A reader's General Construction question: High ceilings?

Margaret P.   from   Port Sorell, Tasmania, Australia   had this High ceilings question.

Bill, Thanks for your great web site and all the useful information.
I am about to have some plans drawn up for a single storey 31 sq house, which we will get a builder to construct on our acreage land. It's very simple in design - just a long rectangle really with hip roofs at either end. It will be solar passive/energy efficient.(Later solar active).

Had thought about putting in 9ft (2700mm)ceilings throughout but am now thinking about making them 9 1/2 ft high (or 2850mm). (We will be having 2 completely separate living areas for noise/heat control etc).

Have you got any ideas as to how much more expensive it would be. I realize it would be up to the builder I choose, but I thought you might have an idea.
Best wishes,
Margaret P

Bill's reply

Hi Margaret, I can't really advise on difference in costs, it would be very hard to get an exact figure but I would suggest that you make a decision on the height before getting prices from builders. If you change it later, say as an extra then you will obviously pay more.

It may depend on the materials used too. For instance with steel frame construction 2700 is the standard height so stock stud lengths come in multiples of that so you get three studs out of a stock length. If you want a 2850 ht then you have to order a special rolling or waste material.

I personally would go for the higher ceiling every time. The feeling of light and space increases. I have done a lot of 3000 high homes.

Cheers Bill.

Dear Bill,
Thanks so much for your prompt reply.

Yesterday I happened to go into a home which had 3000mm ceilings and it was great - as you say, there's a great feeling of spaciousness. I've decided that's the height we'll have. Our house is going to be good quality (but not ostentatious) in every other respect, so the 10 ft ceilings will only add to that. Also good for resale value, if the need arises.

Best wishes,
Margaret P