removing ceiling joists
 

removing ceiling joists?
i'm planning on converting a small office in my house into a large bathroom. i had an idea last night that seems pretty interesting to me. i would like to remove the ceiling (drywall and ceiling joists) finish the attic portion above the room and make it a vaulted ceiling. i know i'll probably need a structural engineer for this one - but does anyone see a problem with removing the ceiling joists? the room is 10' x 12' and borders one outside wall of the house.
the ceiling joists are more than something to hange sheet rock on... act in tension to hold the exterior wall in and they resist the force of the roof rafters pushing out with their dead load (and don't forget the snow/wind ect live load) not a good idea without another method the resist these forces...
my $0.02...
generally what you propose is acheivable, provided the ceiling joists are supported at the walls and not connected to the roof structure.
you will need to consider the installation of larger rafters and a support beam at the high point.
as you said, get a structural engineer in. we can't be much help here as we cannot see how the roof and walls are constructed. as well as the fact that we cannot propose solutions without "seeing" the job.
regards
sc