Popcorn ceiling removal, priced by room
Tell us which rooms, hallways and closets need work. We estimate by space, not by square footage, then show removal, finish and painting as separate choices.
Standard popcorn removal starts at $160 per room. We confirm the written estimate after reviewing the spaces, ceiling conditions and options below.
One room at a time
A bedroom, kitchen, dining room, living room, family room, foyer, stairwell or landing, loft, laundry room, bathroom, or garage counts as a room for the estimate. Single-car and multi-car garages are identified separately so we can review the actual work. Hallways and closets are counted separately from rooms and use their own prices where listed below.
Tell us the spaces
List each room, hallway and closet. Photos help us confirm the room count and condition.
Tell us what is in them
Let us know which rooms are furnished, whether the texture is painted and how high the ceilings are.
Choose the finish
After removal, choose smooth or knockdown. Sanding, priming and painting are priced separately.
What happens from quote to finish
Review and written scope
We review your room list, photos, ceiling material, height, furnishings and whether the texture has been painted. We confirm the work and charges before scheduling.
Protect and remove
We prepare the work area, protect floors and belongings, then remove the popcorn texture using a method suited to the ceiling condition. Painted texture may require extra labor.
Finish and clean up
We prepare the exposed ceiling for the selected smooth finish or knockdown texture. If selected, we sand, prime and paint. We clean the work area when the job is complete.
How your estimate is built
| Item | Price | How it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Standard popcorn texture removal | From $160 per room | Removal only, under standard conditions. Hallway and closet removal is quoted separately. |
| Furnished room protection and moving | +$100 per furnished room | Covers added labor to move and protect furnishings. |
| Painted popcorn texture | +$150 per room; +$65 per hallway or closet | Added removal labor when popcorn texture has been painted. |
| High or hard-to-reach ceiling | +$395 per project per 11-foot height band above 11 feet | One charge covers ceiling heights above 11 feet through 22 feet across the project. Add another $395 for each additional 11-foot height band. We confirm the height and access in the written estimate. |
| Smooth finish after removal | +$300 drywall room; +$395 concrete room; +$85 hallway or closet | Choose a smooth ceiling finish. |
| Knockdown texture after removal | +$225 drywall room; +$275 concrete room; +$85 hallway or closet | Alternative to smooth finish. |
| Sand, prime and paint ceiling | +$210 per room; +$65 per hallway or closet | Optional finishing after the ceiling has been prepared. |
These are itemized service prices, not an automatic total. Removal, painted-texture labor, furnishings, high access, finishing and painting are separate line items when applicable. The final scope and price are confirmed in writing after we review your spaces. Repairs to underlying damage, hazardous-material assessment and specialized handling are outside this standard schedule.
Older or uncertain ceiling material
A ceiling's appearance cannot tell us whether its texture contains asbestos. If a material may be disturbed and its composition is uncertain, a qualified professional should arrange appropriate testing first. If testing identifies a hazardous material, standard removal and the prices above do not apply until the work can be reassessed. Homes with older painted surfaces may also need additional evaluation before disturbance. Read the EPA's guidance on testing suspect material.
Please mention the home's age, prior water damage or repairs, and any existing test results when requesting a quote. Do not scrape or sample suspect material yourself.
Popcorn removal FAQs
Do you charge by square footage?
No. Cleo prepares the estimate by room, with hallways and closets counted separately. We still review the actual site conditions and provide a written scope.
Is $160 the complete price for a finished, painted ceiling?
No. The listed $160 starting price is for standard popcorn removal in one room. Smooth or knockdown finishing, ceiling painting, furnished-room labor, painted texture and high access are separate charges when applicable.
What if my popcorn ceiling has been painted?
Painted texture can be harder to remove. The added removal charge is $150 per room or $65 per hallway or closet.
Can you work around furniture?
Yes, if the work area can be prepared safely. We charge $100 for each furnished room to cover the extra labor to move and protect furnishings.
What should I send for a quote?
Send your room, hallway and closet count; city and ZIP code; photos; approximate ceiling height; whether the texture is painted; which spaces are furnished; and your preferred smooth or knockdown finish and painting choice.
Ready to update your ceilings?
Tell us about your spaces and share photos. We’ll review the details and explain the next step before giving you a written estimate.