On a basic entry level build like this, you likely will never get any upgrades back in added value over your neighbors choices. What did they do? Avoid higgledy piggledy up down ceilings in an open concept. It is a sure sign of a bad designer attempting to ''add interest'' instead of good design.

we just built a house in Alberta, Canada. 8 foot studs, bottom plate and 2 top plates. ended up with 8 foot 4 1/2 inch ceilings. very nice, no extra cost

You think there is no extra cost, but there is. Drywall comes in 4' widths or 5' widths. And that is only one example of extra materials needed to go beyond 8'.

Go with the nine ft on the main floor , but maybe it can varied in the bedrooms and hallways upstairs with 8ft.

9' ceilings (instead of 8') will help you with resale in the future, so you'll have a huge advantage over the competition which you said do not have 9' ceilings.

This is not just my opinion, this is based on 20 years of feedback from clients "I wish I had 9' ceilings".

To compensate, perhaps you could reduce your budget in other areas that could be upgraded later, such as:

• Backsplash of tile in kitchen
• Less expensive Light fixtures
• Wait on crown moldings
• Less landscaping in the beginning
• 

  Oakridge home · More Info
• Hope these ideas are helpful?

If all of the homes around you have 8', then there will be little payback at resale to go with 9'.

other than your house would sell first, compared to others, which is not nothing.

I would pick 9' throughout over 8' with an 11' tray any day.

I think it's absolutely worth it to have 9ft ceilings throughout the main floor. I could take or leave the tray ceiling personally...I'd do without it in order to save money in a heartbeat. I'm short at 5'4" and going from 8ft to 9ft ceilings is a HUGE difference! I agree that the 1ft extra is a breath of fresh air and feels freeing. I can't imagine how claustrophobic my 6'5" husband felt his entire life! We have standard 8ft ceilings upstairs with a "loft" (not open to the main floor), bathroom, and 2 bedrooms which is comfortable but our master bedroom has a vaulted/cathedral ceiling on the 2nd floor.

My advice would be to go with the 9' ceilings. The extra foot will give the impression of more space. Have you thought of cathedral ceilings in the main area? I don't know what the cost would be but I think it would be worth checking out. I have them in my cabin and, even though there are large windows and plenty of light, the extra height makes the space seem larger than it is. I agree with others in this forum that for resale you want to stand out from the others, not be the same.

I have 8 ft ceilings and I wish they were 9 ft.

I have done whatever I can to make the ceilings appear higher with paint and raised curtain rods.

But still...

I wouldn't waste money by sticking with 8 ft. ceilings. The house will be much more attractive and valuable with 9 ft. ceilings.