Popcorn Ceiling Removal in Longview, TX

Why Homeowners Remove Popcorn Ceilings

• ›Dated appearance — popcorn ceilings are one of the most common items flagged by buyers and real estate agents in the Longview resale market.
• ›Allergens and dust — the textured surface traps decades of dust, pollen, pet dander, and (in older homes) cigarette tar.
• ›Lower resale value — Longview-area realtors typically estimate that smooth ceilings add $5,000 to $15,000 to the perceived value of a 1,500 to 2,500 sqft home, especially in the Pine Tree, Spring Hill, and Judson school districts.
• ›Better lighting — smooth ceilings reflect light evenly. Popcorn texture absorbs and scatters light, making rooms feel darker.

Asbestos — What Every Pre-1978 Longview Homeowner Must Know

Popcorn ceiling texture applied before 1978 commonly contained chrysotile asbestos, used to bind the aggregate. Disturbing asbestos-containing material releases fibers that cause mesothelioma and lung cancer. Texas law requires asbestos testing before removal of any suspect material in homes built before 1981, and any removal of more than 160 square feet of confirmed asbestos-containing material must be performed by a licensed asbestos abatement contractor. We do not guess. For any home built before 1981 we coordinate with a Texas-licensed asbestos testing laboratory ($75 to $150 per sample, results in 2 to 5 business days). If the test is clean, we proceed with standard removal. If the test is positive, we refer you to a licensed abatement partner — we will not remove confirmed asbestos material ourselves, and any drywall company that offers to is breaking state law.

Our Popcorn Ceiling Removal Process

• ›1. Asbestos testing (if pre-1981 home) — we cut a small sample, ship it overnight, and wait for the certified lab result before any removal work begins.
• ›2. Containment — full 6-mil poly sheeting on floors, walls, and any item in the room. Doorways sealed with poly and tape. HVAC supplies and returns sealed.
• ›3. Light fixture and ceiling fan removal — disconnected and removed before scraping.
• ›4. Dampen — popcorn comes off in sheets when wetted. We mist the ceiling with water from a pump sprayer and let it absorb for 10 to 15 minutes.
• ›5. Scrape — wide drywall knife held at a low angle to lift the wet texture without gouging the drywall paper underneath. The wet popcorn drops onto the poly sheeting below.
• ›6. Skim coat — every scraped ceiling has gouges, joint shows, and old patches that need to be filled. We apply two to three coats of joint compound and sand to a Level 5 smooth finish.
• ›7. Prime — drywall primer-sealer across the entire ceiling. Skipping this step causes paint to flash where mud meets old surface.
• ›8. Paint — ceiling white or homeowner's color choice, two coats with a roller.

Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost Guide

• ›Standard scrape and Level 5 finish: $2.00 to $4.00 per square foot
• ›1,500 sqft home (all ceilings): $2,400 to $5,000 typical
• ›Single room (200 sqft): $400 to $800
• ›Asbestos testing add-on: $75 to $150 per sample (1 sample sufficient for most single-batch ceilings)
• ›Confirmed asbestos abatement: $5 to $15 per square foot via licensed partner (not us)
• ›Add for ceiling fan / light fixture removal and reinstall: $50 to $100 per fixture
• ›Add for popcorn over textured drywall (rare but happens): $0.50 to $1.00 per square foot

What to Expect During the Project

A typical 1,500 sqft single-story home takes 4 to 6 working days from setup to finished paint. The house is largely usable during the work — we contain one room at a time when possible. Plan to be out of the affected rooms during scrape and sanding days due to dust. We HEPA-vacuum and damp-wipe at the end of every day, and we haul all waste off-site. Homeowners are always surprised by how much brighter the home feels with smooth ceilings — that alone is worth the project for many families.