Table of Contents
Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost Examples
Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost Factors
Is It Worth It to Remove Popcorn Ceiling?
Does Removing Popcorn Ceiling Increase a Home’s Value?
Removing Popcorn Ceiling Cost Considerations
Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost Bottom Line
Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost FAQs
Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost Examples
Small Room (200 square feet)
- Non-Asbestos Removal: $600 to $1,400
- Asbestos Removal: $1,000 to $2,200
Medium Room (400 square feet)
- Non-Asbestos Removal: $1,200 to $2,800
- Asbestos Removal: $2,000 to $4,400
Large Room (600 square feet)
- Non-Asbestos Removal: $1,800 to $4,200
- Asbestos Removal: $3,000 to $6,600
Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost Factors
- Ceiling Size
- Asbestos Removal
- Replacement Materials Cost
- Professional Services
Ceiling Size
The most obvious factor influencing the cost of removing a popcorn ceiling is its size. You will typically pay per square foot, so the larger the area, the more expensive it will be. On average, the cost to remove a popcorn ceiling is $2.25 per square foot.
It’s not always just about the size, though. If some of your rooms have an unusual shape, this could also add to the cost of popcorn ceiling removal, especially if workers have to constantly set up everything all over again when moving between the individual segments of each room.
Asbestos Removal
Popcorn ceilings installed before the 1980s may contain asbestos, a hazardous material. If asbestos is present, the removal process becomes more complex and expensive. Even though the material is largely banned today, the ban didn’t apply retroactively in many cases, meaning that asbestos is still present in various parts of buildings all over the country. Testing for asbestos in popcorn ceilings typically costs $50 to $150.
Experts will usually charge more for removing popcorn ceilings containing asbestos due to the additional health hazard. They will need to use specialized protective equipment and put in extra effort to ensure that the job is done safely. Usually, popcorn ceiling removal takes more time in these cases as well. If asbestos is present, professional removal can cost $3 to $7 per square foot.
Replacement Materials Cost
Replacing the popcorn ceiling with something else will also increase the price, depending on what materials you’ve chosen. Painting over the evened-out ceiling is the cheapest option. You can also cover it with wood or other materials, but be prepared to pay more for the job in those cases.
If you can source the materials yourself, that will usually save you some money as opposed to purchasing them through the contractors you’ve hired. Most contractors add a markup to the materials they use for a job, especially if they don’t normally keep them in stock.
Professional Services
And of course, you have to account for the price of the removal specialists you’ll be using as well. The market varies a lot in this regard, and some companies will charge you several times more than others. Taking the time to research different contractors in detail can save you a good chunk of money. Of course, going for the cheapest contractors you can find is usually not the best option, at least if you want to see the job done as quickly and painlessly as possible.
Labor costs vary by region and the experience of the contractor. Rates can range from $1 to $3 per square foot for basic popcorn ceiling removal, excluding any additional services like painting or resurfacing.
Is It Worth It to Remove Popcorn Ceiling?
It's usually worth removing popcorn ceiling, but it depends on several factors. First, obviously, is how you feel about it. Some people like the extra texture it adds to a room’s aesthetics. Others like to keep their ceilings as clean and smooth as possible.
There’s also the health factor – if your popcorn ceiling was installed decades ago when asbestos was still an acceptable building material, you might want to get it removed simply to give yourself some peace of mind that you’re not living in a hazardous environment.
Does Removing Popcorn Ceiling Increase a Home’s Value?
Yes, removing popcorn ceiling can increase a home's value. Not just if it contains asbestos, though that will certainly give the price a nice boost. Popcorn ceiling is a more niche type of decoration, and not all homeowners like it. While some might enjoy its appearance, they are still in the minority.
This means that removing popcorn ceiling will, on average, raise your home’s appeal in the eyes of most potential buyers. Market research also shows that homes without popcorn ceilings tend to go for a little more than homes with similar properties that do utilize it.
Data is quite limited, though, and it’s hard to draw any real conclusions here. But since a portion of your home’s value will come from personal opinion, you certainly can’t go wrong with removing your popcorn ceiling if you want to improve your chances.
Removing Popcorn Ceiling Cost Considerations
Removing popcorn ceiling can be a great way to increase your home value and spruce up its aesthetic appeal. You can even remove popcorn ceiling yourself to save money, assuming there are no special circumstances involved, like asbestos. If your ceiling is older or if you want to cover it up with more expensive/advanced materials, working with a professional contractor is highly recommended. In most cases, paying for their services will still end up cheaper than doing the job yourself when you factor in the time it would take you to do it properly.
Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost Bottom Line
The cost of removing a popcorn ceiling ranges from $3 to $11 per square foot, depending on whether asbestos is present and the scope of additional services like smoothing and painting. While removing popcorn ceilings can be expensive, it's usually worth it, especially if you want a new, more modern aesthetic or if you're removing an older popcorn ceiling that has asbestos in it. Besides having a safer and more modern-looking home, you can also expect to recoup your investment when you sell the home, as buyers tend to prefer homes without popcorn ceilings.
It is essential to consider the potential for asbestos and to budget for any additional services needed to achieve a smooth, finished ceiling. Obtaining multiple quotes from reputable contractors can help ensure a fair price and high-quality work.
Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost FAQs
1. Is it cheaper to remove popcorn ceiling or to cover It?
Removing popcorn ceiling can be cheaper or more expensive than covering it, depending on various specific factors. If you just want to quickly scrape off the old ceiling and paint it over, this will often be cheaper than covering it, as long as asbestos is not involved. On the other hand, covering your popcorn ceiling with something expensive like high-end wood can make the job significantly more expensive. And in the end, you might still have to remove it one day.
2. Do you need a professional to remove popcorn ceiling?
It’s often possible to remove popcorn ceiling on your own, provided you have the right tools. Just make sure to perform an asbestos inspection beforehand to ensure that you’re not about to breathe in anything harmful. If your popcorn ceiling does contain asbestos, hiring a professional is often preferred.
3. How can I minimize the cost of professional popcorn ceiling removal?
If you want to get the best possible deal on your popcorn ceiling removal, you should try to do as much as you can on your own before hiring professionals. Get the room prepared, lay down protective covers over the furniture, and scrape out any bits of the ceiling that you can comfortably get to on your own. Remember what we mentioned earlier though – if your popcorn ceiling contains asbestos, you should leave the whole job in the hands of qualified professionals.