Even though the roof is already in place they should still be able to do a tray ceiling assuming you have enough attic space. I did this in my current kitchen to open it up some and that was in an existing house. I would make them fix it.

I have a 23' x 15' master right now with 8' ceilings and a tray ceiling would really help with the proportions.

we have a tray ceiling in our master bedroom and it goes into the attic space, without touching the roof whatsoever. it doesn't seem too late to me to do a tray ceiling until the drywall is up.

I'd make him go ahead and do it. It was his mistake.

Thanks for the replies, let me clarify. Yes, we have plenty of attic space. But the joists which support the roof would need to be removed and raised 10 inches or so to allow for the tray. With the roof in place this is quite an undertaking from what I have been reading.

humm i would have him make it right as u want the joist can be cut and resupported will likely need an engineer stam but can be done the truss manufacturer may be able to provide detais and instructions and satisfy the insprctors too.

thisis why i inspect our building every day and have only found one big error kit was not square and recess for fiidge was off 6 inches, they ripped itout and fixed it
contact the builder and tell him to talk to the truss supplier on modifications

It would be quite an undertaking and likely require a structural engineer since the bottom chord of the truss is integral to distributing the load. I would ask the roof truss designer if it is even possible and make sure if it is done that the integrity of the truss is not compromised, especially so if there are significant snow loads in your area. It will be an easier remedy if the bedroom is midspan of the bottom chord as you can usually cut it out and reinforce with heftier lumber (as in a 2x6 or 2x8).

Everyone is assuming trusses being used.If that is the case, then they can be re-engineered and usually stamped approval by a structural engineer as well as submitted to the local building dept. and is pretty involved, but is still doable.

If it's a cut and stack with seperate joisting, way less involved.

It can always be done, sometimes its very involved and cost prohibitive, but it sounds like the builder dropped the ball and should pony up.

These responses have been great. Thanks. Trusses are not being used. The builder did drop the ball...here is his way of avoiding blame: he is claiming that he builds the tray down from the 8' ceilings. Which would get him off the hook easy and make the room look odd.

I would make him fix it and the correct way ie into the attic. He is just trying to take the easy way. I assume you have plans that specify the dimensions and height. It sure would make it easier. I'm sorry you have to deal with it.

You don't build a tray DOWN! Stick-built: no problem, except he has to re-do the ceiling. So...he tears it out and installs a tray. Geez!

(No, you do NOT want a coffered ceiling under an eight foot height. Geez again!)

23 X 16?

Couple of hours for 2 guys, once the put their heads down and decide to do it. Standing around, looking at it, doesnt accomplish anything.
Building down, works with a 9 or 10 foot ceiling, not an 8.

Your builders' suggestion is way shady! I'd make him do it again. That room is a good size...8' ceilings are already going to look out of proportion (sorry to all of those with standard height ceilings...just my opinion)- dropping it even further will make the room cavelike. If you don't have him change it, I hope you have lots of natural light!

I agree with chisue, tray ceilings are not built down, thats crazy. they are recessed into the ceiling.
Suggest to your builder that he needs to do a google search with the heading Tray ceiling, click on images LOL

Any chance the guy doesn't know how to frame a tray ceiling? I don't see how you can "forget" a tray ceiling. Sounds fishy. Either way, I'd make them fix it. It's not your problem how many hours it takes them, they should have done it right the first time.

The only time I have heard of a tray ceiling being built down is on first florr dining rooms. In this case the engineered flooring above wont allow a 6 or 12 " build up. You would wind up with just floor sheating on the floor above. This is done with 9 - 10 foot ceilings, and never 8 foot ones. On an eight foot ceiling you would wind up with part of the ceiling a little higher than 7'. This is no good. NO ONE BUILDS THEM THIS WAY ON top floors because it isnt neccesary. Your plans will usually specify the ceiling heights of the tray. It would read something like "8' ceiling 9' tray" Check your plans and make him build to plan!!!!

I agree with housecrazy. If the tray was in the plans the builder needs to fix his mistake. He should have never missed something like that and he knows it. He also knows that nobody builds a tray down from an 8' ceiling. If it's in the plan I'd hold him to it. It's a rotten situation your in but it's not your fault and you have to think of things like future resale value.

We are building a house now and experience the same problem. We negotiate a tray ceiling in master at the second floor which is 8' high. They built bulkhead around it, bring it down from the ceiling...leaving master the same height as the rest of the second floor. We have a tray ceiling in master in contract but did not specify the tray height coz we think the tray will only going up....any suggestion from anyone? Thanks.