How Much Does It Cost to Vault a Ceiling?
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A vaulted ceiling brings an air of grandeur to any home’s interior. But how expensive is it? The average cost to vault a ceiling is $19,900, though the final cost can range from $4,800 to $38,000.
Highlights
- The typical cost range to vault a ceiling is between $4,800 and $38,000, with homeowners across the country paying an average of $19,900.
- The main factors that can affect the total cost to vault a ceiling include the home’s construction type, the ceiling location and type, the preparation of the worksite, and the cost of labor.
- Vaulted ceilings have many benefits, including increased light, the illusion of more space, improved aesthetics, and a potentially increased home value.
- Vaulting a ceiling is a major home renovation project that the average homeowner will likely not have the skillset to complete on their own. A contractor can ensure that the ceiling is vaulted properly, which will avoid potentially expensive structural issues down the road.
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Vaulted ceilings bring a sense of openness and elegance to the home that is difficult to achieve with a plain, flat ceiling. A homeowner may choose to invest in a half vaulted ceiling, a vaulted ceiling in a living room, or even a vaulted ceiling in a bedroom. But what is a vaulted ceiling exactly? It’s essentially a ceiling that has been extended up into the attic space between the roof and the original ceiling. A standard flat ceiling is generally 8 to 10 feet in height, while a vaulted ceiling takes advantage of empty attic space, raising ceiling height in an arched design and adding an air of grandeur to the space.
According to Angi, the cost to install a vaulted ceiling ranges from $4,800 to $38,000, though on average homeowners can expect to pay around $19,900. However, there are many factors that can affect the cost, such as the construction type, the ceiling location, and the various types of vaulted ceilings. Homeowners can use this guide to get a better idea of the factors involved in calculating the cost to vault a ceiling.
Factors in Calculating the Cost to Vault a Ceiling
In order to put together an accurate assessment of the cost to vault a ceiling, it’s important for a homeowner to consider the key project factors that could influence the cost of this upgrade. Common considerations include the construction type, ceiling location, ceiling type, and more. Homeowners can use the information below to learn the details necessary to create a budget for a vaulted roof installation.
Construction Type
The first factor for homeowners to consider is whether the vaulted ceiling will be installed in a new home during the initial construction or if it will be added to an existing home by removing the current ceiling.
- A new home is easier to work with, as the contractor will be able to plan and coordinate the installation of the electrical system, HVAC system, plumbing system, insulation in conjunction with the roofing design. The cost for a vaulted ceiling in new construction ranges from $16,000 to $21,000. Since the building does not need to be dismantled or modified prior to the installation, the cost is typically lower than the cost to install a vaulted ceiling in an existing structure.
- An existing home typically requires extensive modifications to the electrical and HVAC systems to accommodate the upgrade. Depending on the type of vaulted ceiling, the contractor may also need to modify the existing roof. Due to the additional work required for dismantlement and modifications, the cost for this project is generally higher than the cost for a vaulted ceiling in a new build. Homeowners can expect to pay about $18,000 to $35,000 for this project.
Ceiling Location
The cost of the project can also be affected by the location of the ceiling, so it’s a good idea for a homeowner to choose the right room for the renovation based on aesthetics and budgetary restrictions. Installing a bathroom vaulted ceiling can be a great way to make a compact space feel larger, though it will cost about $12,000 to $18,000.
A bedroom vaulted ceiling can turn a standard bedroom into an elegant master bedroom with a lofty ceiling for about $12,000 to $18,000. Similarly, a kitchen vaulted ceiling will cost about $12,000 to $18,000, including the cost to reroute an existing exhaust hood. Living room vaulted ceilings tend to cost a bit more, ranging from $18,000 to $25,000. This is due to the fact that living rooms typically have more square footage than the average kitchen, bedroom, or bathroom. Homeowners who are looking to vault the garage will want to be prepared to pay about $18,000 to $35,000 to complete this project. The following table breaks down the average cost to vault a ceiling by room.
| Ceiling Location | Average Cost to Vault Ceiling |
| Bathroom | $12,000 to $18,000 |
| Bedroom | $12,000 to $18,000 |
| Garage | $18,000 to $35,000 |
| Kitchen | $12,000 to $18,000 |
| Living Room | $18,000 to $25,000 |
Ceiling Type
There are several types of vaulted ceiling that homeowners can select for this project, including barrel, cathedral, dome, groin vault, and rib vault, each with benefits, drawbacks, and varying costs. However, it’s important for homeowners to note that even the least expensive option typically starts at about $4,800.
