The issue with cutting off part of the bottom of the joists in question is not the increase in deflection at the design load because the old joists are already so stiff and close together that they would far exceed modern code design standards with an inch removed. But because of the excessive sagging, the relevant issue is the condition of the joists and the current loading which we cannot know without inspecting the structure in person. I suspect it would be OK to cut off whatever is needed to level the ceiling and reinforcement would be a hedge against unknown conditions but to be safe (and legal in most jurisdictions) it would be necessary to get the written approval of an engineer who had actually inspected the structure.

Ok update. I finished the first coat of paint - rolling and cutting. It came out great. I still need to do a second coat to cover up the underlying paint though. Is it easy to do a second coat of flat paint? What I mean is does the fact that I am using flat paint affect how the second layer of paint will go on? The first coat went on like butter, but given that I had some trouble painting the ceiling in flat (behr ceiling flat), I am hesitant to try the second coat of SW paint on the walls. Im still debating how I should approach fixing the cut in line. I did creep up into the ceiling slightly but my lines were not consistent. I am wondering if I should use an artist brush to create that straight line illusion.

Thanks for all of the responses! It sounds like the majority here like the green, with a few votes for the brown. flyleft - yeah, I showed the pics to hubby. It's not that he dislikes the idea of a colored ceiling, it's just taking on the project. He actually has a point about getting involved in a project like that at this point. We've been moved in for a few months and we still have a LOT of 'settling-in' to do, to put it mildly. Once spring comes we'll also have lots of landscaping projects. Also, this ceiling is so high, and the room is large enough that it probably isn't as easy as getting a large stepladder and would require scaffolding. Also, it is continuous with the area over the stairs, so it would be somewhat of an undertaking. Funny thing is, when the painting was being done originally, I wanted to paint the ceilings something other than white, but came by one day and it was already painted (the contractors worked very fast, which was a blessing and a curse.) I just didn't want to get into asking them to re-do it, and I let it go...well, sort of, obviously. :-) lmalm - that's a wonderful transformation! Must be a lot easier to relax in there now - LOL. Thanks for posting the pictures, your color looks very similar to mine. prairiegirl - thanks for the compliment on the fireplace. It's a full masonry natural stone woodburner. There's a smaller version in the basement. So far we love them. Love the real wood fire. Someday, when we're more settled I plan to post lots of pictures around the various forums, since we got so much info here. That is IF I ever get settled enough to take post-worthy pictures. maxsam - thanks for the pics, and the light fixture compliment. I almost got a different one, but I'm glad I didn't! I REALLY liked some of the lights at the site below, but then I called for prices.... If I remember right, one of their smaller chandeliers (like for over a dining table) was in the thousands, and then they went up from there. I called hoping the lights would fit my budget, and I'd be done looking, but when the first question they asked was "are you working with a designer?", I just thought, "Oh crap, guess I'll have to keep looking." Here is a link that might be useful: Pretty & pricey lighting

We pulled down soffits during a total kitchen remodel a few years ago, as well as the removal of fake beams in the livingroom. Although we didn't have plaster to contend with, we did have to fill the hole left by the soffit removal. A good sheetrock person should be able to patch the holes in your ceiling. Our sheetrock expert applied a knockdown finish in the kitchen and you can't tell the soffits were ever there. In the livingroom, he changed a poorly textured cathedral ceiling to a smooth surface that shows absolutely no trace of the old beams, nail holes, etc. I recall him saying that it was actually easier to put a skim coat over the whole ceiling than it was to retexture everything. See if you can get a couple referrals. You might want to sign up for Angie's List online (https://www.angieslist.com) to see about getting referrals from people who have utilized good tradesmen in your area.