Greetings! I am designing, and hope to build a fairly small (650 sq ft/floor – two floor) accessory dwelling unit for a property in urban missoula, MT. The neighborhood has primarily 1 story homes and a few two story homes but we’d like to keep the overall height of the structure fairly low just to make it less obtrusive (it’s in the backyard of our house).
I’m struggling to determine if I should go with 8′ ceilings or 9′ ceilings. I grew up with 8′ ceilings so I’m comfortable with them – although this will be a rental property.
I have read online that 9′ ceilings are far more common and generally desired in modern construction – and that it might even impact resale. I understand that 9′ ceilings can make the house feel more open and airy. At the same time, this is a pretty small house and perhaps the house might feel cozier at 8′ ceilings??? Also to keep the height of the house lower the second floor has a shed dormer and main roof line that will intrude into second floor bedrooms.
Renderings of the house with 8′ and 9′ ceilings are attached. What do you think? 9′ or 8′ ceilings? Both first and second floor?
Thanks!
Replies
Been through Montana. Route 2 goes I think from Washington all the way across the country (except where it gets lost in the UP of Michigan before dropping down into my State of Ohio…..then on across to the coast.
That is one long road through your state…..followed some antiques going to a car show for a real long time.
Not knowing the lot or neighborhood, I’d build the 8’ one and duck my head upstairs when necessary.
Best of luck.
Edit: I see now it in fact ends at St Ignace, Mi. and picks up in New York State before heading up into Maine I believe. The route 2 in Ohio appears to be a State highway.
Looks like you have a height limit issue. Try going with 9ft lower and 8ft upper. The porch roof seems too high and why not just use the same low pitch across the whole roof. That extra high pitch over a short section is a waste of money and looks asthetically odd. Your windows have differing plate heights causing unecessary costs.