Dome, groin vault, and rib vault ceilings are the least complicated to install, which is why they cost about the same with a price ranging from $4,800 to $10,000. Barrel ceilings typically cost a little more at about $5,000 to $10,200. However, cathedral ceilings are the most expensive option, ranging from $16,000 to $35,000, due to the extensive modification necessary to complete the job. Alternative ceiling options include the following.
| Ceiling Type | Average Cost (Including Labor and Materials) |
| Coffered | $25 per square foot |
| Drop | $1,020 to $2,350 |
| Drywall | $10 to $20 per panel |
Site Preparation
Site preparation is considered a part of the labor involved with installing a vaulted ceiling, which means that any costs associated with site prep should be folded into the labor estimates for the project. However, for those looking to save on the cost of the project, it’s a good idea to move any furniture or appliances, clean the area, and prepare as much as possible so that there is less for the contractor to do.
Even after the initial preparation, there may be components of the HVAC system, plumbing system, or electrical system that need to be moved or modified. If the installation is not part of a new build, the existing ceiling will need to be removed before a new one can be installed. This work can quickly add up, ranging in cost from $1,100 to $6,200.
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Labor
The majority of the cost for this project is due to the amount of labor required to install the vaulted ceiling. On average, labor accounts for up to 75 percent of the total cost of a vaulted ceiling installation job. This means that the homeowner will spend about $13,500 to $26,250 on labor alone. With this range in mind, it’s recommended that homeowners get quotes from at least three potential companies or contractors before they choose someone to complete this work.
Depending on the company or contractor, the labor rates may decrease, allowing the homeowner to save on the total cost of the project without affecting the quality of the vaulted ceiling installation. Homeowners will want to keep in mind that labor prices will typically include the cost to hire drywall experts, painters, insulation installers, electricians, structural engineers, carpenters, and HVAC technicians.
Additional Costs and Considerations
With a firm grasp on the key factors to consider for this project, the next step is for the homeowner to determine if there are any additional costs that could impact the budget, such as work permits, insulation installation, electrical work, or any HVAC updates. Homeowners will want to consider these potential costs when putting together the plan for the vaulted ceiling project to ensure that the additions do not exceed the limits of the budget.
Permits
Vaulting a ceiling isn’t a simple task, and it often requires structural changes to the home. With this in mind, it won’t surprise homeowners to learn that a permit is typically necessary before work can start on a vaulted ceiling. The cost for a permit to vault a ceiling can range significantly from $200 to $2,000, including a professional inspection of the completed job.
Generally, the project will require only work permits, though if the contractor will be making any alterations to the exterior of the roof, like putting in a skylight, then planning permits may also be needed. Homeowners will want to speak to the contractor to find out if they will be handling permit acquisition and if the permit cost will be included in the total estimate or tacked on at the end as an extra fee.
Electrical Work
One of the changes that often need to be made when homeowners are upgrading an existing ceiling to a vaulted ceiling is the position and configuration of the electrical wiring. This can include rerouting the electrical wiring, moving light fixtures, installing new light fixtures, lengthening existing cables, removing old cables, and even moving junction boxes.
In most cases, the contractor will hire an electrician to do this work, though not every company operates this way. Therefore, the homeowner will want to make sure they ask their contractor if there will be any subcontractors working on the project. Electricians usually charge about $50 to $100 per hour and will typically take about 4 to 10 hours to complete electrical changes and upgrades for a vaulted ceiling.
| Time | Average Cost |
| 4 hours | $200 to $400 |
| 6 hours | $300 to $600 |
| 8 hours | $400 to $800 |
| 10 hours | $500 to $1,000 |
Insulation
Whether the vaulted ceiling will be constructed in a new home or converted from an existing ceiling, the resulting structure will require new insulation. Depending on the type of insulation and the size of the area, insulating a vaulted ceiling typically costs about $1,300 to $3,300.
Insulation helps to slow the transfer of heat through the ceiling and roof, reducing the energy required to heat or cool the home. It’s also necessary to prevent ice dams, mold and mildew growth, and roof deterioration, so homeowners will want to make sure the contractor pulls out any old insulation and adds new insulation to properly complete the project.
