Expert: Stephen Major - 3/30/2007

Question
QUESTION: I recently purchased an old house, around 165 years old. one problem im having is i am having the ceilings redone and it is all un even.. I plain to make the ceilings even, but the lowest beam makes the ceiling really low. the rest are a higher. what would you recomend as to do with this beam? IF I go with the lowest beam then on one side the ceiling will be lower then the window, and the other window will be just on top.. can I go around the beam??  

Answer
Christian,

This question is tough to answer without additional information.  It would help if you could answer a few questions:

1) What is the original ceiling finish?  Plaster over lath?
2) Are you referring to beams or joists?  A beam is a large member that usually supports smaller members (joists); or your ceilings could be post-and-beam framed.
3) How much lower (in inches) is the offending beam?  
4) Are the other beams fairly even?
5) When you say the ceiling is all uneven, is this because the house frame and/or foundation is uneven from settling, or simply because the framing members are of different depths?
6) What will you be finishing the ceilings with, and what is your planned method to make them even?

Thanks.  I look forward to your replies.

Steve Major