How much does it cost to raise a roof or ceiling?
Ashburn, VA

How much does it cost to raise a roof or ceiling?

Ashburn, VA

How much does it cost to raise a roof or ceiling?

$30,000 – $70,000average total cost to raise a roof

Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:

$30,000 – $70,000 average total cost to raise a roof


Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:
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Tara Farmer
Written by
Tara Farmer
Edited by
Kristen Cramer
Fact-checked by
Tom Grupa

Average cost to raise a roof or ceiling

The cost to raise a roof on an existing home is $30,000 to $70,000 on average for labor and materials, but prices can reach $125,000+ in some cases. The cost of raising the roof on a house depends on the home size, design, and whether it's a stick-built or trussed roof.

Average cost to raise a roof - chart
Average cost to raise a roof - chart
Average cost to raise a roof
National Average Cost $50,000
Minimum Cost $15,000
Maximum Cost $125,000+
Average Range $30,000 to $70,000

*Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.

Get free estimates from roofing companies near you.

Roof raising cost factors

One of the biggest factors affecting roof raising cost is the roof type. Trussed roofs cost less to raise because roof trusses can be raised, repaired, or replaced without tearing off the entire roof. Stick framing typically needs to be completely removed and rebuilt to raise the height.

Other factors that influence the cost include:

  • Home size – The larger the roof, the more challenging and expensive it will be to raise it.

  • Roof style – Complex roofs like those on Victorian homes are more challenging to raise than a simple, ranch-style roof.

  • Temporary relocation – You may need to vacate the home and move or protect furniture and valuables during the project.

A beautiful home with a raised roof with vaulted ceilings and beams, with hardwood flooring.
A beautiful home with a raised roof with vaulted ceilings and beams, with hardwood flooring.

Labor costs

Raising a roof involves several professionals. A general contractor charges a $50 to $150 hourly rate or 10% to 20% of the total construction cost to oversee the project and manage the other professionals involved.

Other labor costs include:

  • Inspection – A roof inspection costs $100 to $400 and is a good first step to determine the roof's current condition, if it needs repair, and if it can be raised.

  • Permits – Construction permits cost $500 to $2,000, depending on the project size and scope. The contractor typically handles the permit and inspection process.

Architect & engineer

An architect costs $100 to $250 per hour, or 10% to 20% of the total project cost to design a plan for your raised roof. The architect will work with a structural engineer to confirm the project is feasible and determine what, if any, structural changes or reinforcements are required.

Chimney modifications

A home with a chimney can present additional challenges and costs to raising the roof. The chimney may need to be moved, removed, or rebuilt, depending on where it's located in relation to the roof.

Rerouting electrical, HVAC, & plumbing

Many homes have insulation, electrical wiring, plumbing lines, and HVAC systems under the roof, above the ceiling. To raise the roof, these systems typically need to be removed and rerouted, increasing the total cost.

New roof, wall, & ceiling installation

Roof and ceiling installation costs depend on your roof type and what requires repair or replacement to raise the roof. Raising the roof on a stick-built home typically requires a brand-new roof. A trussed roof may not need full roof replacement.

Roof, wall, & ceiling installation costs
Factor Average installed cost
Roof framing cost $6 – $15 per square foot
Roof trusses cost $5 – $14 per square foot
Roof replacement cost $3 – $6 per square foot
Wall framing cost $25 – $65 per linear foot
Steel beam cost $100 – $400 per linear foot
Ceiling replacement cost $2 – $4 per square foot (drywall ceiling)

Roof rafters replaced on house
Roof rafters replaced on house

Additional project costs

Many homeowners raise the roof as part of another project, such as expanding the living space into the attic or adding a second floor to the home. A second story addition costs $200 to $500 per square foot, or $200,000 to $750,000+ total, including the new roof.

Consider these additional costs that may apply, depending on the project scope and the end result you're envisioning:

Cost to raise ceiling height

The cost to raise the ceiling height depends on the ceiling type and the amount of structural work required to raise it. Some ceilings cannot be raised without also raising the roof. Contact ceiling contractors near you to get estimates on this job.

Cost to raise ceiling height by type
Ceiling type Average installed cost per square foot Details
Tray ceiling cost $3 – $7
  • A drop-down border with a large, raised area in the middle
  • Makes the ceiling appear higher
Coffered ceiling cost $10 – $40
  • Uses decorative to create a series of recessed boxes
  • Wide variety of colors, depths, patterns, shapes, and materials
Vaulted ceiling cost $40 – $70
  • High, peaked ceiling that follows the slope of the roof
  • Eliminates the attic

A living room with a vaulted ceiling.
A living room with a vaulted ceiling.

Benefits of raising your roof

If your roof structure and budget allow for it, raising your roof can offer many benefits, including:

Get free estimates from roofing companies near you.
  • The space feels bigger without sacrificing yard space by expanding out.

  • Raising the roof to create a vaulted ceiling may increase your home's value.

  • Higher ceilings allow you to make other modifications, like bigger windows and doors.

  • A raised roof may add enough height to turn the attic into a living space.

  • The extra height allows for more storage space.

Roof raising FAQs

Can you raise the roof on a house?

You can raise the roof on a house that has trussed roof framing in most cases. Raising the roof on a stick-built home typically requires completely removing and rebuilding the roof. However, unlike a truss-roofed home, a stick-built home may have room to expand to the attic without raising the roof.

Can you raise the ceiling height in a house?

Yes, you can raise the ceiling height in a house as long as there is unused attic space above the ceiling. Raising the ceiling height in a mobile or manufactured home may not be possible without also raising the roof pitch.

How long does it take to raise a roof?

Raising a roof takes 4 to 6 weeks on average. Many factors can affect the timeline, including the size, type, and condition of the existing roof, and the level of interior system and structural modifications needed. Raising a trussed roof typically takes less time than rebuilding a stick-framed roof.

Is it worth raising a roof?

Raising a roof is costly but worth it for some homeowners. A higher ceiling can make the home feel bigger and brighter, and a vaulted ceiling may increase home value. If your property is small, expanding up can give you extra interior space without losing your yard.

Getting estimates from a roof raising contractor

Here are some important guidelines to follow when searching for roof contractors near you:

  • Get 3 to 5 detailed roof raising estimates to compare.

  • Hire a long-standing company that is licensed, bonded, and insured.

  • Find a firm or contractor specializing in raising roofs.

  • Check out reviews on HomeGuide and Google.

  • Ask for references and a portfolio with photos of past similar projects.

  • Check local government regulations, and your HOA if applicable, to confirm you can raise your roofline.

  • Have a detailed contract and warranty in hand before the project starts.

  • Avoid big upfront payments and only make the final payment when the work has passed all necessary inspections.

Questions to ask

Raising the roof of your house involves significant changes to the structure of your home. Ask these important questions to help you select the right contractor or firm for the job:

  • How long have you been in business in this area?

  • Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?

  • What experience do you have with roof raising?

  • Can I raise my roof, and what does the project involve?

  • Do you handle rerouting the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems if needed?

  • What does the estimate include?

  • What additional costs could come up during the project?

  • How long will it take to complete this project?

  • Do I need to move out of the house during construction?

  • How should I prepare the home before the project begins?

  • What permits do I need, and do you handle the entire permitting process?


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