Popcorn ceiling removal cost calculator

So, you've decided to tackle that outdated popcorn ceiling. Whether you are living in one of those older homes or just want to modernize your space, removing your popcorn ceiling can make a huge difference. But before you contemplate the removal project, you're probably wondering: How much is this going to cost? That's where the Kukun Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost Calculator comes in handy. This confidential, address-based cost calculator will help you estimate the total cost based on your specific situation.

A popcorn ceiling-also called a cottage cheese or acoustic ceiling-has a look and feel similar to popcorn, hence the name. Textured ceilings were hugely popular in the 20th century because the texture could hide imperfections such as nail holes, screws and water damage spots. Today, however, popcorn ceilings have lost their charm.

In fact, such an outdated ceiling lowers a house's value on the market. It's a big no-no to potential home buyers.

Since repairing or even repainting an aging popcorn ceiling can be expensive, it's best to replace it altogether. This is especially necessary if the owner is planning to sell the house for a good return on investment (ROI).

Replacing a knockdown popcorn ceiling texture will cost you anywhere between $1 and $2 per square foot in labor, materials, and equipment. That comes to $500 to $1000 on average, depending on your location and ceiling size.

Removing a popcorn ceiling that has asbestos costs around $3 to $7 per square foot. The reason for the higher price is that asbestos removal takes longer and needs to be done really carefully. The ceiling has to be disposed of in batches; otherwise, it can be a health hazard. Moreover, workers have to wear safety gear at all times.

An asbestos testing kit costs about $50 to $100 on average.

It requires more effort to remove a painted popcorn ceiling. You can expect to pay an additional $150 to $250 for a non-enameled painted ceiling. For example, if you have a 10'x10' room with an enamel-painted ceiling, removing it would cost you $300 to $600.

Replacing your popcorn ceiling with decorative tiles, ready-to-hang tiles, or panels will cost you between $5 and $7 per square foot. These are available at most home improvement stores.

In case you do not want to remove popcorn ceiling texture, there's a way. You can cover it with drywall without disturbing it much. The cost of drywall will be around $1.50 per square foot, and a skim coat over it will be approximately $1 per square foot.

Read more: Does homeowners insurance cover asbestos removal?

First things first, the cost to remove a popcorn ceiling isn't one-size-fits-all. Several factors come into play, and understanding them will help you get a clearer picture of your budget.

• Square footage: The size of your ceiling is a big factor. Most contractors charge by the square foot, so the larger your space, the higher the cost.
• Ceiling texture: Is your popcorn texture painted? If so, it's going to be a bit trickier (and more expensive) to remove. Paint seals the popcorn texture, making it harder to scrape off. Unpainted ceilings are generally easier and cheaper to deal with.
• Your zip code: Where you live plays a role, too. Labor costs vary by region, so a project in a big city might cost more than one in a smaller town. Always utilize an address-based cost calculator like Kukun when estimating costs.
• DIY vs. hiring a pro: If you're handy and looking to save some money, you might consider tackling the removal project yourself. While DIY can save you money, it's time-consuming and labor-intensive. Plus, if asbestos is present, you'll need to hire a professional to handle it safely. It's always a good idea to hire licensed contractors from the onset.
• Older homes vs. new homes: If you're in an older home, there's a chance your popcorn ceiling contains asbestos, especially if it was installed before the 1980s. Asbestos removal is a specialized (and costly) process, so you'll need to factor in testing and professional abatement if necessary.
• Additional prep work: Sometimes, removing your popcorn ceiling reveals imperfections in the drywall underneath. If ceiling repairs or a new ceiling texture are needed, that'll add to the overall cost.

Removing your popcorn ceiling can cost a lot more if you don't plan your home improvement well. You should know what you can afford to spend. Acquiring a free estimate will help you create a realistic budget, do the right groundwork, and use the right methods and materials. That's also the best way to ensure that you don't stumble across any unwelcome surprises during the execution of your project.

• Choose if you want the ceiling removal in the whole house or a part of it.
• Select the number of rooms.
• Enter property details such as address, home size, and the approximate home value.

And there you go! An estimate for your popcorn ceiling removal cost is ready! Keep in mind that the scope of renovation involves scraping popcorn ceilings and getting them ready for a fresh coat of paint.

With this estimate, you can analyze your finance options or hire a professional to get started on the work right away. You can also explore each contractor's profile, check out their online reviews, and view all their previous permits.

• Cover the walls and floor of the room with plastic sheeting to avoid a mess.
• Test a small section of your popcorn ceiling for asbestos if you live in an older home. This asbestos test is crucial if your home was built before 1980.
• Spray the ceiling with water through a garden sprayer in sections. You must avoid the areas around electrical fixtures such as ceiling fans and light fixtures. Loosen the ceiling with sandpaper instead.
• Scrap off the popcorn ceiling material once the water is absorbed completely. Use a putty knife or a scraper.
• Smooth out and repaint the ceiling.

Here are some tips to make the process easy, quick, and safe:

• Set a realistic home remodeling budget. Always include leeway for some surprise costs. Remodeling experts advise adding 20% extra to your existing budget.
• Test your popcorn ceiling for asbestos.
• Hire a professional to do the job. You mustn't come into contact with asbestos.
• Never try to follow a DIY project or home remedy guide for removing asbestos.
• Check your local building code for any permit requirements. Removing asbestos will require a permit.
• Be sure to get a warranty or guarantee from your contractor.
• Get a written contract from your contractor. The document should detail the complete schedule, deadlines for milestones, and payment details.
• Maintain a timeline to manage a seamless popcorn ceiling removal.

Removing your popcorn ceiling can breathe new life into your home, but it's important to plan the ceiling project. Whether you DIY or hire a pro, knowing the cost estimate upfront with a popcorn ceiling removal cost calculator will help you budget wisely and avoid surprises.

So, start crunching those numbers. Your dream ceiling is just a calculation away!