Looking for advice on gaining garage ceiling height

[warnd]

I know that this is a frequently asked question on these boards, and I have done a considerable amount of searching. However, I would like to see if it is possible to get some veteran advice on my personal situation. Throughout my research, I have come across a few different solutions (collar ties in the bottom 1/3 of the roof, a structural ridge beam that supports the ridge, etc..) but I am not sure which is the best solution for my case.

Like everyone else, I would like to put a lift in my garage and am looking to gain some more height to pick the car up higher. Unfortunately I do not have the biggest space to work with, but after seeing many threads on here for inspiration, I think that I can turn it into a really nice space. Some of the members on here have really maximized the space in their 1 car garages and I am looking to do the same. Here are some of the threads that have inspired me so far:

These garage builds are just really awesome. Excellent use of space:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=263351

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=182142&page=50

Anyway, on to give you some pictures and details of my situation. My garage dimensions are 14ft x 22ft within the walls. My walls are made out of cement block and the walls are about 7' 4" high (88 inches). The roof only is only supported by 3 rafter ties (one in the front, one in the middle, and one in the back). Here are some pics of what it looks like:

20160723_154201 by Stephen Digiorgio, on Flickr

20160717_162117 by Stephen Digiorgio, on Flickr

20160723_154252 by Stephen Digiorgio, on Flickr

20160723_154401 by Stephen Digiorgio, on Flickr

20160723_154532 by Stephen Digiorgio, on Flickr

Looking for advice on how to proceed from here. Just finished getting everything cleaned out and would like to start a significant restoration. First things on the list are to get the ceiling height sorted, paint the walls, wire it up for lights and such, install rollup garage door to make room for lift, and then take care of cutting out a new concrete slab for a lift.

Not sure if it is a better idea to move up the rafter ties a bit and then add one in each bay, or see about getting a support beam made for the ridge. I would really appreciate any help or advice you guys can give here.

Thanks!

 

[LB-1911]

Imgur hosted photos don't display here.


http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=5631616&postcount=12

 

[warnd]

Ahh ****, I am sorry I didn't know that. I have always used them in the past for my car builds on other sites. Should be fixed now.

 

[Barnabas]

Can you lift the roof and add a row or two of height to the walls.

 

[warnd]

Can you lift the roof and add a row or two of height to the walls.

I had thought about that. I am pretty handy, but I am afraid that is a little bit out of my ability level. I have never done anything like that, and probably do not own the necessary jacks to do it properly. Also, my town is a pain in the *** when it comes to anything like that. There is definitely a limit to how height the garage can be. I am sure it can be a little higher than it is now, but I am not sure it is worth the trouble.