Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost

Popcorn ceilings are great when you have to add that unique look to your house. Many homeowners used to go for them in their homes till around a decade back. Even now, these are present in some houses. However, there is a danger that they might look unsightly. The main reason being that the texture material can flake off and can get patchy. Then the homeowners have a tough time painting it. As a result those who might have got them made in the 1990s or thereabouts are choosing to get them removed. Removing them is not an easy job but thankfully, there are professionals who can do that for you.

Cost of Removing a Popcorn Ceiling

The cost of removal is actually determined by a number of variables. These factors will be eventually decide how much money you have to shell out. Generally, when you hire professionals, it can cost around $1 to 2 for a square foot. A 15X15 foot ceiling, for example, will be charged in the range of $250 to $600. It can go up to $1000 or even more depending on the particular condition of the ceiling primarily. There are a number of other things involved in the total expenditure. These are -

1. Cost of materials for the removal
2. Cost of labor
3. Cost of retexturing materials and labor to do that.

Hiring a contractor who does not have enough experience too, may cost you. Another thing is what price will you have to pay if you do not remove the ceiling.

Cost Impacting Factors

While a few like labor and the material have been mentioned above, here are some more factors which affect the cost of this project.

Asbestos
Testing for asbestos will be charged. If it was not tested before it was originally fitted. The contractor will send the sample for testing. If it is found that there is asbestos through the tests, then it can be a different ball game altogether. While some states will allow you to do it on your own, some states will have regulations clearly mentioning that ceilings having asbestos will have to be dealt by professional contractors only. This can prove to be a dent in your pocket. In case there is no asbestos, then it is completely up to you whether to hire someone or not. You might just be tempted to not remove it and save money by painting it instead.

Quality of Material
Sometimes, you may be given an alarmingly low cost for the entire work. In that case, beware of a few things -

• Use of lower quality materials, which can pose threats later.
• Glitches in the repair process.
• Bad re texturing job employing unskilled labor, incurring those labor costs at your expense.
• Contractors can dupe you by saving money on the paints. They will spray two thin coats of paint using an inferior paint.

These are the things you need to care of. You can do the removal yourself, it is no doubt going to save you money but get to know how to remove popcorn ceiling and the related safety regulations.

At the end of the day, the expense is nothing as compared to the better look and safety (in case it has asbestos) it is going to impart. If you decide to do it yourself, please don't forget to use safety gear. It is not a pleasant endeavor at all. All the best and take care!