I'm going the route of a complete rebuild because I also want to increase the headroom a few more inches. Right now I have 78" (6'6") floor to ceiling. I'm 6'4" tall, so I'd like to increase the headroom 4"-6".
A metal frame isn't within my skill set, nor do I have the tools (i.e. welder) for a metal frame structure. There is still new construction going on in the development I live in, so I will be able to scavenge a lot of 2x material to help save money.
Ralph Day...thanks for the link, it's a very interesting video.
Gdetrailer...thanks for the insight and the link to your project.
