This popcorn ceiling removal cost calculator is handy in helping homeowners and contractors estimate the price associated with removing textured “popcorn” ceilings.
- Square footage of the ceiling
- Presence of asbestos
- Labor costs in your area
- Additional services (e.g., retexturing, painting)
You have a 1,000 sq ft home with popcorn ceilings throughout.
- Total ceiling area: 1,000 sq ft
- Asbestos testing required: Yes/No
- Desired finish: Smooth/New texture
- Location: Your zip code or city
The cost increases significantly for homes with asbestos. A large apartment with asbestos can range from $10,800 to $15,600, while a similar-sized apartment without asbestos costs significantly less.
Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost Calculator
| Scenario | Area (sq ft) | Asbestos | Finish | Location | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Room | 200 | No | Smooth | Urban | $800 – $1,400 |
| Large Room | 400 | Yes | Textured | Suburban | $2,800 – $4,000 |
| Small House | 1,000 | No | Smooth | Rural | $3,500 – $5,500 |
| Large House | 2,500 | Yes | Smooth | Urban | $15,000 – $22,500 |
| Apartment | 800 | No | Textured | Urban | $2,800 – $4,400 |
| Medium Room | 600 | Yes | Smooth | Suburban | $3,600 – $5,200 |
| Large Apartment | 1,200 | No | Smooth | Urban | $4,800 – $7,200 |
| Renovation Project | 1,800 | Yes | Textured | Urban | $10,800 – $15,600 |
| Small Office | 300 | No | Smooth | Urban | $1,200 – $1,800 |
| Townhouse | 1,500 | Yes | Smooth | Suburban | $9,000 – $13,500 |
| Large Commercial | 5,000 | No | Textured | Urban | $20,000 – $30,000 |
| Historic Home | 2,000 | Yes | Smooth | Rural | $12,000 – $18,000 |
| Duplex | 1,100 | No | Textured | Suburban | $5,500 – $8,500 |
| Family Home | 2,200 | Yes | Smooth | Urban | $13,200 – $19,800 |
Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost Calculation Formula
Total Cost = (Area × Base Removal Rate) + (Asbestos Testing & Removal) + (Retexturing & Finishing Costs)- Area × Base Removal Rate: This is the foundation of the calculation. The base rate usually ranges from $1 to $3 per square foot for simple removal.
- Asbestos Testing & Removal: If asbestos is present or suspected, testing costs ($200-$800) and specialized removal fees (additional $2-$5 per sq ft) are added.
- Retexturing & Finishing Costs: Smoothing, retexturing, and painting can add $1-$3 per square foot.
For a 1,500 sq ft home with no asbestos, opting for a smooth finish:
- Base Removal: 1,500 sq ft × $2/sq ft = $3,000
- Retexturing & Painting: 1,500 sq ft × $2/sq ft = $3,000
- Total Estimated Cost: $6,000
How much does it cost to remove popcorn ceiling with asbestos?
- Asbestos Testing: $200-$800 per sample
- Specialized Removal: $3-$7 per square foot (vs. $1-$3 for non-asbestos)
- Proper Disposal: Additional fees for hazardous waste handling
For a 1,200 sq ft home with asbestos-containing popcorn ceilings:
- Asbestos Testing: $500
- Removal: 1,200 sq ft × $5/sq ft = $6,000
- Disposal Fees: $500
- Retexturing & Painting: 1,200 sq ft × $2/sq ft = $2,400
- Total Estimated Cost: $9,400
Popcorn ceiling removal cost per square foot
The cost per square foot for popcorn ceiling removal varies based on several factors:
- Basic Removal: $1-$3 per sq ft
- Asbestos Removal: $3-$7 per sq ft
- Retexturing: $1-$3 per sq ft
- Painting: $1-$2 per sq ft
Consider a 500 sq ft room with non-asbestos popcorn ceiling:
Removal: $2/sq ft × 500 = $1,000
Retexturing: $2/sq ft × 500 = $1,000
Painting: $1.50/sq ft × 500 = $750
Total: $5.50 per sq ft
Project Total: $2,750
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