Approximately how much value do vaulted ceilings add?

[wilmath]

I am a builder, not a real estate agent and I am getting ready to build a new house. The house will be located on a street
that contains all newer (10 years) homes and they are mostly 2 bed 2 bath at about 1300 sq. feet. The houses are an eclectic bunch
with contemporary, traditional, modern and even log cabin siding but none have vaulted ceilings.

I would like the living room and main bedroom to have vaulted ceilings but only if it is worth the expense and trouble.


Is there a rough percentage I could use to gauge the added value?

Thanks
Rick

 

[Joe Flacco]

No, there is not.

 

[Joe Flacco]

What is the cost difference to build a vaulted ceiling instead of a flat ceiling in a 1,300 SF house?

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

A faulted ceiling might mean a simple bump up to a two story tall great space. They may help sell the property, but as for utility or adding value, the appraiser does not consider that significant. IMNSHO, a 9' ceiling with ceiling hugging fans has more value in use.

If I would build anew, I would have a solid ceiling with cellulose solid in the attic with no vents there. My ducts would either be in a fully encapsulated crawl space or positioned below the ceiling in a false ceiling between the rooms and the attic trusses and insulation. That's why I prefer 9' ceilings, so the drop ceiling can hold the ductwork. Thus, you lose no heat or cooling into an attic. Just vent the attic well. And also I would use geothermal heat pump. It is the environment and energy saving thing to do.

 

[Joe Flacco]

This is from a tax appeal I am working on and it is from the states worksheet.

They say it adds $34.35 per SF. $4,465 for 130 SF of cathedral ceiling. Their worksheet doesn't make a lot of sense so I wouldn't rely on it.

 

[J Grant]

In my area, vaulted ceilings dated - most newer homes have volume ceilings ( that are flat ). A volume ceiling that is 10 feet or higher adds appeal, allows bigger windows, and makes a small house look larger. Idk if there is any kind of formula, but it might bump up the price a few percent. vut

 

[Tom D]

Around here rarely see vaulted, mostly atriums. I have a 10'+ living/dining room ceiling. Looks impressive. However, with a hardwood floor it does create a small echo. How about an angled ceiling towards the windows.

 

[glenn walker]

Increased heating and cooling cost are the negative.

 

[Tom4value]

This falls into the difference between market value and marketability.
“Oh, this is nice!”- marketability
“Nice enough to pay extra for it?”- market value.

Actually, both can have different market (read:buyer) responses. For the pros; vaulted ceilings give the feel of a larger space and can mean more options for furnishings, as in furniture, tvs and a larger Christmas tree (we can’t consider that but a buyer can). If considering at construction time, bigger windows/fireplace. Such finishing is also associated with higher quality so it may factor into willingness to pay a higher price.

However, there are cons. There is the added cost of heating/cooling. It also gives the feel of openness. Some buyers prefer the coziness of a flat ceiling. The bottom line is that it could add to the value and marketability or it could be neutral to value or even cause a buyer to walk away. For the OP, if you want the vaulted ceiling, go for it. But don’t do it solely to increase market value. Chances are, you won’t recoup the added cost.

 

[Elliott]

Just find a couple of sales with vaulted LRs and compare them with other sales that don't have vault. I will say when there is a remodel on HGTV if they can vault a ranch style home they do it. I think it improves marketability, don't know about value per SF.