making hole in garage ceiling for car roof

[lt1driver]

roof is L shaped hip with garage being one part of L....whatever you call the boards that garage ceiling attached to run lengthwise in ceiling (door to back) parallel to side walls. Question: can I cut out a approx 5x5 foot hole in ceiling so car roof can go up into attic 2-3 feet. Note: garage ceiling is only 8 foot high . Want to put 2 post in with columns in between ceiling boards. Don't want to compromise structure or strength of roof. Thanks.

 

[JayCrash450]

I would highly recommend you seek the advice of a professional if this is something you are serious about. Based on your descriptions I get a good feeling you don't know alot about framing and structures. No offense please but those "boards that the ceiling attach to" are ceiling joists that help (depending upon orientation) support the walls. In addition to supporting the ceiling they keep the roof rafters from spreading and placing outward load on the walls which would ultimately bow out and sag the ridge without proper spacing of ceiling joists.

This is something that can definitely be done but how you go about it is critical to the integrity of your structure. Many variables at play and without good pictures of what you have going on it is difficult to give you any advice.

Take some picks, do some research and get back as to what you have up there.

 

[nolimits76]

Agree about you getting a professional opinion.

Years ago I cut a hole in my garage ceiling to allow operation of a small winch to help lift my hard top of my Jeep; however, the hole was smaller than the spacing between the ceiling joists (proper name for the boards you described).

The problem with doing a 5' x 5' area is that you will have to cut those ceiling joists, which is providing support to other elements. If you re-frame, add bracing, etc. it's possible to do what you want, but more details and specifics are needed. It sounds like you aren't familiar with any of this which is why I recommend you get a professional opinion.

Also, if I were going through these steps I would do a larger area than 5' x 5'. A minimum of 1 car bay, but preferably the whole garage. If you need to keep some of the ceiling level at 8' you could do a "boxed ceiling" to step up to the new height.

Something similar to this, but w/o the fancy trim since it's the garage...

 

[ibedayank]

better get the popcorn

 

[Barlow L]

depending on the construction method of your home, this could be doable or a disaster. Without very detailed photos we could not even attempt to make any suggestions.

 

[Big Bad Dad]

The boards may be ceiling joists, OR they may be roof trusses. Cutting the bottom chord out of a roof truss will compromise the whole truss and will possibly lead to a failure.

 

[volleyball]

Just do it and when the roof collapses, you can build a taller garage.
Sounds like you are not in a position to tackle this kind of structural job. Nothing wrong with that. Maybe getting a few pros to give you an estimate on doing the job. And if one is way cheaper and wants to do it way differently, discard that idea.

A few pics of the garage would allow us to give good advice.
Is the upper area used for storage? Would you want to continue using it if you are?

 

[bczygan]

Sounds like you have trusses, but we need photos to be sure, and measurements of everything.

Any configuration that you need, can be accomplished.

It's just a matter of proper design, and adequate money.

 

[lt1driver]

thanks and all are right, know nothing. will take pics and post soon. I called several contractors but they were not interested as it is small job, wouldn't even give me someone to call so they are in my **** book for never call for anything. Boxed area is what I want so top of car will go up and allow me more room under my lift I plan to get. Thanks again and will get back with pics.

 

[volleyball]

Unless you have a room above the garage, I don't think you will ever have enough room for a lift. At least one you would walk under.
6' + under vehicle, 5'+ for vehicle at the lowest point of roof support.
Can you build taller?

 

[Falcon67]

As above - if rafters, think "tray ceiling" or "giant attic stair opening". If trusses, you'll need engineering advice.