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Raising second floor ceiling

Asked February 29, 2020 by a homeowner in Attics (Lina S)

Hello

My second floor has 8 feet ceilings, except for the bonus room that has a vaulted ceiling.

I want to increase the height of ceiling in 3 bedrooms and a bath.

All bedrooms and a bath are on the outside perimeter of the house, meaning each has an externally facing window.

In the attic the structure that holding a roof is a truss with collar ties on every rafter and rafter ties/ceiling joists.

The roof is complex type, so bonus room has its own rafters.

Currently there is no working HVAC in the attic as the one that is there has been broke for a while.

The original ductwork is still in place and ideally I would like to leave it where it is.

The A/C vents are on a ceiling in all upstairs bedrooms.

Ceiling does not have to be raised uniformally in each corner of a bedroom.

Instead, I want to follow roof's design, so the ceiling by the eaves will be as is but higher toward the internal central point of the structure.

How can this be done safely to make sure that the external weight bearing walls will not cave out or in?

In other words, how can this be done to ensure the roof with its load will be properly supported?

Thank you.

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VNOC Handy ServicesContractorAugust 25, 2026
Raising the ceiling in your second-floor bedrooms and bath is a significant project that requires careful planning and execution, especially considering the structural implications of working with trusses and load-bearing walls.
First, consult a licensed structural engineer to assess your current roof structure and determine the best approach for raising the ceilings. They can provide guidance on how to modify or replace trusses while ensuring that the load-bearing capacity of the roof is maintained. This is crucial to prevent any structural issues down the line.
The cost for hiring a structural engineer typically ranges from $100 to $200 per hour, depending on your location, and the total project could range from $5,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the work and local labor rates.
Once you have a plan in place, it's advisable to hire licensed contractors for the construction work, particularly for any structural modifications and HVAC adjustments. They can help ensure that the existing ductwork is properly integrated into the new ceiling design.
As a next step, I recommend getting 2–3 local quotes on Handyman.com for both structural engineering services and the construction work. This will give you a better idea of the scope and cost involved.
— Assisted answer

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