Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on HomeGuide.
How much does popcorn ceiling removal cost?
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 Popcorn ceilings were popular at one time but now make homes look outdated.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:
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.
Does removing a popcorn ceiling increase home value?
Removing a popcorn ceiling increases home value in most cases because it makes the home appear more modern and less outdated.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.
How long does it take to remove popcorn ceiling?
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.
Do popcorn ceilings contain asbestos?
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.
Can I remove a popcorn ceiling myself?
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.
How do I hire a popcorn ceiling remover?
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.
What questions should I ask popcorn ceiling removers?
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?
Reviews for Los Angeles popcorn ceiling removal contractors
Recent success stories from people in the Los Angeles area.
Holden W.
Gilmer is very professional and thorough. He inspected the home inside and out. He issued a detailed report complete with photos, descriptions and recommendations for repairs. I receive the report with in the same day of my inspection. I was very happy and would recommend him highly.
GG Home Repair Services
Eric S.
Borja’s Flooring is exceptional!
Without a doubt, Paul and his Borja Flooring team is top class: speed of service, personal customer service, affordable pricing, and quality flooring!
Not only is their service prompt, work high-quality, and craftsmanship second to none, Paul’s personal customer service skills makes him the greatest choice for your flooring needs. Paul was able to walk me through the process of choosing what type of floor would serve me best, how long the process would take, and how best to choose the correct colors based on grain direction, floor size, etc based on my specific interior. He also was able to quickly get a quote to me and work with me for what scope of work would be best for me and my budget.
Paul stops at nothing to ensure that you’re satisfied with your installation. He sends picture updates of the work, does status checks to ensure it’s looking good so far for you, and responds quickly to any of your questions.
He is also connected to other quality service professionals and was able to refer me to other work I needed around my home like painting.
The results speak floor themselves! I love my new carpet free transformed home with squeak free stairs and beautiful 2nd floor!
Overall, I couldn’t be happier. The flooring is beautiful, solid and squeak free. The service was fantastic, the price was affordable, and Paul is excellent to work with. A+ across the board.
Borja Flooring
Adan C.
Very reliable, honest, hard working. Highly recommended. He helped me to remodel my house:
Wall demolition, pluming, electricity, installed new windows and patio doors, etc, etc!
AM CONSTRUCTION
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