Popcorn Ceiling Removal - probable asbestos

We are are getting close to signing a contract on a 1965 townhouse in Kensington. About 2/3 of the 2nd floor has a sparkly popcorn ceiling that we’d like to get rid of. The ceilings are pretty low as it is (only about 7’8″), so covering it up with more material is not a desired solution. We’d really like to get it out of there. But, I realize that there is a good chance it contains asbestos, and so removal will not be so simple. I cannot get in there currently to remove a piece and have it tested. In the meantime, since we are still in contract negotiation, I’d like to get a ballpark figure of how much it would cost to remove it **if** it does turn out to have asbestos. Has anyone else had this done and can share the approximate cost per square foot and recommend an abatement company? It’s probably a 700 square foot area that has the popcorn ceiling.

elanag1

in Brownstoner Renovation 11 years and 5 months ago

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elanag1 | 11 years ago

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Asbestos test was negative! Turns out the popcorn ceiling was added within the past decade, and doesn’t contain asbestos. 🙂

elanag1 | 11 years and 5 months ago

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After speaking with our inspector, and doing some more research, we have decided that it is both safer and cheaper to cover it with 1/4″ drywall, and the ceiling height we will lose will be negligible. The removal is far too costly, and also more dangerous than leaving it alone.

Lurker | 11 years and 5 months ago

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Just lost a long reply–but short answer is, I’d bet it IS, as you could use asbestos in popcorn till the mid-80s. Getting rid of it on your own would be a bad idea. You would have to tear down the ceiling creating major dust (especially if it’s plaster not sheetrock) that will spread fibers throughout your home. Plus you’ll need to dispose of it, which you’ll need a garbage skip etc. It’s a big deal. Getting it done by pro, I had a quote of $10 per sq foot for floor tiles which are non-friable and don’t need air quality monitoring etc–that costs $4-500 a day plus the cost of multiple air tests. I bet you’d be in for about $10k. I would tell owners you need a test or no dice, and get them to put cash in escrow if they won’t do the work themselves.

elanag1 | 11 years and 5 months ago

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Thanks resident2\. We would be elated if turns out not to be asbestos. But, since it was built in 1965, isn’t the probability that it does contain asbestos?

resident2 | 11 years and 5 months ago

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There is a more than 50% chance it is not asbestos. But if it is, the best way is to seal the whole room, take the whole ceiling down. Down to the studs, joists, structure that is holding up the ceiling. Then put up a whole new ceiling. At most $5,000 for a plain sheet rock ceiling.