How much value does a vaulted ceiling add?

[Tasia Turner]

We are in the middle of a rehab and the contractor is removing part of the ceiling to add support beams and open up the kitchen. While looking at the space today, I realized half the ceiling is already ripped up, and it could be awesome to vault the ceiling. The added cost of labor and materials would be about $1,500. Anyone have experience with how much value a vaulted ceiling adds? I’m considering doing it, but I don’t want to over-improve. Thanks in advance.

[Chris Mason]

An accurate data-based answer would come at the cost of an appraisal fee, which would bump your budget by over 1/3, so you're going to just have to go with your gut. Trying to do a paired analysis of props that did/didn't have this feature in your specific market will be tough... that's not like bedroom count or a pool where every Realtor will even mention it on the MLS.

My 'gut' FWIW, is that if it's only $1500 and might make it appeal to more people, I'd go for it. Appealing to as many potential buyers as possible is how you get bidding wars going.