Popcorn ceiling question

Hello Lou Ortz,

Thank you for your question! You asked for an opinion on the cost of a job. Here was your question: "How much would a handyman charge to remove or cover an 8` x 8` popcorn ceiling ? (Which is the best solution or way to go ) Thanks."

Removing popcorn from a ceiling is relatively easy to accomplish. The challenge is to do it right. If the popcorn contains asbestos then it must be removed and disposed of by a certified specialist. Have the popcorn tested. In the absence of asbestos, an 8x8 ceiling can be cleared of popcorn in about 3 hours including prep and cleanup. The amount of time necessary would depend on whether or not the room was cleared of furniture and on the condition of the popcorn. If the ceiling has been painted multiple times the popcorn will be more difficult to remove. The normal removal method is with a spray bottle to wet the popcorn and a scraper to remove it. I suggest holding a dish pan high to the ceiling with one hand while scraping the wetted popcorn into the pan with the other. This prevents the majority of the popcorn from floating and falling to the floor greatly reducing the amount of dust created.

Hope this is of some help,

Thanks for asking,