Removing a popcorn ceiling is a popular home improvement project since many are eager to update the look of their ceilings-especially in homes where popcorn texture was once common. Removing popcorn ceilings themselves varies in cost depending on various factors, which include the size of the area, the complexity of the job, and possible hazardous materials such as asbestos.
Homeowners can be prepared to pay between $1 and $5 per square foot, although there could be additional costs due to asbestos testing, repair, and ceiling refinishing. While you can save some money with DIY removal, you should consider the possible risks and difficulties you are going to have to encounter before deciding.
Now, let’s break these down to give a clear view of what homeowners can prepare for if they want to spend on this project.
What is a Popcorn Ceiling?
Popcorn ceilings, also known as acoustic or textured ceilings, were the immediate, most common choice for homes built between the 1950s and 1980s. The texture helped mask many imperfections and it absorbed sound; therefore, it was a functional but aesthetically controversial choice. In time, these ceilings became outmoded and are now unwanted by many who prefer a more modern, smooth finish.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Removing a Popcorn Ceiling
Let’s now break down these to provide you with a picture of what to plan for if you decide to do this task.
1. Area Size
The most direct factor affecting cost happens to be the ceiling area size. Most contractors will charge per square foot, and the national average runs between $1 and $2 per square foot. If you remove the popcorn ceiling in a single room, the costs will be pretty low; however, doing this in a whole house can raise the price significantly.
Here’s an estimated cost breakdown based on room size:
- Small room (100-150 sq. ft.): $150-$300
- Medium room (250-400 sq. ft.): $250-$800
- Entire home (1,500-2,500 sq. ft.): $1,500-$5,000
2. Asbestos Testing and Removal
If your house was built before the 1980s, there’s a good chance that your popcorn ceiling contains asbestos. Although asbestos was in common use for construction because it doesn’t catch fire easily, it has been proven to be very dangerous to one’s health. Your ceiling will need to be tested for asbestos beforehand-which generally runs $ 200-$800 before any removal.
When asbestos is present, removal turns out to be tiring and expensive. The cost of removing the popcorn ceilings with asbestos would be $3 to $7 per square foot, and in some cases, it could increase up to $10 per square foot depending on how stringent the local regulations are or how complicated the job is.
3. Ceiling Condition
Conditions definitely play a major part in the determination of the final cost. Obviously, the removal of a damaged ceiling or one for a painted popcorn ceiling will be much more involved for a contractor. Thus, it may increase the overall cost.
- Unpainted popcorn ceilings: These are less difficult to remove and generally fall on the lowest end of the price scale, around $1-$2 per square foot.
- Painted popcorn ceilings: This is far more difficult to remove because the paint seals in the texture, making the scraping process much longer and usually needing chemical treatments. The cost may be between $3 and $5 per square foot.
4. Labor Cost
Labor cost for popcorn ceiling removal usually ranges from $1 to $3 per square foot. However, with painting or asbestos ceilings, the labor could be heavy, increasing the cost from roughly $3 to $7 per square foot or higher. The labor normally covers scraping, cleaning, and probable repairs on the old ceiling.
If there is asbestos, labor costs can go very high due to dealing with special equipment, safety measures, and most importantly certified asbestos-removing labor. Labor only for a standard 250-square-foot room could be:
- Non-asbestos popcorn ceiling: $250 to $750
- Asbestos-containing ceiling: $750 to $1,750 or even more as may be required by the nature of the job.
5. Type of Removal
There are mainly two types in which you can get a popcorn ceiling removed: wet scraping and dry scraping. Again, this would be another aspect that decides your price.
- Wet scraping: This is a process in which water is normally sprayed on the ceiling to weaken the texture before scraping it off. The prices are most often in the range of $1 to $3 per square foot. This is because wet scraping results in less dust and mess. However, it might not be very effective for ceilings that have been painted.
- Dry scraping: This involves a more labor-intensive and costlier process, used when the popcorn ceiling has been painted or in cases where the ceiling is in poor condition. It can cost up to $5 per square foot.
Other Costs to Consider while Removing a Popcorn Ceiling
Following are the choices that you also need to consider during popcorn ceiling removal.
1. Disposal of Debris
After the popcorn ceiling has been removed, it needs to be properly disposed of. The cost can vary, depending on the amount of trash, and whether asbestos is present, between $100 and $300. Sometimes a contractor will include disposal fees in their all-around cost, but this may not always be true, so confirm it before the start of a project.
2. Repairs and Patching
The underlying surface of the ceiling may be repaired after the removal of the popcorn ceiling since the texture was used to mask imperfections. Smoothening, cracks removal, patching, and sanding of the ceiling will add to the total cost. This can add an average of $1 to $3 more per square foot, depending on the extent of the damage.
3. Ceiling Refinishing
Once the popcorn texture has been removed, many homeowners refinish the ceiling by either re-texturing with a new style or going to a smooth surface. Popular choices include:
- Smooth finish: It gives a clean and modern look but it is considered the most expensive and labor-intensive option. Its cost is between $1 and $3 per square foot.
- Textured finish: The more affordable versions of textured finishes, like knockdown and orange peel, are fairly inexpensive, costing about $1 per square foot, and amply mask small imperfections.
4. DIY vs. Professional Removal
Some homeowners might choose to remove the popcorn ceiling themselves to save some dollars on labor costs. The DIY process is doable but comes with a good number of risks and other challenges.
Do-it-yourself removal
This takes a lot of time, even for small areas. If you don’t have to worry about asbestos and have a small area to cover, it might be cheap. You can rent or buy all the tools you need, such as scrapers and sprayers, along with drop cloths for about $50-$200. The process can get pretty messy and extremely time-consuming if the ceiling has been painted.
Professional hiring
While being costly, professional hiring will ensure the job is done with safety and efficiency for home remodeling. The professionals will have the correct equipment and experience in dealing with removals, especially in instances where there is asbestos or other complications involved.
Timeframe and Disruption
The time that popcorn ceiling removal takes will be different because it will depend on the size of the area in addition to the removal method employed. Depending on an average home, it usually takes one to three days to get the job done. It will take a little longer for larger homes and those with ceilings in the poorest of conditions.
Homeowners should also mentally prepare for the disruption it is going to cause as furniture may require covering or moving and room(s) may be out of commission for several days.
Smart Remodeling LLC Popcorn Ceiling Removal Services
Smart Remodeling LLC provides professional popcorn ceiling removal services. Their expertise ensures that the process is smooth and not at all hassle-some for you. The company retains a workforce that is experienced in offering services with the latest techniques to remove textured ceilings safely and efficiently with precision.
Whether you need asbestos testing or ceiling refinishing in its entirety, Smart Remodeling LLC offers effective, affordable services to fit your needs. Call today for a quote to start your improvement at home.
Final Thoughts
Removing the popcorn ceiling can make all the difference in updating a room to be modern and polished for any homeowner. Whether you choose to tackle this project yourself or find a professional to hire, understanding the costs involved will help you plan your budget and make an informed decision.
