How Much Does it Cost to Remove Popcorn Ceiling?

Dated popcorn ceilings have long been an eyesore for most homeowners. Removing popcorn ceilings can transform a room, but it's essential to consider the popcorn ceiling removal cost and other factors before diving in.

If you’re sick of the site of your popcorn ceilings, you’re probably wondering how much it costs to remove, including the average cost per square foot and the factors that affect pricing. In this guide, we go through the basics. After this quick read, you will have everything that you need to remove your outdated popcorn ceiling.

Breaking Down the Cost of Popcorn Ceiling Removal

There is no fixed, universal price for a popcorn ceiling removal project. But generally, it is reported to cost between $1-3 per square foot, and the removal of a ceiling in its entirety starts from $700 and goes up to $3000. But there are numerous factors affecting this, including the height of the ceilings, the room’s size and whether there is asbestos or other hazardous materials present. Also, if your outdated popcorn ceilings have multiple coats of paint, this can make the job more complicated.

DIY vs Professional Popcorn Ceiling Removal

If you want to save money, consider DIY popcorn ceiling removal. Removing popcorn ceiling texture is simple and can be accomplished with a small array of tools.

But be aware there are many instances where a popcorn ceiling calls for a professional. Mainly because while those bumpy patterns might look harmless (aside from the aesthetic harm they cause), there could be surprises lurking beneath the surface.

For instance, many popcorn textured ceilings can often mask asbestos. In this case, professional labor is necessary for your safety. Getting your popcorn ceiling examined by a professional asbestos testing company is important. The standard price for this is around $500

Finding someone that offer a suite of services including scraping, drywall lift, and the appropriate protective gear is essential when looking for a professional. The latter includes protecting your home from the torrential downpour of popcorn debris with plastic sheeting and subsequent debris disposal.

Before removing a popcorn ceiling, turn off ceiling lights and cover the floor with plastic or canvas drop cloths. A drywall knife can be used to remove popcorn ceiling texture gently. However, hiring a drywall contractor is often the best choice for homeowners who are unsure of their abilities.

The total cost of popcorn removal will depend on factors such as the use of professional services and disposal of hazardous materials. To ensure a popcorn ceiling safe removal, consider all aspects and potential complications beforehand. With the right planning and execution, removing popcorn ceilings can be a rewarding investment in your home.

Tips for Saving Money on Popcorn Ceiling Removal

Your ceiling removal cost can be minimized by undergoing certain aspects through DIY means. The first step is to purchase an asbestos testing kit which you can purchase for $30-50. If the results come back negative, you can save money by carrying out other elements of the project yourself.

But be warned, it can cause a mess. People often spray the ceiling with water, loosening the ceiling material before commencing scraping. This makes the mess even bigger, while the moisture absorbs into the ceiling, making it heavier, and leading to cracks. Also, many properties have lead paint which will have to be tested for as well.

Awareness of the job's potential to become more complicated will also save you money. As you scrape away the popcorn texture, you may discover other ceiling issues that need to be addressed, such as electrical, plumbing, or cracks. A strategic process for changing your ceiling’s texture will help you to plan ahead and save money in the appropriate areas. Perhaps you will only need a popcorn ceiling removal professional for one or two elements.

Labor costs will rack up the most bills. So, do everything you can yourself. This includes moving all of the furniture. Also, you can prepare the room with plastic sheeting and painter’s tape. Removing light fixtures, paintings, and ceiling fans. After removing the ceiling, you can paint the new smooth ceiling on your dime, cutting labor costs. Overall, these steps and others will help you to finance the project.

Once the textured ceiling is removed, a skim coat of joint compound or drywall compound can be applied to create a smooth surface. Ceiling paint can then be applied, or homeowners can opt for decorative tiles or drywall panels as an alternative.

Conclusion

Overall, a keen awareness of what the popcorn ceiling removal process entails for your home will save you the most time and money and help majorly with the planning. It could be a large project, but after each step, you will have a smooth ceiling texture and all of its perks, including more light, better sound and acoustics, and the aesthetic peace of mind it brings. Or perhaps you will decide that the dated popcorn ceiling isn’t so bad after all. Either way, be informed.

And remember to brush up on other interior decorating tips while you’re at it. SimpleShowing covers it all, from wiring to painting. And if you need direct contact for inquiries, be sure to contact us directly, as we offer a live chat, email, and phone service.

Frequently Asked Questions

● Is it safe to remove a popcorn ceiling myself?

This depends on your ceiling and whether it requires asbestos removal. You can perform asbestos testing by buying an asbestos testing kit or hiring a professional tool to test it for you.

● How long does it take to remove a popcorn ceiling?

It depends on the nature of the project. But experts claim it takes about 20 hours to remove a popcorn ceiling spanning 500 square feet.

● How do I know if my popcorn ceiling contains asbestos?

By testing it with an asbestos testing kit or hiring a professional team to test it for you.

● Can I paint over a popcorn ceiling instead of removing it?

Yes, you can. For more information on this, learn more about painting over the popcorn texture.

● Do I need to move out of my home during popcorn ceiling removal?

If your ceiling contains high levels of asbestos or another hazardous material, moving out of your home may be necessary during removal.