A Beginner’s Guide To Raising The Roof On A House

Have you ever walked into your home and wished the ceilings were a bit higher? Or maybe you’ve thought about adding a second floor. If you are unsure about where or how to start this project, you are in the right place.

At BRH Enterprises LLC, we are your local roofers in Wisconsin. We always aim to bring homeowners new ideas and information about their home and roof. In this complete guide, we will cover everything about raising a house’s roof.

Can You Raise The Roof Of A Home?

The simple answer is yes, but the process requires careful planning and professional expertise.

Raising the roof of a house can mean a few different things. This process can involve simply increasing ceiling height, adding a complete second story, or adjusting the roof’s pitch for better functionality.

You might want to lift your roof to make your rooms feel bigger and airier, add a whole new floor to your home, or simply change how steep your roof is. It’s like giving your house a chance to “grow taller” in whatever way works best for your needs.

What Are The Pros and Cons Of Raising A Roof On A House?

Successfully raising a roof can change the look of your home in multiple ways. Beyond the apparent increase in space, you might notice improved natural lighting, better ventilation, and enhanced energy efficiency. Homeowners may also see significant increases in their property value, particularly when adding usable living space.

However, it’s important to understand the challenges you might face. Weather delays can extend construction timelines, and unexpected structural issues might require additional work. You’ll need to prepare for some disruption to your daily life, potentially including temporary relocation during construction phases.

In What Scenarios Can Raising The Roof Of A House Help?

Before starting to raise the roof on your home, it’s important to understand if this renovation is right for you. You might want to consider roof raising if:

👉 Your home feels cramped due to low ceilings.

👉 You need more living space but can’t expand outward.

👉 You’re looking to improve natural lighting.

👉 Your current roof pitch causes drainage issues.

👉 You want to improve your home’s appearance.

NOTE: Raising a roof isn’t always the best solution. If the cost to raise a roof on an existing home exceeds your budget or if your home’s structure can’t support the modification, you might need to explore other options.

What are The Different Ways To Raise A Roof On A House?

As we mentioned above, there are several approaches to raising the roof of a home. First and foremost, it is recommended to hire a roofer.

Here we will discuss each roof raising approach briefly so you get an idea about the options for your home!

#1 Increasing Ceiling Height

This relatively simple modification involves lifting your existing roof structure to create taller walls and more headroom. Your roofing contractor will carefully raise the roof while maintaining its original shape and structure.

#2 Adding a Second Story

Perhaps the most noticeable transformation you can make to your home is adding a whole new story. This modification option involves completely raising the roof to add an entire new floor. This approach will increase your living space.

#3 Creating Vaulted Ceilings

Rather than raising the entire roof, this modification opens up the space below your existing roof line to create an airy, spacious effect.

Remember that none of these approaches are DIY friendly, as all of them involve risks and need specific installation techniques. It is best to hire professionals to make sure the task is completed efficiently and safely.

How to Raise the Roof on Your House?

We previously discussed the different meanings of the term “raising the roof of a house.” While they modify your home in different ways, each option follows similar steps. Here, we will discuss them briefly.

#1 Planning

Your contractor will first need to evaluate your home’s current structure and develop detailed architectural plans. This phase includes calculating load requirements, determining the best lifting methods, and planning for utility modifications.

#2 Preparation

Once planning is complete, preparation work begins. This involves protecting your home’s interior, setting up temporary support structures, and carefully disconnecting any utilities that might be affected.

#3 Construction

The actual construction process requires precise coordination and expertise. Your team will need to carefully remove roofing materials, implement the lifting process, and install new support structures while maintaining your home’s integrity.

#4 Final Work

The final phases involve reattaching things, completing interior finishes, and ensuring all systems function properly. Throughout the process, multiple inspections ensure everything meets building codes and safety standards.

If you are looking to raise your roof in Mayville or the surrounding areas in Wisconsin, we are here to assist you. Just give us a call at (920) 249-2448.

How To Decide If Your Home Suitable for Raising The Roof

Understanding whether your home can support a raised roof requires careful consideration of a few important things.

#1 Figure Out The Construction Type Of Your Roof

First, you’ll need to figure out your roof’s construction type. Stick-framed roofs, which are common in older homes, generally offer more flexibility for modifications. These roofs have individual rafters and ceiling joists that can often be modified or replaced as needed.

Truss-framed roofs, while durable, might require complete replacement to achieve your desired height.

#2 Assess The Condition Of Your Home’s Foundation

Your foundation plays an equally important role in determining feasibility. Adding height to your home increases the overall load on your foundation, so a thorough structural assessment becomes more important.

The contractor will need to verify that your foundation can handle the additional weight and stress of a raised roof or second story.

#3 Check Your Local Building Codes

Local building codes and zoning regulations will also significantly impact your project. Some neighborhoods have strict height restrictions or require specific architectural features to maintain community aesthetics.

Before proceeding with any roof raising project, you’ll need to research these requirements.

How Much Does It Cost To Raise The Roof On A House?

The cost to raise the roof varies significantly based on your specific project. While basic roof raising might start around $15,000, adding a second story or making significant structural changes can push costs much higher.

Several factors influence the final price, including:

👉 Your home’s size and current roof configuration.

👉 Local labor and material costs.

👉 The extent of utility modifications needed.

👉 Required structural reinforcements.

👉 Finishing work and interior updates.

How Long Does A Typical Roof Raising Project Take From Start To Finish?

Most roof raising projects generally take between 6 to 12 weeks to complete. The timeline depends heavily on your project’s scope and complexity.

Simple ceiling height increases might finish faster while adding a second story could take several months.

Weather conditions, permit approvals, and unexpected structural issues can all impact the timeline. Your contractor should provide a detailed schedule during the planning phase.

Can You Live In Your House During The Roof Raising Process?

Whether you can stay in your home during construction depends largely on the project’s scope. For minor roof modifications, you might be able to remain in your home with some adjustments to your living arrangements.

However, for major projects like adding a second story, temporary relocation is generally necessary for safety reasons and to allow construction to proceed efficiently. Your contractor can help you plan the best approach based on your specific situation.

Get Your Roof Raised Professionally In Wisconsin

At BRH Enterprises LLC, we are your local roofing company serving Mayville and the surrounding areas in Wisconsin.

We have a team of professional roofers who will strategically and efficiently handle your roofing project.

From minor roof repairs to adding a completely new roof to your building, we handle everything.

Our expert team holds all required licenses and insurance, providing very efficient roofing solutions for both homes and businesses. Whether you need shingle roofing, metal roofing, or flat roof systems, our team has the expertise to complete any roof installation.

For a no-pressure discussion or to schedule a free roof inspection, call us today at (920) 249-4228.