How Much To Remove Popcorn Ceiling And Paint

Popcorn ceilings, a once-popular trend, are known for their textured appearance and sound-absorbing capabilities. However, they have fallen out of favor in recent years due to concerns about asbestos, outdated aesthetics, and difficulty in cleaning.

If you're looking to remove a popcorn ceiling and upgrade the look of your home, you'll need to factor in the cost of both the removal and the subsequent painting.

Cost of Popcorn Ceiling Removal

The cost to remove popcorn ceilings can vary depending on several factors, including:

Square footage: Larger ceilings will require more time and labor to remove.
Height of ceiling: Higher ceilings may require scaffolding or ladders, increasing the cost.
Age of the ceiling: Older ceilings may contain asbestos, which requires special handling and disposal.
Location: Labor costs can vary by region.

On average, you can expect to pay between $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot for professional popcorn ceiling removal. For a typical 12' x 12' room, this equates to a cost of $180 to $420.

Cost of Painting

Once the popcorn ceiling is removed, you'll need to repaint the ceiling to update its appearance. The cost of painting will also vary depending on several factors, such as:

Size of the ceiling: Larger ceilings will require more paint and labor.
Condition of the ceiling: If the ceiling is damaged or requires extensive patching, the cost may be higher.
Type of paint: Higher-quality paints may cost more, but they will also provide better coverage and durability.
Labor costs: Painting labor costs can vary by region.

Generally, you can expect to pay between $2 to $5 per square foot for professional painting. For a typical 12' x 12' room, this equates to a cost of $240 to $600.

Additional Costs

In addition to the removal and painting costs, there may be additional expenses to consider:

Asbestos testing: If your ceiling was installed before the mid-1970s, it's essential to have it tested for asbestos before removing it. The cost of asbestos testing can range from $50 to $200 per sample.
Asbestos removal: If asbestos is present, you'll need to hire a licensed asbestos abatement contractor to remove it. The cost of asbestos removal can vary depending on the severity of the contamination.
Ceiling repair: After removing the popcorn ceiling, you may need to repair any damage to the drywall or other underlying surfaces. The cost of ceiling repair will depend on the extent of the damage.

Estimating Total Cost

To estimate the total cost of removing a popcorn ceiling and painting, you'll need to consider the following factors:

Square footage of the ceiling
Age and condition of the ceiling
Local labor costs
Type of paint used
Any additional expenses (asbestos testing, removal, or ceiling repair)

Once you have a good understanding of these factors, you can use the cost ranges provided above to create a ballpark estimate.

Professional Recommendations

It's highly recommended to hire professional contractors for both popcorn ceiling removal and painting. DIY removal attempts can be hazardous, especially if asbestos is present. Professionals have the proper equipment, training, and experience to safely remove the popcorn ceiling and ensure a smooth, even paint finish.