Difference in cost between 8' & 9' ceilings

scsiguru · 07-17-2009, 11:08 AM

If I were building a 2400 sq. ft. home and wanted to figure the price difference between going with 8' or 9' ceilings how would the dollar figure be determined?I'm approaching this as a potential home buyer. Thanks!

jerryh3 · 07-17-2009, 11:13 AM

You would ask the person you're buying from/having build the house what the difference in price would be.

Scuba_Dave · 07-17-2009, 11:24 AM

The builder would need to answer that question
Prices vary widely by area

scsiguru · 07-17-2009, 11:43 AM

I guess I should have provided some clarification. I'm considering building a home and I haven't even spoken to any contractors yet. I'm just trying to get a ballpark figure so I can either dismiss the idea or consider the higher ceilings.

Scuba_Dave · 07-17-2009, 11:52 AM

Too many variables to give an estimate over the Internet
A builder in your area would be able to give you price differences

**Termite** · 07-17-2009, 12:38 PM

Agreed, we avoid cost "ballparks" like the plague here for good reason. You need to discuss that issue with a builder in your area.

Things to consider:
Sheetrock is priced by the square foot, so is painting, etc. Materials increases (rock, insulation, wire, framing materials, paint) and labor increases for most trades may be involved. Not to mention that a 1' stud height difference increases the volume of the house by a good 10-15% which will cost more to heat and cool.

scsiguru · 07-17-2009, 01:00 PM

Thanks everyone for your replies. So what I'm hearing is that I should avoid 9' or higher ceilings, not only for building costs but also future costs.

jerryh3 · 07-17-2009, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scsiguru

Thanks everyone for your replies. So what I'm hearing is that I should avoid 9' or higher ceilings, not only for building costs but also future costs.

It depends on your budget and priorities. Personally, I love the look of 9' ceilings and would consider them in the next house I build. But, you do have to consider the costs(both short term and long term) of the added space.

scsiguru · 07-17-2009, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jerryh3

It depends on your budget and priorities. Personally, I love the look of 9' ceilings and would consider them in the next house I build. But, you do have to consider the costs(both short term and long term) of the added space.

Our current home is around 4800 sq. ft. finished. We just Purchased an acre of land to build. We are going downsize an want a house of around 2200 to 2400 sq. ft. The wife wants all brick, but if we decide to go with the 9' ceilings then I would have to go with partial brick.

Scuba_Dave · 07-17-2009, 01:34 PM

My sunroom I started the outside wall at 9' instead of 8'
Cathedral ceiling slopes up to about 11' - thenis flat for 4'

My Great room has an 8' outer wall & slopes up to a 12' cathedral ceiling, then flat for about 8'
Since I was doing the work the additional cost was not that much
I like the look of a cathedral ceiling vs a totally flat ceiling
If the 2nd floor is all/mostly bedrooms I'd leave those at 8'

scsiguru · 07-17-2009, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scuba_Dave

My sunroom I started the outside wall at 9' instead of 8'
Cathedral ceiling slopes up to about 11' - thenis flat for 4'

My Great room has an 8' outer wall & slopes up to a 12' cathedral ceiling, then flat for about 8'
Since I was doing the work the additional cost was not that much
I like the look of a cathedral ceiling vs a totally flat ceiling
If the 2nd floor is all/mostly bedrooms I'd leave those at 8'

Wow! I'm sure your home is beautiful. We plan to only have one floor with a possible bonus room above, and a full or partial unfnished basement for storage only. So that why I think the 9' ceilings would be the way to go.