Hey everyone! I'm looking for some expert opinions on how challenging it would be to remove the ceiling and vault this room to bring in more natural light. The room is approximately 19' x 23' with a slope of 4:12. Here are my ideas: 1) Installing skylights with a wide cutout in the ceiling; 2) Taking out the ceiling completely and leaving the beams exposed; or 3) Doing some clever engineering to reduce the visible framing. Any thoughts?
3 Answers
If you’ve got a budget between 50k to 150k, then sure, vaulting is feasible! Just be ready to replace your entire roof, reroute plumbing, HVAC, and electrical, and get an architect involved for solid plans. But, if ROI is a concern, this may not be the best route.
Removing the ceiling without a plan might lead to insulation issues, not to mention exposed ducts and wires. Roof trusses are part of a specific load calculation, so you can’t just take them out without proper planning. Skylights are definitely a better way to add light, but make sure to install them correctly to avoid leaks!
Those cross beams you're seeing are collar ties, and they're structural, which means you'll need some serious engineering to remove them. If you do, the roof might sag without support underneath. It would be wise to get a structural engineer involved to ensure everything remains safe and sound.