Is It Possible To Turn Your Flat Ceiling Into A Vaulted One?

Nothing is worse than feeling like your space is just a bit too cramped. If you're desperate for wiggle room, you might ask yourself if you can vault your traditional flat ceilings to inject an open feeling into your home. To put it simply, it is possible to transform your flat ceilings into vaulted ones, but there are a number of considerations to make before you can simply tear a hole in your ceiling. The process requires a lot of planning and difficult construction work, but after consulting a structural engineer and a building inspector, it can be done by a general contractor or by yourself if you have the right tools and experience.

The main factor that you need to consider when determining whether or not you should vault your ceiling is what's above it. For starters, you won't be able to vault your ceiling if there are any bedrooms or main features above your desired space. Ventilation, electrical work, and HVAC ducts can make the vaulting process exponentially more difficult, as they will need to be completely reworked and rerouted to adjust for the open ceiling. It may not even be feasible to adjust these systems within your home. Additionally, the support method of your roof can also determine the possibility of vaulting your ceiling. Roofs that employ trusses — instead of rafters — can be vaulted, but the installation process is significantly more difficult and expensive. You may not find it worthwhile to perform such a major renovation on your home, especially if you're on a tight budget.

Before you can start tearing into your ceiling, it is important to consult with a professional about the structural integrity to determine if vaulted ceilings are right for your home. A structural engineer can help point out any issues that might arise during a project that involves vaulting your ceiling, ranging from heating and cooling to HVAC or electrical systems. One of the signs that your ceiling should be vaulted by a professional contractor is that your ceiling employs trusses rather than rafters, which can complicate the process. You should also determine if your ceiling will require significant structural changes and if you are comfortable successfully completing those tasks. Finally, you will need to run your plans by a building inspector to ensure that all of the changes are completely up to your region's building codes. Your structural engineer can sign off on any drawings that you provide, which assists in the approval process.

With the structural considerations out of the way, you can more easily determine the estimated cost of the entire project. If you're choosing to hire a professional, you'll likely need to budget anywhere between $18,000 and $35,000. Much of that price accounts for local labor costs, primarily the demolition and installation of your vaulted ceiling. If you can subtract labor costs, a DIY vaulted ceiling will most likely range between $4,500 to $8,750. However, it should be noted that these estimates are for a simple vaulted ceiling, and the price will be higher if significant structural changes need to be made or fixtures need to be moved.

If your home seems like a good candidate for a vaulted ceiling, the process starts with removing the existing ceiling to expose and reinforce the roofing framework. After discussing with your contractor, you may need to install a few additional supports to help maintain the structural stability of your home. This could include a few temporary supports to help balance the load while you remodel your ceiling, such as a temporary wall , or more permanent supports like a pillar or beam. At this time, you will also want to tackle any electrical work that needs to be run behind the ceiling, whether you're installing a fresh set of lights in the vaulted ceiling or just moving existing wiring. Make note of where each electrical feature will need to be before installing any ceiling panels.

With the behind-the-scenes work complete, you're ready to add your insulation of choice to the space. Whether you're using a rigid foam, a spray foam, or rolling out fiberglass batting, insulation should be secured between each rafter to help maintain a consistent temperature in the room. Explore different methods to ensure that your home's insulation is working properly if you've never installed insulation before. 

Next, secure your drywall panels to your vaulted ceiling and follow with drywall compound. Alternatively, a shiplap ceiling can provide a rustic look. You should also cut holes out for any light fixtures that might be necessary on your newly installed ceiling — this step can always be done after installation as well. Finish your vaulted ceiling with a fresh coat of paint!

If vaulting your entire ceiling is a bit too complicated or expensive, there are plenty of alternative options that can help achieve a similar open feeling in your space. One solution is to install a coffered ceiling, which consists of rectangular or square panels that are framed by existing beams. It creates a grid-like recessed surface on your ceiling that helps to create an expansive feeling without having to remove existing support beams or structural elements. Installation costs can run between $2,500 and $8,000 depending on the existing ceiling and if you use a professional contractor. 

In a similar vein, a tray ceiling offers a raised look within your room, but it only consists of one large panel. It essentially lifts a rectangular or square area of the ceiling for a bit of additional height. Tray ceilings will generally cost anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 for remodeling materials and paint, not including any hired labor.

There are also plenty of other means of achieving a similar open feel from your space without a fancy vaulted or coffered ceiling. For example, you could raise all or part of your ceiling by just a few inches. This can be helpful in areas that benefit from that extra bit of ceiling height, whether it's a cramped family room or a kitchen requiring more storage. If a total renovation isn't in the cards, there are a number of hacks that can make your ceilings feel higher. Painting your ceilings and switching to lower profile light fixtures can help create the impression of taller ceilings without the need for any reconstruction.