How Much Does It Cost to Vault a Ceiling in 2025?
Vaulting a ceiling costs an average of $19,900.
Vaulting a ceiling can cost between $4,800 and $38,000, averaging around $19,900.
Key cost factors include ceiling type, size, location, and labor.
Labor typically represents about 75% of the total cost.
Vaulted ceilings can enhance your home's appearance and potentially increase its value.
Hiring a professional is crucial to ensure safety and structural integrity.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Feeling like your home could use a lift? Vaulting a ceiling can transform your interior, creating an open and spacious feel. The average cost to vault a ceiling is $19,900, with most homeowners paying between $4,800 and $4,800. Depending on factors like location, room size, ceiling type, and quality of materials, costs can range from as low as $3,600 to as high as $47,500. Budgeting carefully and hiring a professional are essential to ensure the project is completed safely and effectively. The cost per square foot averages between $50 and $75.
Cost Factors for Vaulting a Ceiling
The main cost factors for vaulted ceiling installations are the ceiling style, size, location, and the contractors you hire.
Ceiling Type
One of the main factors affecting the cost to vault your ceiling is the type of ceiling you currently have and your roof's structure. Whether you have a drop, drywall, or flat ceiling, vaulting it in a 20-by-20-foot room to an 11- to 12-foot height typically costs between $18,000 and $35,000. Since the roof type impacts the price the most, your existing ceiling style doesn't dramatically change the cost.
Groin Vault Ceiling
At around $4,800 to $10,000, groin vault ceilings are less expensive than cathedral ceilings because they require less modification to the home's structure. You can plaster over a groin vault to make a double-arched domed ceiling or leave it open for a loftier and more rustic look.
Dome Ceiling
Dome ceilings—also known as double-barrel vaults or cross vaults—cost around $4,800 to $10,000. With two crossing barrel vaults and a relatively shallow design, dome ceilings are the least complicated vault to add to an existing structure. They don't require roof modifications and can be placed in just one area or the entire room to add vertical space.
Barrel Ceiling
Barrel ceilings feature overhead arches and cost around $5,000 to $10,200.
Rib Vault Ceiling
Rib vault ceilings average $4,800 to $10,000. They don't require roof modifications, but they do intrude on attic space. Multiple individual arched beams form rib vault ceilings, so the design is more flexible and commonplace in rooms with an odd shape or size.
Cathedral Ceiling
Cathedral ceilings cost around $16,000 to $35,000. They are complex to build in existing structures and require extensive roof modifications, which is reflected in the comparatively high top-end cost range. Cathedral ceilings are angular and tend to have a dramatic appearance. Depending on your roof's configuration, you can leave the rafters exposed to maximize the effect.
Size and Location
Raising a ceiling ranges between $50 and $75 per square foot, averaging $60 per square foot, not including the price of raising a roof. This upgrade usually appropriates unused attic space rather than raising a roof.
| Vaulted Ceiling Location | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Bathroom | $12,000–$18,000 |
| Bedroom | $12,000–$18,000 |
| Kitchen | $12,000–$18,000 |
| Living room | $18,000–$25,000 |
| Garage | $18,000–$35,000 |
| Basement | $10,000–$90,000 |
Labor
Labor makes up about 75% of the cost to vault a ceiling. For a $35,000 project, around $26,000 goes toward labor. Vaulting a ceiling is a complex job that involves several professionals. You'll need an architect (costing between $4,000 and $7,000) to design the new structure and a structural engineer (costing $500–$2,000) to ensure it's safe and sound. A general contractor will often oversee the project and coordinate tasks like demolition, framing, and finishing. Drywall installers, painters, insulation, and framing pros also contribute. Labor costs can vary depending on your region and local rates.
| Contractor/Task | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Architect | $4,000–$7,000 |
| Demolition and material disposal | $3,700–$4,700 |
| Drywall installer | $3,900–$4,900 |
| Wiring and ductwork replacement | $200–$500 (or $2–$4 per sq. ft. for rewiring) + $1,180 for ductwork replacement |
| Ductwork replacement | $1,180 |
| Structural engineer | $500–$2,000 |
| Insulation | $1,300–$3,300 |
| Painting | $1,600–$2,600 |
| Roof and ceiling modifications | $3,600–$10,600 |
Additional Vaulted Ceiling Cost Factors
Several additional factors can impact the total cost when you vault a ceiling. Labor fees, permits, demolition, and prep work all add up. The type of foundation and the construction materials in your home can influence the price. Don't forget about taxes, insurance, warranties, and any necessary repairs or post-construction cleanup. If you need accessibility modifications or ADA features, these will affect the overall cost as well.
Permits
Building permits cost anywhere from $200 to $2,000, depending on your area’s regulations and modifications involved with your project. Your contractors can provide info on permit requirements. Some guide you through applications, while others obtain them and build the cost into project estimates.
Existing Home vs. New Construction
Vaulting a ceiling in new construction is generally more affordable than converting an existing home, particularly for cathedral ceilings or other complex styles. Vaulting a ceiling in a new construction costs around $16,000 to $21,000, including the roof framing price, plus an additional 5% to 20% to cover the modifications and finishing.
Removing a Drop Ceiling
Removing a drop ceiling costs between $1 and $2 per square foot. The price depends on local labor rates, ceiling size, and disposal.
Ongoing Costs
Keep in mind that vaulting your ceiling can lead to higher ongoing costs. You'll likely pay more for heating and cooling since the larger space requires more energy. The added height might also make it harder to change light bulbs or clean ceiling fixtures, meaning you may need professional help for maintenance.
Does Vaulting a Ceiling Increase Home Value?
Vaulted ceilings can make your home feel more spacious and might boost its value. However, since they don't add actual square footage or functional space, the return on investment may not be as high as you'd expect. It's a significant upfront expense, so consider whether the aesthetic benefits are worth the cost for you.
Budgeting for Vaulting a Ceiling
Vaulted ceilings can transform your home's appearance, but they come with a significant price tag. Here are some budgeting tips to help you keep costs in check:
Gather detailed estimates from multiple contractors to compare services and prices.
Bundle projects like roofing upgrades, insulation replacement, or electrical rewiring to potentially save money.
Consider investing in an energy-efficient HVAC system to offset increased heating and cooling costs.
If you're building a new home, include the vaulted ceiling in the initial design rather than converting later—it can save you money in the long run.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can vault an existing ceiling, but it's a complex process. You'll need to have sufficient attic space, and your home's structural integrity must be assessed. Professionals will evaluate load‑bearing walls and make the necessary structural adjustments. With precise planning and skilled work, you can transform your ceilings to create a more open and appealing space.
Vaulting a ceiling increases home value by enhancing your property’s overall visual and spatial appeal. In markets with predominantly lower ceilings, a vaulted ceiling adds significant charm and can increase the property’s value by up to 25%. In competitive areas with larger homes, this upgrade still elevates interior aesthetics and boosts desirability.
Yes, a vaulted ceiling increases heating costs by requiring your HVAC system to manage a larger space. The expanded air volume forces the system to work harder to heat or cool the home, resulting in higher energy consumption and utility bills. Homeowners must factor these additional energy expenses into their overall project budget.
A vaulted ceiling is defined by its height exceeding the standard 8‑foot ceiling. Vaulted ceilings range from 12 to 25 feet in height, a measurement governed by the home’s design and available space. Architectural planning and roof configuration determine the final height, ensuring both safety and an impressive visual transformation that creates a more open atmosphere.
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