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Most people will agree that popcorn ceilings are ugly, but what is the cost of removing a popcorn ceiling?
That answer depends on several variables, but the short answer is between $5.55 and over $6.75 a square foot, including removal, repair, paint, and daily clean-up.
That means a room that is 12 x 16 has 192 square feet of ceiling. Therefore, the cost of removing a popcorn ceiling could be as little as $1,065 and as much as $1,296.
With 30 years of experience, we know how to remove popcorn ceilings safely and productively. Click the link below for a free quote with an exact price.
Please continue reading if you’d like to know the details affecting the cost of removing a popcorn ceiling.
Checking For Asbestos
In 1979, asbestos was banned from being used in popcorn ceilings. However, the existing supply could still be used and lasted until 1984 in some areas. To test for asbestos, buy a kit for around $10.00 at Home Depot and discover if your ceiling has asbestos. If it does contain asbestos, you cannot remove it. A licensed contractor for asbestos removal would be necessary.
Asbestos is not observable by the naked eye, and disturbing it can irritate the lungs, causing lung cancer, mesothelioma, colon cancer, and other serious health issues. Therefore, if asbestos is found, choose a professional with the proper certifications.
The cost of removing a popcorn ceiling is affected by the height and contents
What is required for the cost of removing a popcorn ceiling to be close to $3.50 a foot?
Hopefully, your ceiling is only 8′ above the floor. The higher the ceiling, the slower the productivity. Add .25 cents a square ft if it is above 9′ and a dollar if it is above 12′.
We will find the medium height if the ceilings are vaulted or cathedral.
Another important factor to consider is the state of the room. If it’s empty, that’s great. However, if items and contents are in the room, moving them to a new area will be necessary. Expect to pay between .20 and .35 a sq. ft. to empty and return the contents to the room.
Painted Popcorn Ceilings Can Take Longer To Remove
The cost of removing a popcorn ceiling will increase if it has been painted. If there is no paint, the popcorn ceiling will absorb the water quickly and come off without much of a fight.
If it does have coats of paint, let’s hope it is flat paint. Paints with a sheen will repel water.
Solution: popcorn ceilings with a sheen will need scuff sanding to allow water to absorb.
The cost of removing a popcorn ceiling includes spackling
Without exception, the ceiling will need at least two skim coats of spackle applied on the entire ceiling to before painting. This step requires the most expertise and can be very challenging to a DIYer with little experience.
Whether you are a new DIYer or a veteran DIYer, here are a few of our best practices that should make the job go smoother.
- Buy a premix spackle and add 1/4 cup of liquid detergent to a mud pan of spackle. It will spread on like butter on a warm skillet.
- Use a 12″ knife.
- Sand with a vacuum attachment
- Double-check areas after the primer coat.
