With regard to ceiling height there are a couple of things to consider:

1. Larger rooms require higher ceilings or they tend to feel "squatty." Smaller rooms, such as Powder Rooms can feel like a silo if the ceiling is too high. If the room dimensions for your new home are similar to your existing home, then you have a frame of reference for what feels right to you for a particular size space.

2. Our rule of thumb is that 1st floor and 2nd floor ceiling heights shouldn't differ by more than one foot, so a 10 ft 1st floor ceiling height would require a 9 ft 2nd floor ceiling height.

3. For homes with a historic look, a 10 ft first floor generally looks more authentic when viewed on the exterior. Have your architect/designer draw it both ways so you can see the difference before committing to either ceiling height.

4. You will need additional risers on the stairs for a taller first floor ceiling so you'll need to ensure the design allows for that.

5. For a 10 ft ceiling we suggest taller windows and 8 ft doors. Make sure the doors are solid core because 8 ft hollow core doors feel flimsy.

6. In our experience, a change from a 9 ft ceiling to a 10 ft. ceiling generally requires larger crown mouldings or multiple-piece mouldings and taller base. You can make the determination after the drywall is installed by having your builder install a couple of sample pieces of each and seeing what looks right to you.

7. The cost difference between the two ceiling heights is not trivial. Consider that you'll be installing longer studs, more exterior sheathing material, more house wrap, more insulation, more drywall, more exterior cladding (brick, siding, stone, etc.), taller windows, larger mouldings, taller doors, taller cabinets and built-ins, etc. and it all adds up. Check with your builder for an estimate of the difference in cost.