Buying a Home With Popcorn Ceilings: What to Know

Many Central Florida homes built from the 1970s into the 1990s still have popcorn ceilings. If you've found a home you love and the ceilings are covered in it, popcorn alone isn't a reason to walk away. Here's what to check and what to plan for.

Is a popcorn ceiling a dealbreaker?

Usually not. Popcorn is a cosmetic issue that can be fixed: the texture is scraped off, the ceiling is refinished smooth or with a light modern texture, and it's painted. For many buyers, a home with popcorn ceilings in a great location is a chance to buy below the price of an updated home and refinish the ceilings to their own taste.

Test for asbestos before you buy

Popcorn texture applied before the mid-1980s can contain asbestos. A lab test of a small sample is quick and inexpensive, and you can arrange it during your inspection period. The result tells you whether removal will be a standard job or one that needs asbestos-safe handling, which affects cost. See testing popcorn ceilings for asbestos.

Look for signs of water damage

Popcorn hides a lot, but not water stains. Brown rings, sagging or crumbling spots point to a past or current leak from the roof, AC or plumbing. Ask about them, and have the inspector check the source. See repairing drywall stains and water damage.

Check whether the popcorn has been painted

Painted popcorn takes longer to remove and costs more. A slight sheen or a color other than plain white is a clue. See removing painted popcorn.

Budget for removal

Get a quote for popcorn removal before you close, so you know the cost going in. The price depends on square footage, ceiling height, whether the popcorn is painted and the finish you choose. If you can, have the ceilings done before you move in: it's much easier in an empty house.

Popcorn ceiling myths

• "Popcorn ceilings are dangerous." Only if the texture contains asbestos and is disturbed. Testing tells you.
• "You can't get rid of it." You can. Popcorn removal is a routine job.
• "Removal is a huge mess." It is messy, but a professional crew covers and contains the work area and cleans up.

Popcorn removal in Orlando

New Ceilings removes popcorn ceilings across Orlando and Central Florida, including in homes that are about to be moved into. Every job starts with a free written quote, most sent the same day, and the number we quote is the number you pay. See popcorn ceiling removal and how the process works.