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Hi Tina,
Speak to more builders,this is not rocket science. I am currently remodeling my home of 30 years-although it was built in the 60's and purchased by me 17 years later, which included open 4x4'-4x6" beam solid 1" t&g pine ceilings. I had to 'sacrifice' one beautiful t&g ceiling in order to make the improvements and space modifications work with a new roofline and other considerations. The new 6"X12" beams in that kitchen are being 'wrapped'in finish wood, and the 1" pine is being replaced by 1/2" t&g added to the rafters to save on costs.Drywall is certainly cheaper, and perhaps an exposed beam ceiling with plastered drywall attached to the rafters-they have to be there-between the beams is an option to consider, but each and every step of the process, from the foundation work (stone or poured concrete), counters (granite, concrete,or laminate), etc., is about "choices"-a word I literally do not ever want to hear again after this long planned and now being executed remodel/total rebuild of my family home and personal 'cave' is completed.(-; If there is something which truly will make your house your 'home', choose less expensive alternatives which truly can be creatively substituted in less important areas of your dream, to achieve/prioritize what is most important to you. May I suggest you research "Fine Homebuilding" books and magaznes/website on open beam ceilings and share these with a yet to be interviewed contractor who can competently work with you on a custom home. It doesn't have to be expensive. Anyone can build/design anything with an unlimited checkbook, a great designer/builder can creatively take 100 thou or any multiple of it and make it look like so much more...that is the essence of 'design', in my mind anyway. Good luck, and don't give up! You have unlimited resources from Ms.Susankas books and reference materials and with perseverence, you will find the contractor who is as excited about your project/challenge/"home" as you are. It took me three years and months of meetings with four different 'highly recommended' contractors until I found one who was not a "Mac Builder", or 'put off' by the less is more approach to making each space serve tripple duty, and do so creatively and beautifully...with natural materials and interest in my own particular desires/needs for my own 'cave'/home on my mountain. It can be done, just not always quickly..stick with it and learn as much as you can about building yourself in order to assure you are a partner in the process of making your own space...yours.
Best Of Luck,
Ms.Thomas
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