Some of our plaster ceilings are scrolled. Not my favorite. I am hoping to knock out the wall between our kitchen (not scrolled) and living area (scrolled). I don't have to bring done the ceiling, do I? Can a plasterer smooth this out? I'm thinking there's 500 feet of scrolled ceiling. Anyone have an idea of how much something like his could run?
I have no idea about the structural questions - I would chat with an engineer or someone about that. Plasterwork tends to be pricey - do you have an Angie's List subscription? I would read reviews and see how much people paid for things. That might give you an idea of what it could cost in your area.