[olliedog1950]

We just purchased a Corpus Christie about 1,240 square feet. I researched and watched all the videos on how to remove the popcorn and replace with a modern knock down ceiling. Wet (or dry) removal, spray texture, paint, a lot of work. Got a bid of $2,500, ouch! I love solving problems and innovation and decided to do it yourself.
I took a 10 inch stiff broom and used the fiberglass bottom to scrape away the larger parts of the popcorn, usually 3 to four sweeps back and forth, did a 12 by 11 room in 15 minutes. Then same technique using a drywall 80 grit sanding block on a pole, another 10 minutes. Then paint!
Ceiling looks brand new. Total time for the entire home will be about 5 hours removal of popcorn plus 3 hours painting, 8 hours. Cost of paint, roller, drop cloth plastic, roller covers, pole sander, about $110.
We were lucky as the home is not furnished, lots of fine plaster dust. Ceilings had not been painted previously and that may have made the job easier. But saved $2,380 for my 8 hours of work. This might work for you.

[Craig Vernon]

Good Post. I love do it yourself solutions especially that save a couple grand. Thanks

[jacksonbrown]

Originally Posted by olliedog1950

But saved $2,380 for my 8 hours of work. This might work for you.

Having done the same job, I commend you on your efforts. It's not rocket science, just messy. Might I suggest to others, wear one of these

[bluedivergirl]

Good job.

Change your furnace filter when you think the dust is under control. Plaster dust does a number on filters. Vacuum, too, if it has a bag.

Been there, done that!

[Stu from NYC]

Brilliant solution

save money and have a feeling of accomplishment too

[John_W]

That topic has been mentioned before, I seem to remember a $1 a square foot for removal was the going rate. Here's some older threads that might be helpful.

Popcorn Ceiling Removal

Popcorn Ceiling Removal Recommendation

Popcorn ceiling removal recommendations please

popcorn ceiling removal

[coffeebean]

To the OP......you didn't mention that you had the textured "knock down" finish put on the ceilings. Did you decide not to do that?

[stadry]

probably had NOT been painted,,, paint makes that job a tremendous pita,,, we like doing this work dry using scrapers fitting our hepa vac's hose,,, much cleaner & faster,,, drywall stilts make it even faster work

[crash]

Originally Posted by John_W

That topic has been mentioned before, I seem to remember a $1 a square foot for removal was the going rate. Here's some older threads that might be helpful.

Popcorn Ceiling Removal



Popcorn Ceiling Removal Recommendation

Popcorn ceiling removal recommendations please

popcorn ceiling removal

The going rate is now $2 a sq ft her quote was not bad. Would love to see a picture.

[Byte1]

I had an old home with popcorn ceiling and decided to remove it. All I did was spray/spritz warm water on it and then used a large drywall plaster blade (forgot what it's called) to simply scrape the wet coating off. It came off REAL EASY, leaving the drywall smooth and ready to be refinished. I had a lot less dust and it was much easier to clean up.

[elevatorman]

If your home was built before 1982 have the ceiling tested for asbestos before removing. Prior to '79 use of asbestos was a common practice for durability & fire protection. It was banned in '79 but contractors were allowed to use their existing stockpile asbestos. If left in place it is not a problem but when removed it can become airborne. Disposal of asbestos requires a licensed contractor and can be expensive

[DecaturFargo]

Great job!

[John_W]

On several of those older posts, Rick Bassil was highly recommended, but he has since retired. Much of his business has been taken over by Chris at Performance Drywall who is an advertiser on this site.


Performance Drywall of Central Florida

[Scorpyo]

Originally Posted by olliedog1950

We just purchased a Corpus Christie about 1,240 square feet. I researched and watched all the videos on how to remove the popcorn and replace with a modern knock down ceiling. Wet (or dry) removal, spray texture, paint, a lot of work. Got a bid of $2,500, ouch! I love solving problems and innovation and decided to do it yourself.
I took a 10 inch stiff broom and used the fiberglass bottom to scrape away the larger parts of the popcorn, usually 3 to four sweeps back and forth, did a 12 by 11 room in 15 minutes. Then same technique using a drywall 80 grit sanding block on a pole, another 10 minutes. Then paint!
Ceiling looks brand new. Total time for the entire home will be about 5 hours removal of popcorn plus 3 hours painting, 8 hours. Cost of paint, roller, drop cloth plastic, roller covers, pole sander, about $110.
We were lucky as the home is not furnished, lots of fine plaster dust. Ceilings had not been painted previously and that may have made the job easier. But saved $2,380 for my 8 hours of work. This might work for you.

Excellent DIY. I applaud your tenacity. I did something similar to a house I bought in California. They wanted a ton of money because the popcorn ceiling may have contained asbestos. They would have used hazmat suits, etc. I put on a mask (they were readily available at the time) and goggles and took it down in about 2 hours. I had the debris looked at - no asbestos. But they were going to charge thousands of dollars (in 1998) just in case.