Vaulted ceilings and a balcony - Josh

Problem: How does one cut the ceiling out of a room and preserve large chunks of it for future projects? Solution: Saw through the tongue and groove portion in 4x8 sheets, then cut the joists, then hit the top of it with a sledge hammer. Bang, crash, and viola, vaulted ceilings. About two-thirds of the way through felling the ceiling, Kyra said, “we should do a balcony,” so we left a six foot balcony. She was giddy at how much the future kitchen and dining area opened up.
While we were cutting, a former resident came by to glean some roses (magnificent right now). This former resident noted the lack of light during their tenure and lauded the idea of cutting the ceiling out. After adding an extra 5.5” of rafter material and a cross brace, it should be stronger, more open, and better insulated then ever.