Raising the Roof: A Comprehensive Guide to Costs, Process, and Benefits

Raising the roof on your home can provide additional space, improve architectural appeal, and increase property value. This comprehensive guide covers the reasons to raise a roof, the process involved, the time it takes, and the associated costs.

Why Raise a Roof?

Raising the roof can be a significant investment, but the benefits often outweigh the costs. Here are some compelling reasons:

Pros of Raising a Roof

• Additional Living Space: Raising the roof allows you to create extra rooms or even add a second story to your home, significantly increasing the livable area.
• Enhanced Aesthetics: Improving the exterior look of your home can be achieved by raising the roof, giving your house a more modern and appealing design.
• Increased Property Value: Boosting the resale value of your home is a key advantage, as a higher roof can make the property more attractive to potential buyers.
• Better Insulation: Raising the roof provides an opportunity to improve insulation and energy efficiency, resulting in lower energy bills and a more comfortable living environment.
• Improved Natural Light: Adding windows or skylights to a raised roof can bring more natural light into your home, creating a brighter and more welcoming atmosphere.

Cons of Raising a Roof

• Costly: Raising a roof can be an expensive project, with costs potentially ranging from tens of thousands to over a hundred thousand dollars.
• Time-Consuming: The process of raising a roof can take several weeks to months, depending on the complexity and size of the project.
• Complexity: This type of renovation requires significant structural changes and obtaining the necessary permits, which can add to the complexity and length of the project.

A few factors could make raising your roof impossible, or incredibly costly. These include:

• Your roof’s framing.
• How your current electrical wiring is installed.
• HVAC ductwork and plumbing that blocks the area.
• Chimneys attached to the portion of the roof you want raised.

These are the main things to first think about before calling a contractor to estimate a cost for raising your roof.

Roofing Permits

You will need a building permit if you plan to raise ceiling height in your home, especially if you will also be modifying your roof-line. Contact the residential permit department in your area to find out more about requesting a permit.

If you choose to hire a roof contractor, they will pull the permit for you. Failure to obtain the right permit for the job before you start may seem like you are saving time and money, but it’s an unwise choice. Not having the proper permits if something goes wrong, or if you try to sell your home, will just cause a bigger headache in the end. Trust us on this, get your permit before you start working on your roof!

Find Me Local Roofing Pros

How Much Does It Cost to Raise a Roof?

Like most roofing projects, the total cost to raise your ceiling depends on the factors involved with your home’s particular roof.

Cost to Raise a Roof

Raising your home's roof can significantly change the look and feel of your home.

• Adds a spacious feeling

• Brings in architectural interest

• Can allow for more windows, and thus, more light

• Can increase your home's value

Average Cost:

$22,500 - $60,000+

The cost to raise a roof can vary widely based on factors like the size of the project, materials used, and local labor rates. Here’s a breakdown of potential costs:

How Long Does It Take to Raise a Roof?

The time required to raise a roof depends on several factors, including the size of the project, weather conditions, and contractor availability. Generally, the process can take anywhere from 8 to 16 weeks. The planning and permitting phase typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, during which you will consult with an architect and obtain the necessary building permits. Selecting a contractor may add another 1 to 2 weeks, as you compare quotes and choose the best professional for the job.

Once the preparation phase begins, expect an additional 1 to 2 weeks to inspect the current structure and remove the existing roof. The actual process of raising the roof, including strengthening the structure, lifting the roof, and adding new framing, can take approximately 2 to 4 weeks. Finally, the finishing touches, such as installing new roofing materials and completing interior work like insulation and drywall, typically take another 2 to 4 weeks. Overall, while the timeline can vary, planning for a total duration of 8 to 16 weeks is a good estimate for most roof-raising projects.

Raising Ceiling Height

If you want to just raise your ceiling, you will still need to pull the appropriate permit from your city government. In most cases, raising the ceiling means your home will now boast vaulted ceilings!

But this project involves more than just tearing down your old ceiling. Your contractor will work with structural engineers to ensure that your ceiling and roof are still strong enough to support your home and keep you protected from the elements. Depending on your home’s structure, they may still have to strip your ceiling to the studs and rebuild from there — as they would if they had to rebuild your roof.

Alternatively, they may just have to add load-bearing walls after they demolish the old ceiling to create the vaulted ceilings. Be sure to ask your contractor about your particular ceilings and what the project will entail.

Tips for Making the Most of Lower Ceilings

If you have met with a contractor and you find that your home is not the best candidate for having the ceiling raised, or if the renovation is cost-prohibitive, there are still options for you for modifying your low ceiling.

• Take advantage of your home’s bones. If you have your home’s blueprints accessible, take a look to see if there are any beams hiding in your ceiling. Exposed beams or planks are a popular way to make the best of rooms with low ceilings, especially if you live in a historic home.
• Add a French door. You can also change other elements in your home to open up the space instantly. Adding a French exterior door in place of a wall will create visual interest and brighten up the space immediately. For privacy, install a pull-down shutter and cover the windows to the doors at night.
• Use lighter colors. Another trick to create the feeling of space within a room is to use light paint colors. Bright whites or grays are popular colors, and to keep it interesting you can try out different finishes like high-gloss or matte options.

Should You Raise the Roof in Your Home?

Raising the roof on your home can be a transformative project that adds significant value and functionality. While it requires a substantial investment of time and money, the benefits of additional space and improved aesthetics can make it worthwhile. If you’re considering this project, consult with professionals to get accurate estimates and ensure a successful outcome.

Ready to raise your roof? Contact experienced contractors today to start planning your project!