$ of Removing Popcorn Ceilings (floors, how much, painting, asbestos)

[leavingcali]

Hi there,

Anyone out there have a rough estimate for popcorn ceiling removal? I live in a 1000 sq. ft. condo in CA. I just need a general idea. I'll have a big bill paid off in the next few months. Once that is done, I want to start saving for this. How much do you think I'll need to save?

Thanks!

[golfgal]

This is a fairly easy do it your self job--messy and time consuming but not hard. Basically you spray an area with a spray bottle and scrape off the popcorn. You then can coat and paint. Now, it isn't the most FUN DIY project but if you want to save some money, just an idea. As for how much it costs--I can't help with that one, sorry.

[Cecilia_Rose]

Id get an stimate on dry walling over it with 1/4 ' drywall too. Faster and a lot less mess. Also if theres asbestos it gets sealed between the drywall and the ceiling.

A lot of times they dont do a good job taping and finishing the ceiling before they popcorn. Also it can get scraped up during popcorn removal. I figure if Im going to have to retape and do finishing I might a well start with fresh flat drywall.

[delta07]

The biggest question is to find out whether the ceiling has asbestos in it. Prior to 1974ish asbestos was used. However, you may still find homes that were built after that time to have asbestos, since retailers weren't required to pull the product from the shelf. The only way to know for sure whether it's asbestos free is to have a piece tested. As long as you cut the piece out of your ceiling, and don't crumble it off, you won't release any asbestos into the air.

If it has asbestos then it can get quite pricey, as you have to pay for a specialist to remove it and dispose of properly. I've seen estimates of
$5-$10K. If there is no asbestos, then it will be messy, but it is fairly easy to scrape and remove yourself.

[Caseynj]

I agree with Cecilia Rose. Dry walling over the popcorn ceiling is what my husband did. He rented a panel lift and was able to do this himself. He also knows his limitations and doesn't like taping and spackling so we hired someone to do that. Just another suggestion for you. Good Luck!

[Cecilia_Rose]

Originally Posted by Caseynj

I agree with Cecilia Rose. Dry walling over the popcorn ceiling is what my husband did. He rented a panel lift and was able to do this himself. He also knows his limitations and doesn't like taping and spackling so we hired someone to do that. Just another suggestion for you. Good Luck!

Me too. I can tape but the pros do it faster and with less sanding mess. People dont realize drywall itself isnt that expensive. Its the labor that gets you.

And if you seal in the popcorn with new drywall you dont have to worry whether its asbestos or not. You dont have to remove asbestos if you can encapsulate it.

[Coldjensens]

IF you want to DIY and go fast, buy a three gallon garden sprayer. fill it with hot water, cover your floors and soak the cieling. It will fall off in places and scrape off easily in other places. Spackle, sand and paint and you are golden.

[leavingcali]

Thanks for all of the helpful responses!

I have a question regarding the dry walling idea--is this done OVER the popcorn ceiling, so there isn't actually any removal? I am intrigued by this idea...especially since asbestos won't be a concern. However, I absolutely do not want to do it myself. I would rather fork out the dough. So, do you think a company that does painting or ceilings would also do this?

[delta07]

I'm sure you could find a general contractor to do drywall work. I don't have any idea what it would cost, but I would call around and get some quotes. One thing to consider is the height of your ceilings. I know someone mentioned 1/4" drywall. If you already have low ceilings this may make your condo feel smaller. However, if your ceiling height isn't a problem it sounds like this could be the easiest and possibly cheapest (especially if there is asbestos) way to go.

[Coldjensens]

By the time you drywall, mud and tape, finish prime and paint, it seems like it would be cheaper to remove it, especially since you can do that for free. It you drywall over with 1/4" you may have trouble with the bumps evnetually pressing through or causing warping of your drywall. Also, if you have crown molding you will need to remove and replace it or, it will look really stupid. Worse, it will look like a mickey mouse repair and could chase away furture prospective buyers.