How much does it cost to remove asbestos textured ceiling?

Author: Ivory Kohler  |  Last update: Friday, January 16, 2026

Cost of Asbestos Removal: Average Ranges Nationally, the cost to remove asbestos can range significantly based on the factors we've discussed. On average, property owners might expect to pay between $1,000 and $4,000, with the cost per square foot ranging from $5 to $20 for interior asbestos.

Is it expensive to remove an asbestos ceiling?

For a more specific idea, here are some average costs you might expect for residential properties in California: Small Projects (e.g., a single room): $1,500 - $3,000. Medium Projects (e.g., multiple rooms): $5,000 - $15,000.

Is it expensive to remove a textured ceiling?

Removing popcorn ceiling costs $2 to $6 per square foot or $2,000 to $9,000 on average with refinishing. Scraping the popcorn texture costs $1 to $2 per square foot, while retexturing and painting the ceiling cost $1 to $2 per square foot each. Most contractor quotes include texture, paint, or both.

How long does it take to remove an asbestos ceiling?

Medium Projects (e.g., several rooms): Around 4-7 days, considering more extensive preparation, removal, and decontamination. Large Projects (e.g., whole house or complex): 1-2 weeks or more, depending on the scale and complexity of the work.

Is it worth removing an asbestos popcorn ceiling?

In the majority of homes, yes. Popcorn ceilings are easy to notice, and make homes look and feel dated. Removing them is a quick fix, but it's recommended to leave the work to a pro to ensure there's no asbestos contamination in the home.

How much does popcorn ceiling removal cost?

Is it safe to live with asbestos ceiling?

If untouched, these ceilings are generally safe. But over time, the material may begin to deteriorate. If this happens or it becomes disturbed, it could cause airborne asbestos to drop into living spaces. Use of asbestos in textured ceiling materials was at its peak from around 1945 through 1980.

How long does asbestos stay in the air?

One of the most worrying issues with asbestos is that in the event that it does get disturbed, it can be easily released into the air, and remain there for some time. It is thought that disturbed asbestos can stay airborne for as long as 48 to 72 hours before settling.

Can you sell a house with asbestos ceiling?

Asbestos does not always need to be removed before a sale. If the material is in good condition and poses no immediate risk (e.g., it is contained and undisturbed), sellers can disclose its presence without taking further action.

How much does it cost to remove a ceiling?

Removing a ceiling costs $2.38 per sq. ft., depending on the type of ceiling. This cost comes to about $375 - $896 for a 500-square-foot ceiling. Drywall ceilings may cost $2.38 per sq.

How to deal with asbestos ceilings?

Safely Removing Asbestos Popcorn Ceilings
  1. Remove pets and people from the area.
  2. Shut off all vents and close all doors to the affected area.
  3. Wear personal protective equipment.
  4. Wet the area to keep fibers out of the air.

Is it cheaper to remove popcorn ceiling or replace drywall?

It is often less expensive to cover a popcorn ceiling instead of removing it. Installing drywall costs $1.50 to $3 per square foot, whereas popcorn ceiling removal averages $7 per square foot.

How to tell if a popcorn ceiling has asbestos?

The only way to be sure if a popcorn ceiling has asbestos is to have it tested by a certified professional, who can recommend next steps to keep you and your family safe.

Does homeowners insurance cover asbestos removal?

Asbestos removal is not typically covered by home insurance. There may be coverage in some insurance policies for remediation, for instance up to a certain dollar limit such as $10,000, for remediation due to a covered loss.

How much does it cost to remove asbestos Artex from ceiling?

Small Areas (e.g., a single room ceiling or wall): For smaller spaces, such as a single room, costs typically range from £300 to £700. Medium Areas (e.g., multiple rooms or a large ceiling): For larger areas, such as multiple rooms or a larger ceiling, costs might range from £700 to £1,500.

How long does asbestos removal take?

With professional and experienced asbestos removal technicians, you may be able to return to your home or property in as little as 48 hours. Depending on the size of the contaminated area, you may not have to vacate the premise at all.

How much does it cost to remove a textured ceiling?

According to painting experts, popcorn ceiling removal costs range from $1,923 to $3,876 with an average price of $2,899 to hire a professional. The average sqft cost to remove popcorn ceilings ranges from $5 to $9 per square foot. This includes all labor, preparation work, and materials to do the job right.

What year did they stop using asbestos in popcorn ceilings?

The house was built in 1984 and from my research, the US banned the use of asbestos in ceiling finishes in 1977, but builders were allowed to use whatever leftover material they had on hand.

How much does it cost to tear down a 2000 square foot house?

The cost to demolish a house is $15,800 for an average 2,000-square-foot home, although prices can range from $4,800 to $50,000 depending on the size of the house, whether you're in a more rural or urban location, the materials you're tearing out, machinery costs, and more.

Is it safe to live in a house with asbestos ceilings?

If you think there may be asbestos in your home, don't panic. Asbestos-containing materials that aren't damaged or disturbed are not likely to pose a health risk. Usually the best thing is to leave asbestos-containing material alone if it is in good condition.

Does removing asbestos increase home value?

Selling a home with asbestos will be a challenge. When selling your home, you are legally required to disclose asbestos. You can increase your home's value by removing asbestos.

Can you still sue for asbestos?

You can sue for asbestos exposure if diagnosed with a related illness. Exposure alone is not enough to file a lawsuit—you must have suffered injury and damages due to the exposure. Statutes of limitations require filing an asbestos lawsuit within 1-4 years of diagnosis in most cases.

What happens if you breathe in asbestos one time?

One-time exposure to asbestos can cause diseases, including mesothelioma cancer. Researchers have found repeated exposure to asbestos increases the risk of developing asbestos-related cancers. The risk to individuals who have a one-time exposure to asbestos is generally lower compared to long-term or repeated exposure.

How to tell if a house has asbestos?

5 Signs of Asbestos You Need to Know
  1. Older Homes. Most homes built prior to 1980s contain materials with a high asbestos content. ...
  2. Vinyl Flooring or Sheeting. Vinyl flooring tiles with millboard or paper were often made of asbestos. ...
  3. Corrugated Roofing. ...
  4. Cement Sheets. ...
  5. Cement Water Tanks.

How much does asbestos testing cost?

The low-end estimate is $225 just for an inspection, such as buying/selling a home, and the upper end is closer to $1500 for renovation/demolition projects. The initial survey includes a multifaceted approach to testing for asbestos.

Previous article
Does the smell of urine go away naturally?
Next article
How do you get deep stains out of porcelain?