Home building costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
Converting a vaulted ceiling to a second floor costs between $13,000 and $26,500, depending on your room size and design complexity.
The size of your new second floor and the inclusion of plumbing or electrical upgrades will determine your final project total.
You should set aside part of your budget for construction permits and post-construction cleanup when planning your conversion project.
Hiring a local home addition professional ensures your vaulted ceiling conversion meets building code standards and boosts the overall home value.
In 2026, the national average cost to convert a vaulted ceiling to a second floor is $20,500. Most homeowners spend between $13,000 and $26,500, with the spread driven by room size, structural complexity, and whether the project includes plumbing or electrical upgrades.
Converting a vaulted ceiling to a second floor typically costs $13,000 to $26,500, with most homeowners spending an average of $20,500. Budget-friendly bedroom conversions start around $9,000, while larger, more complex projects with full bathroom suites can reach $50,000.
To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
The size of your new second-floor room is one of the biggest cost drivers, with a 200-square-foot conversion running $13,000 to $30,500. Most second-story additions fall between 100 and 400 square feet, and costs vary significantly across that range. If you need more space than your vaulted ceiling can accommodate, adding a dormer averages around $12,000 and is worth considering as an alternative. The table below shows how costs break down by square footage.
| Square Footage | Average Cost in 2026 |
|---|---|
| 100 square feet | $9,000–$15,000 |
| 200 square feet | $13,000–$30,500 |
| 400 square feet | $20,500–$50,000 |
A vaulted ceiling conversion requires coordinating multiple specialized trades, including a general contractor, architect, structural engineer, carpenter, plumber, and electrician.
A general contractor typically adds 10% to 40% to the project price
An architect charges $45 to $250 per hour
Structural engineer runs $70 to $250 per hour
Carpenters charge $75 to $100 per hour
Plumbing work such as rough-in plumbing for a bathroom or kitchen costs $1,600 to $2,900 each
Beyond labor and materials, several additional line items can affect your total budget for a vaulted ceiling conversion.
Construction permits run $500 to $3,000
Mechanical permit adding $10 to $500
Demolition and prep work costs $50 to $100 per hour
Post-construction cleanup runs $270 to $700
Taxes and insurance will increase based on the new property value, and utilities typically rise by $20 to $50 per month after the conversion.
When converting a vaulted ceiling into a second floor, labor will account for 50% to 60% of the total cost. Because of its complexity, this job isn't a great candidate for a DIY project. We recommend hiring a local home addition contractor near you, who will perform the following tasks:
Get all permits and inspections
Hire and manage tradespeople and subcontractors
Schedule subcontractor work while adjusting to changes
Ensure the new and old spaces meet building code standards
Provide a warranty after the project
Clean up your new space to move-in-ready condition
It’s possible to manage the project yourself by hiring each tradesperson as needed. However, this method is time-consuming and challenging, as you'll deal with scheduling, delays, inspections, and making adjustments for unforeseen occurrences. You might also hire a contractor for the structural elements and perform some of the finishing work yourself.
In cases where the house structure lacks sufficient height, an alternative option is to add a second story to the home, which is a more costly solution. Yet another option is to add a room above the garage.
Cost to convert a vaulted ceiling to a second floor: $20,500
Average cost to add a second story to the home: $175,000
Average cost to add a room above the garage: $50,000
Since this is a large project, there are several opportunities to save money, including the following:
Identify discounted, upcycled, or recycled materials for your conversion where possible. Reuse stores often have standard home products, such as doors and other interior elements, for low prices.
If you hire a contractor, you may be able to negotiate some cost savings by performing tasks yourself. Some options for DIY involvement include drywall installation ($990 to $3,200 ), painting a room ($400 to $1,600 ), demo work *($4 to $15 per square foot), and post-construction cleanup ($270 to $700).
Aim to get at least three quotes from local contractors so you can compare prices and get the best deal.
Converting a vaulted ceiling to a second story could see returns of up to 40%. However, the new layout could deter some buyers, and in certain locations, the ROI could be so low as to warrant considering a different remodeling plan.
Though labor will comprise more than half of your project costs, we recommend hiring a home addition pro to convert your vaulted ceiling into a second floor.
This is a complex job with many working parts, and pros will ensure everything goes smoothly.
To save money, choose budget-friendly materials or DIY tasks like painting, drywall installation, and demo.
1st Choice Renew is simply the best! We hired them for a complete home renovation, and they transformed our space into something truly amazing. The team attention to detail and commitment to quality were evident throughout the project. They were easy to work with, very responsive, and always...
Save A DimeExquisite workmanship from Custom Paint Jobs LLC. My home has never looked better.
Custom Paint Jobs, LLCWe needed windows in our home, and we couldnt believe we got our entire home done for under $14,000. We have a lot of windows, and not only was it affordable, but it got done in a timely manner! Thanks guys, I truly appreciate you all!
Window Depot USA of Central OhioChris has been completing paint projects for me on flips, rentals, and even my personal home over the last 5 years. He always does an exceptional job, and is always responsive and easy to get ahold of. Great work, great communication. Iâ d definitely recommend him!
Y CityWorking with Mike on our first home purchase was an absolute pleasure. Mike put us at ease and made the process of buying a home fun. Mike is knowledgeable, honest, professional, and punctual. He worked with our busy schedule and always made time for us. When a home came on the market that...
Michael Marshall - Buyer's Resource Realty Svcs.Clint was and is very Professional and takes pride in this company and his work. Definitely recommended him to everyone in my hi-rise building. Excellent proposal and no hidden charges or surprises. Don't find that in today's world.
Footprints Floors of ColumbusFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
One of the best ways to expand your home is to build up. Let’s break down the cost to add a second story in Los Angeles, CA.
Looking to expand your ceiling and send claustrophobia running for the hills? This guide covers the cost to vault a ceiling and factors that impact estimates.
While it isn't easy to expand your property, you can consider building up. The cost of adding a second story has quite the range. We'll break it down here.
Vaulted ceilings are a high-end upgrade that can make a home look bigger. But there are some drawbacks that you should also consider as a homeowner.
A vaulted ceiling incorporates sweeping archways for a dramatic effect. Learn more about what a vaulted ceiling is, your options, and where to use them.
Cathedral ceilings add height to a room, and these vaulted ceilings can give your interior an opulent look. But is it worth it? This guide dives into the details.
