Cathedral ceilings have been popular in new construction for the past 15 years and they may be starting to become a thing of the past. The economy is at least partially to blame for this change in taste. Homeowners paying higher energy costs are having trouble justifying paying to heat and cool half of a room that they can not technically use. 

 

There are other maintenance issues that are causing these two story rooms to loss favor with buyers. Painting can be very difficult and often involves hiring a pricey professional to do the job. Cleaning and changing light bulbs pose similar difficulties.  Rooms with high ceilings can also be drafty and noisy, further reducing the appeal.

 

For buyers purchasing new construction the solution is adding an additional room or loft in the space that would have been a cathedral ceiling. Many homebuilders are working two story rooms out of their plans entirely as buyers lose interest

 

There are also several options for current homeowners looking to better use the space. Adding a second floor room in place of a cathedral ceiling can add 300 – 400 square feet of living space. The cost is considerably less than an addition since the walls and ceiling are pre-existing. A loft to use for an office or library is even more cost effective while still adding value and space to the home.