Five steps, from a free written quote to a HEPA-vacuumed room and final walkthrough. Here is what happens, how long it takes and how to prepare.
Our popcorn ceiling removal process follows the same five steps on every job, from a single bedroom to a whole house. Palm Beach Popcorn Removal works only on ceilings, in houses, condos and townhomes across Palm Beach County. Knowing each step helps you plan your schedule and prepare your home.
We visit, measure your ceilings and note height, condition and whether the popcorn has been painted. You get a free written quote, and we reply within one business day of your request. Start by requesting your free quote.
If your home is old enough, we take a small sample of the texture. It goes to an NVLAP-accredited lab, with results in about 3–5 business days. The test costs $250 and is credited toward the job if you hire us. If the result is positive, we stop and refer you to a Florida-licensed asbestos abatement contractor. We do not remove asbestos. Details are on our asbestos testing page.
Before any scraping, we prepare the room. Floors are covered, walls are taped and plastic containment goes up. HVAC vents are sealed so dust does not travel through your ductwork.
This step takes time, and it is what keeps the rest of your home clean.
We lightly mist the popcorn texture with water. Damp texture softens and comes off with less dust. We then scrape it from the ceiling and let it fall onto the protected floor.
Painted-over popcorn resists water and takes more work. Our guide on removing painted popcorn ceilings explains why.
Scraping reveals seams, tape lines, nail pops and dings. We repair those first. Then we apply a skim coat across the ceiling and sand it flat.
For a smooth Level 5 ceiling, the skim covers the entire surface. If you prefer knockdown texture, we spray and knock down the new pattern at this stage.
We prime the new surface and paint it if you choose. See ceiling painting for sheen and color options. Then we remove the containment and HEPA-vacuum the room.
Last, we do a final walkthrough with you. We look at the ceiling together under the room's lighting before we leave.
A typical bedroom takes 1–2 days. A home of about 1,500 sq ft usually takes 3–5 working days. Drying time between skim coats, primer and paint is built into the schedule.
| Project | Typical working days |
|---|---|
| One bedroom | 1–2 |
| Two or three bedrooms | 2–3 |
| Condo or home around 1,500 sq ft | 3–5 |
| Larger home or vaulted ceilings | Quoted per job |
Painted-over popcorn, high ceilings and condo work-hour limits can add time. Your written quote includes a schedule for your home. For more detail, read how long popcorn ceiling removal takes.
No. You can stay home during the project. You just cannot use the rooms being worked on that day.
We work room by room or in sections, so the rest of the house stays usable. If we are working in your only bathroom or kitchen, we plan the schedule with you in advance.
A little prep on your side keeps the job on schedule:
Dust control starts before the first scrape. Plastic containment walls off the work area, and sealed vents keep dust out of your HVAC system. Covered floors and taped walls catch what falls.
Misting the texture keeps most of it damp, so it falls in clumps instead of floating. Sanding the skim coat does create fine dust, which stays inside containment. At the end, we HEPA-vacuum the room before taking the plastic down.
We stop the project at that point. We do not remove asbestos. We refer you to a Florida-licensed asbestos abatement contractor who can handle removal. Per the EPA, undisturbed material in good condition is generally not a hazard, and the risk comes when it is scraped or sanded. That is why we test first.
You do not have to be home, but you can be. Many homeowners stay in the house and avoid the rooms being worked on that day. We need access each morning and a way to reach you with questions. Your final walkthrough should be done together so you can review the finished ceiling.
Yes. Floors are covered and walls are taped before any scraping begins. We ask you to remove smaller items and move larger furniture to the center of the room for covering. Plastic containment and sealed vents keep dust in the work area, and we HEPA-vacuum before we leave.
In Palm Beach County, scrape, skim and paint typically runs $3.75–$5.50 per square foot. A 12×12 bedroom usually costs about $550–$800, and a 1,500 sq ft home about $5,625–$8,250. Our popcorn ceiling removal cost guide covers every option and add-on.
Send a few photos and the rough square footage. We'll come back with a written, itemized price within one business day.
Call (561) 000-0000