is less important than the type of roof you have. Raising the ceiling into the attic will affect the roof and structure of your home. A ceiling contractor near you can tell you the cost of your project.

Cost to Raise Basement Ceiling

It costs between $10,000 and $90,000 to raise your basement ceiling. On a basic level, a contractor has two options to raise the ceiling height in your basement:

• Dig deeper into the ground: $50,000-$90,000
• Raise the entire house: $10,000+

People refer to digging deeper as “lowering your basement” or underpinning your basement. It’s an unusual project that’s generally priced per linear foot. For reference, it typically costs between $350 and $450 per linear foot to excavate two feet into the ground.

Cost factors include things like:

• Type of foundation.
• Type of soil beneath your house.
• Presence of water or utility lines underground.

On the other hand, while It’s more affordable to raise your house, doing so can cause drywall cracking. If not done professionally, even more serious issues arise that can damage your home’s structure and foundation. Brick or stone homes are more likely to crack, which makes them risky to lift. Fixes to these issues are extremely expensive.

Cost Factors for Raising Your Ceiling

• Type of foundation.
• Material your house is made of.
• Fees from a structural engineer.

Cost to Remove Drop Ceiling

Removing a drop ceiling costs between $1 and $2 per square foot. The overall price depends on factors including:

• Local labor costs.
• The size of the ceiling.
• Legal disposal of the material.

Vault Ceiling Cost

It costs between $18,000 and $25,000 to vault an 11 to 12-foot ceiling in a 20x20 room. If you have a drop ceiling, a drywall ceiling or a flat ceiling, the cost to vault it won’t change dramatically. The type of roof you have impacts price the most.

If you have a stick-framed roof, it is much easier for professionals to complete the job. It’s much more expensive to vault your ceiling if you have a truss roof. That’s because truss roofs are pre-engineered to bear the weight of your home. There isn’t a lot of room for customization once they’re installed.

If you’d like to change your ceiling, but don’t necessarily need to vault it, here are some options and their costs:

• Cost to install a ceiling: $900-$2,330
• Cost to install a drop ceiling: $1,020-$2,350
• Cost to install a coffered ceiling: $25 per square foot.
• Cost to install or hang drywall: $10-$20 per panel.

Pros & Cons of a Vaulted Ceiling

Cathedral Ceiling Cost

It costs between $18,000 and $25,000 to install a cathedral ceiling, a type of vaulting that follows the pitch of the roof. This is an estimate, and the actual number can change dramatically based on the specifications of your project. Cost factors include:

• Material removal.
• Reinforcement or frame work.
• Local labor and material cost.

Vaulting a Ceiling Cost Factors

Vaulting a ceiling is a complex job. There are several different pros you’ll need to consult with and hire to get the job done.

Here’s a look at the experts who can help you vault your ceiling, and the cost to hire them.

Cost to Hire Pros to Vault a Ceiling

You will likely also need permits. The cost of a building permit typically runs between $400 and $1,900. Professionals working on your project can help you figure out exactly what you need.

DIY vs. Hiring Professional Contractors

Vaulting a ceiling is not a DIY job. This project impacts the structure of your home, so you must follow local building codes, engineering specs and other laws. If you decide to move forward anyway with a DIY project, potential issues include:

• Sagging or bowing roof.
• Structural warping.
• Walls bending outward.

It’s also important to hire a professional if your project involves electricity. A home remodeling contractor near you can help with that. The silver lining? Not all the work that goes into vaulting a ceiling is expensive – the cost to install a ceiling fan is about $250.

FAQs

Can you make ceilings higher?

Yes, you can make ceilings higher. You’ll need to find out what kind of roof you have. There are two types:

• Stick-framed roof.
• Truss roof.

It’s easier to make your ceilings higher if you have a stick-framed roof; a dormer can help with this. Dormer installation costs start at about $2,500 and go up from there. 

It’s still possible to make your ceiling higher with a truss roof, but it will cost you more. If you have an older house, there’s also a chance you have a drop ceiling. A pro can help figure out how much room there is above the drop ceiling. You may need to pay to conceal or relocate wiring, ducts and vents hidden above the drop tiles. From there, you can decide whether or not you’d like to raise the ceiling more.

If you’re interested in a more comprehensive improvement projects, the cost to remodel or renovate a house generally ranges between $18,500 and $76,000.

Can a regular ceiling be vaulted?

Yes, you can vault a regular ceiling. A ceiling pro near you can figure out what kind of roof you have – stick-framed or truss – and will provide a cost estimate based on that.

If you’re building a home and are interested in roof truss installation, roof trusses typically cost between $7,200 and $12,000.

Are vaulted ceilings worth it?

Vaulted ceilings are worth it if you don’t have a higher-end home. They can give your home value a boost of up to 25%, but if you live in a well-to-do neighborhood, a buyer will likely expect vaulted ceilings, so your ROI is lower.

What's the cost of a vaulted ceiling vs. flat ceiling?

The cost of a vaulted ceiling vs. a flat ceiling is between $1,030 and $25,000. More specifically:

• You’ll typically pay $1,030-$2,290 to make a vaulted ceiling flat.
• It can cost $18,000-$25,000 to raise a ceiling.

If you have vaulted ceilings, you’ll pay more for heating and cool costs.

How much does it cost to install a new ceiling?

It typically costs about $1,600 to install a new ceiling, or between $900 and $2,300. Cost factors include:

• Size of room.
• Type of ceiling.
• Local labor and materials cost.

How much does it cost to raise the roof on a house?

Raising the roof on a house costs between $15,000 and $125,000 and beyond. Cost factors include:

• Roof project planning, including permits.
• Removal of existing material.
• Plumbing or electrical work.
• Exterior remodeling work.

Can you raise an 8-foot ceiling?

Yes, you can raise an 8-foot ceiling. The price may be prohibitive if you have a truss roof. Talk to your contractor about the cost to raise your ceiling.