Double height living space possible?

hanes

Hello

currently looking to purchase a 1970s detached house. Its in need of some work to the interior and exterior.

Looked at a few options and i really like the idea of having an open plan double height living space. Have searched online for projects that may have involved this but cannot find any bar videos on youtube where i imagine they had a bottomless budget!

Does anybody have any idea of the process involved in removing ceilings/floors to create that double height space, and is it even possible and worth the costs involved with changing the structure in such a way?

Just keen to get some information.

Thanks

Ionkontrol

Set a budget. See an architect. Therein lies your answer.

hanes

Ionkontrol wrote: »

Set a budget. See an architect. Therein lies your answer.

I expected that treatment.

However what i am asking is for information on what is involved.

Im not likely to go see an architect at cost to ramble on with ideas im not even set on yet.

But thanks for the raise.

southcoastrgi

strange idea, so you will lose all the rooms above your "living space" just to get a 5m high ceiling, painting the walls & ceiling & opening the upstairs windows should be interesting

Nilrem

I suspect the answer will be, ultimately to see an architect about the house, as I strongly suspect that different houses will require different sorts of work.
For example one house might require something done to help "pull" the walls together once the internal walls are out (to prevent bowing), whilst another might not need anything done.

jc808

Are you mortgaged? The lender may not let you do this if it devalues the house (eg 3 bed becomes 1 bed)

maninthestreet

I have to ask - but why would you want to do this? Surely it will significantly reduce the value of the property?

hanes

maninthestreet wrote: »

I have to ask - but why would you want to do this? Surely it will significantly reduce the value of the property?

It will be split level bedrooms will still be upstairs, inc bathroom. It is just to open up the space and create more light.

Think of half a ceiling then we are there. kind of like this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urATSUevAk0&feature=channel&list=UL

Just dreaming at the moment but that is the kind of space i would like.

From a building standpoint im wondering given the layout of the house if its possible.

Will try the architect boards see what they think.

thanks

System

the one you have linked to has a double height space in an extension, so obviously that would be easy enough to do!
I think doing it on an existing building would be more expensive than building an extension - and you would lose space, I also think it would be strange looking up to a conventional ceiling 5m high...
As others have said why would you want to reduce the value of a house at significant cost?

hanes

I now realise it is an extension! :rotfl:

Dealing with a lot more sq ft then i have.

But its given me some ideas to stick in a scrapbook.

teneighty

Just to add to the excellent advice already given.

If you are seriously considering this property then I would suggest you arrange a free initial consultation/site visit with a local firm of architectural designers. They should be able to advise you on the practicalities and ball park cost of your ideas.