“Popcorn,” “stomp,” or “knockdown” ceilings were once a quick fix for builders. Today, textured ceilings date a room, trap dust, and hide potential moisture issues. Removing ceiling texture has become one of the highest-ROI upgrades in residential construction—especially in competitive markets where fresh, modern finishes command higher resale prices.
From a construction standpoint, smooth ceilings offer more than aesthetics. They create a continuous air barrier for improved energy performance, prevent shadowing that can reveal framing irregularities, and make future lighting or HVAC upgrades far simpler. For health-conscious homeowners, eliminating texture also removes a major dust collector, improving indoor air quality.
CountBricks streamlines every phase of a ceiling texture removal project, from scope creation to final punch-list. Our AI-powered voice capture converts on-site conversations into detailed task lists, material counts, and live costings. Instead of juggling spreadsheets, our clients receive a real-time estimate—even before we pack up the ladder.
1. Site evaluation and voice-note capture with CountBricks mobile app
2. Instant AI estimate delivered to the homeowner’s inbox for approval
3. Dust and furniture protection using full-room containment methods
4. Moisture and asbestos testing (when applicable) for safe removal
5. Wet scrape or skim-coat system selected based on substrate condition
6. Precision sanding with dust extraction units for a glass-smooth surface
7. Primer-sealer to lock down residual fibers and equalize porosity
8. Final paint application in the homeowner’s chosen sheen and color
9. Digital punch-list walkthrough and instant invoice via CountBricks.com
Surface Prep: A textured ceiling can absorb nearly two gallons of water per 100 sq ft during wet scraping. CountBricks calculates the exact moisture load to prevent drywall sag.
Containment: Poly sheeting, zip poles, and negative air machines are factored into our AI estimates, protecting adjacent rooms and HVAC returns.
Finishing Compounds: Our system recommends lightweight setting-type joint compounds that achieve a 45-minute working time—ideal for occupied residences.
Labor Rates: Because removal is messy and labor-intensive, many contractors misprice the task. CountBricks references regional prevailing wages so you remain competitive yet profitable.
Average projects in our database show:
• 8-foot ceilings under 500 sq ft: $2.50–$3.50 per sq ft, including paint
• Vaulted ceilings or heights over 12 ft: add 30-40 % for staging and fall protection
• Asbestos abatement (pre-1980 homes): $3–$7 per sq ft additional, depending on jurisdiction
Because CountBricks ties every line-item to live supplier pricing, your estimate auto-updates if material costs shift, protecting your margins and your client’s budget alike.
Manual tape measurements often miss soffits, trey ceilings, or closets. Our AI blueprint takeoff scans PDFs or smartphone photos to calculate total surface area within seconds, ensuring neither you nor the client are surprised later.
Homes built before 1980 may conceal asbestos in the texture compound. CountBricks prompts an automatic asbestos testing line-item for qualifying properties. If results are positive, the software inserts containment, disposal, and licensed abatement labor at regionally compliant rates.
Ceilings demand Level 5 finishing to avoid flashing under raking light. CountBricks’ spec library defaults to Level 5 for all ceiling resurfacing, including additional skim coats and sanding passes.
Our platform doesn’t stop at numbers. Once the proposal is accepted, CountBricks auto-generates a Gantt chart, slotting in lead times for testing labs, compound drying, and paint cure. Homeowners never have to wonder when ceilings will be usable again, and crews can stack projects confidently.
• Reduced allergens once dust-catching texture is gone
• Lower VOC exposure thanks to CountBricks’ preferred zero-VOC primers and paints
• Improved lighting efficiency as smooth surfaces reflect up to 20 % more lumens
Our post-project surveys show that removing ceiling texture can add 1–3 % to a home’s appraised value in markets where modern finishes are expected. On a $750,000 property, that’s $7,500–$22,500—a substantial return on a project that averages $3,000–$6,000.
• AI voice capture eliminates paperwork and double data entry
• Real-time cost engine keeps margins intact when suppliers change pricing
• Branded PDF proposals and e-sign make closing jobs faster
• Automatic change-order tracking prevents unpaid extras
• Field-to-office sync lets the team upload photos, mark tasks complete, and trigger the final invoice—all from their phone
Ready to win more smooth-ceiling projects with less admin? Explore our full feature set at CountBricks.com/services or schedule a live demo with a residential construction specialist at CountBricks.com/consultation.
A recent CountBricks project involved a 2,200 sq ft 1974 ranch home three blocks from the ocean. Salt-laden air and past roof leaks had left yellow stains across the old popcorn texture.
• Voice-note assessment captured 14 minutes of conversation; the AI produced a 42-line estimate in under 60 seconds
• Asbestos test flagged 2 % chrysotile. CountBricks inserted certified abatement labor, HEPA negative air machines, and compliant disposal fees automatically
• Skim-coat finish upgraded the ceiling to Level 5, followed by a zero-VOC ceramic matte paint that withstands coastal humidity
• Total duration: 7 calendar days from mobilization to final clean, two days faster than the regional average
• Final invoice matched the approved estimate within 1.2 %, thanks to locked-in material pricing
1. Early containment saves hours in cleanup. Our software now defaults to full-room poly regardless of square footage when ceilings are over 40 years old.
2. Humidity sensors installed during drywall cure reduced nail-pop callbacks to zero.
• Offer recessed LED upgrades at the estimate stage—smooth ceilings make new lighting pop and increase ticket size by 15 % on average.
• Schedule paint cure inspections 24 hours after final coat; AI reminders cut warranty calls dramatically.
• Use CountBricks blueprint takeoffs to verify rafter spacing before installing heavier finish fixtures like ceiling fans.
Whether you’re a GC, drywall specialist, or design-build firm, CountBricks arms you with the data, documents, and dashboards to dominate the ceiling texture removal niche. Join the contractors already winning bigger, cleaner, and more profitable residential projects. Start your free trial or book a personalized walk-through at CountBricks.com/consultation today.