HVAC Updates
As is true of the electrical system, the HVAC system will often need to be rerouted and extended to function with the addition of a vaulted ceiling. If the home has an attic that will be reduced in size to accommodate the vaulted ceiling, then there is a high chance that crucial HVAC components will need to be moved to a new location.
The average cost to replace ductwork is about $1,180. However, the costs can vary depending on the number of ducts, location, number of new vents, and complexity of the job. Homeowners will want to speak to the contractor to determine if there is an HVAC technician on staff or a subcontractor who will be hired to complete any HVAC updates.
Skylight Installation
Installing skylights at the same time as the vault ceiling upgrade is a good way for a homeowner to bundle the work and potentially get a reduced price for one or both jobs. However, this addition will still increase the total cost of the project by about $1,100 to $2,700. The cost of the skylight installation can vary depending on the size, shape, position, and manufacturing materials.
Skylights can also increase the natural light in the room, reducing the need for electrical lights during the day. This addition isn’t easy to complete, so it’s important for homeowners to note that it may increase the installation timeline and the labor costs (homeowners can plan on paying an extra $300 to $2,500 for skylight installation). In addition, the contractor for the vaulted ceiling may not have the experience necessary to install the skylight. In this case, the contractor would need to bring in a subcontractor to complete the work.
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Painting
After the installation is complete, the ceiling may need to be painted, depending on the material used in the construction. Some people may decide to take on this job as a DIY project, but painting a vaulted ceiling isn’t as easy as painting a standard ceiling, so the end result may fall short of the desired level of quality.
Contractors will often have a professional painter on staff or will bring one in as a subcontractor to complete the finishing touches on the vaulted ceiling installation. The average cost to paint a vaulted ceiling ranges from about $1,600 to $2,600. Homeowners will want to consult their contractor to determine if painting is included in the project.or if they will need to hire a professional painter to finish the job.
Types of Vaulted Ceilings
Vaulted ceilings come in a range of different types and styles, including barrel, cathedral, dome, groin vault, and rib vault. Each option has its appeal, so it’s important for a homeowner to weigh the benefits and drawbacks to determine the right vaulted ceiling type for their home. They’ll want to keep in mind that while aesthetics should not be the primary deciding factor for this upgrade, it’s still necessary to consider how the ceiling will look with the current decor and whether the style suits the personal tastes of the homeowner. Below are the average costs for different types of vaulted ceilings.
| Type of Vaulted Ceiling | Average Cost (Including Labor and Materials) |
| Barrel | $5,000 to $10,200 |
| Cathedral | $16,000 to $35,000 |
| Dome | $4,800 to $10,000 |
| Groin Vault | $4,800 to $10,000 |
| Rib Vault | $4,800 to $10,000 |
Barrel
A barrel vaulted ceiling is designed with a series of rounded arches overhead, similar to dome and groin vault ceilings. If the exposed arches don’t seem appealing, the structure can be drywalled to create a smooth, rounded arch that stretches the length of the room.
This project is minimally invasive to complete in an existing home, and it doesn’t require roof modifications. However, it is necessary to extend the roof into the attic space, so homeowners will want to be prepared to pay for an electrician and HVAC tech to modify the existing electrical and HVAC systems. Installing a barrel vaulted ceiling will cost about $5,000 to $10,200, making this design the second most costly option available.
Cathedral
One of the most popular types of vaulted ceiling is the cathedral ceiling, which, as its name suggests, has an angular design that mimics the shape of traditional cathedrals. Opting for a cathedral ceiling will help give the space a clean, simple look, but this style is typically the most expensive choice.
Homeowners interested in installing a cathedral vaulted ceiling will want to be prepared to spend about $16,000 to $35,000. This cost is due to the renovations that are required for the installation, including roof, HVAC, and electrical system modifications. At the bare minimum, the rafters will need to be moved to complete this job.
Dome
For smaller spaces, a dome vaulted ceiling is a great choice and can look good by serving as a focal point in the center of the room. This type of vaulted ceiling has a curved shape with a circular edge that can help complement the existing aesthetic or become a highlight of the home.
The design of a dome vaulted ceiling isn’t as complex as that of a cathedral ceiling, and it doesn’t require any serious roof modifications in most cases. Additionally, this style is shallower than a cathedral ceiling, so it doesn’t take up as much attic space. Homeowners can expect to spend about $4,800 to $10,000 for the installation of a dome vaulted ceiling.
Groin Vault
A groin vaulted c