I have a 50’s ranch style home I have been renovating over the past 5 or so years and would appreciate some advice on removing/vaulting the ceiling in certain rooms. The house is very solidly built with a low pitched roof but lacks a certain appeal. I’ve toyed with the idea of raixing the ceiling level in some of the rooms to add a bit of interest, particularly in a room that was once a garage. You step into the room from the kitchen onto a small landing and then down 3 steps into the room. The problem is the ceiling at the top step is only about 6-8 inches above the doorway at this point. Can the ceiling joists just be removed as long as the roof rafters are tied together at the top, or do I need extra support somewhere? Most of the roof is a hip roof, with a couple of gable ends. I’m pretty handy having executed quite a few renovations on a couple of houses, but with no formal training. I think I can handle just about any job, and know when to call in a pro. Thanks for your input.
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Spend a few bucks and have an architect look in the attic. You mighht be able to do this if you convert the ridge beam to a load bearing member, then you can take out most of the ceiling.
I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.