Whether you are tired of outdated popcorn texture, need access for new HVAC runs, or want a fresh modern finish, one question always leads the conversation: how much does it cost to remove ceiling? At CountBricks, we answer that question thousands of times a month through our AI voice-driven estimating platform. Below, we break down exact cost drivers, reveal current Houston-area price ranges from the CountBricks materials database, and show you how to budget with confidence.
• Labor for demolition and debris handling
• Surface type—popcorn, drywall, plaster, acoustic tile, or specialty wood
• Square footage and ceiling height
• Containment for dust or asbestos mitigation
• Disposal fees (landfill or recycling)
• Finishing: new drywall, skim coat, texture, primer, and paint
CountBricks job data from Q2 2025 shows that removing a standard 8-foot popcorn ceiling in a single-story home averages $1.75–$3.25 per square foot for removal only. When you include finishing to a smooth paint-ready surface, the all-in price generally lands between $3.50–$6.50 per square foot.
1. 1,000 sq ft starter home: $3,500 – $6,500 total
2. 2,200 sq ft suburban two-story: $7,700 – $14,300 total
3. 3,500 sq ft custom build with 10-ft ceilings: $13,800 – $22,750 total
Prices automatically adjust inside CountBricks estimates as market rates for gypsum board, joint compound, and labor shift. Homeowners see real-time pricing the moment they finish a voice call with our estimator.
• Ceilings higher than 9 ft require scaffolding and extra labor hours
• Asbestos testing and abatement can add $2 – $4 per square foot
• Existing crown molding or recessed lighting increases prep time
• Complex vaults or tray ceilings create additional surface area
• Accelerated schedules may incur overtime charges
Removing a small bedroom ceiling might feel like a weekend project, but seasoned pros use HEPA vacuums, negative air machines, and crew coordination to keep the home livable. For homeowners, tool rentals and disposal bags often erase the perceived savings.
• DIY materials and tool rental: $0.75 – $1.50 per square foot
• Hidden cost of personal time and potential rework: incalculable
Hiring a CountBricks-vetted crew ensures code compliance, clean containment, and a 12-month workmanship warranty—value that rarely appears on a DIY spreadsheet.
1. Speak to our AI estimator—describe room sizes, ceiling texture, and desired finish.
2. Receive an itemized quote in under five minutes, complete with live material costs.
3. Approve electronically; CountBricks books a certified partner crew.
4. Crew arrives, sets up containment, removes ceiling surface, and hauls debris.
5. New drywall or skim coat applied, primed, and finished to your chosen sheen.
6. Final walk-through documented on the CountBricks app before payment.
Occasionally we uncover electrical junction boxes, abandoned ductwork, or minor water damage. The CountBricks AI flags these possibilities in advance based on home age and local building patterns. If extra work is required, you get a change order through the app, not a scribbled note on a clipboard. Typical add-ons include:
• Minor framing repairs: $200 – $450 per location
• Electrical reroutes: $150 – $300 each
• Insulation top-up: $1.10 – $1.60 per square foot
A 1,500 sq ft ceiling removal with new smooth finish usually spans three to five working days. CountBricks offers milestone billing and optional 0% financing on approved credit, so you can phase payments alongside other renovation tasks.
• Bundle ceiling removal with lighting upgrades; electricians access open joists for less
• Schedule during the off-peak season (January–February) for lower labor premiums
• Keep finish level consistent—skip exotic textures that drive material waste
• Use CountBricks blueprint takeoffs to verify exact square footage before signing
If you are wondering exactly how much does it cost to remove ceiling in your own home, start a voice session on CountBricks.com/services. Our AI will have a precise answer before your coffee cools.
When the Martinez family purchased a 1990s Houston ranch, every room sported heavy popcorn texture. They opened the CountBricks app, asked, “How much does it cost to remove ceiling in 1,800 square feet?” and received an AI quote—$8,460 all-in, including smooth finish and paint.
• Day 1: Crew sealed walkways, established negative air pressure, and scraped ceilings in living areas.
• Day 2: Popcorn removal continued in bedrooms while debris was hauled offsite for eco-friendly disposal.
• Day 3: New ½-inch drywall installed over rough patches, joints taped, and first skim coat applied.
• Day 4: Second skim coat, sanding, and primer spray. Martinez family used CountBricks in-app messaging to confirm paint sheen.
• Day 5: Final coat of zero-VOC paint and spotless clean-up. Independent QC inspector—booked through CountBricks—signed off the job.
Thanks to real-time material feeds, the final invoice landed within 1.8 % of the original AI estimate, despite a mid-week gypsum board price bump. Change orders? Zero.
Mrs. Martinez remarked, “The estimate arrived faster than a weather alert, and the finish looks like new construction.” The project added an appraised $14,000 in resale value, nearly doubling the investment.
Voice-chat with our estimator today or drop your plans at CountBricks.com/consultation. We will show you exactly how much does it cost to remove ceiling in your space—and how quickly you can start enjoying a brighter, dust-free home.
