Popcorn ceiling removal costs $1 to $2 per square foot for removal only or $2 to $6 per square foot for removal with new texture and paint. The average removal job costs $2,000 to $9,000. Popcorn ceilings were popular at one time but now make homes look outdated. This ceiling style also catches dust and cobwebs.

Popcorn ceilings installed before 1986 may contain asbestos, which is toxic and must be disposed of properly:

• Asbestos testing costs $250 to $850.
• Asbestos removal costs $4 to $20 per square foot for ceilings.

Once you have the popcorn material removed, you’ll need to refinish the ceiling, which includes adding texture or smoothing the ceiling and adding paint. The total cost to remove popcorn, texture the substrate, and paint is $3 to $6 per square foot.

Removing a popcorn ceiling increases home value in most cases because it makes the home appear more modern and less outdated. Although removal is a messy job, it's especially worth it when the ceiling is made with asbestos.

Removing popcorn ceiling takes 1 to 5 days on average, depending on the ceiling size. The removal process includes:

• Moving furniture and other items
• Covering vents and floors
• Soaking the popcorn to soften it
• Scraping or sanding the popcorn off
• Cleaning up residue

Some popcorn removal professionals have vacuums or bags attached to their devices to contain residue and minimize messes.

If you have an older home made between the 1920s and 1980s, your popcorn ceiling could be made with asbestos, which is a known carcinogen and can cause lung cancer if not handled properly. Have your ceiling tested to see if it contains asbestos. If the test is positive, you will need a professional who does remodeling and asbestos abatement to remove it.

Removing popcorn ceiling is an incredibly messy process and is not for the faint of heart. While it’s possible to do it yourself, hiring a professional to do it for you and clean up the mess afterward is easier and much more time effective. 

If you decide to remove it yourself, make sure there is no asbestos in the ceiling before starting the project.

Start by searching our list of popcorn ceiling removers near you, then:

• Get three or more free estimates to compare.
• Research company reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
• Choose a licensed, bonded, and experienced contractor.
• Make sure their insurance and warranty is up to date.
• Get a written estimate and warranty before work begins.
• Follow a payment plan instead of making one large payment up front.

To find quality contractors, ask the following questions:

• How long have you been in business?
• Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
• Do you offer same-day service? If not, how soon can I make an appointment?
• Do you perform on-site asbestos testing?
• Are you qualified to remove asbestos if it's found in my ceiling?
• How do you handle damage that happens on the job?
• How long will the removal take?
• Will you remove or cover my furniture from the room?
• Do you offer a warranty for your work?
• Can you give me an estimate in writing?