The cost to paint the interior of a house in Atlanta, GA depends on size, layout, type of surface, and more. Learn what factors can influence your total in this guide.
How Much Does Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost in Atlanta? [2026 Data]
Plaster repair costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
Get quotes from plaster repair specialists near you
No obligation · 100% free
Get quotes from plaster repair specialists near you
No obligation · 100% free
Cost Insights
Most popcorn ceiling removal pros in Atlanta charge $2 to $5 per square foot.
Atlanta labor rates fall in the mid-range nationally, which keeps pricing moderate compared to Northeast metros but higher than smaller Southern cities.
Many pre-1980 homes may require asbestos testing before removal.
High ceilings and open-concept layouts are common in metro Atlanta homes, which can drive up costs.
Humidity can affect drying time if skim coating and repainting are included after removal.
Popcorn ceiling removal costs in Atlanta average around $1,513, with most homeowners spending between $674 and $2,384. Popcorn ceilings were once used to mask ceiling imperfections, but many homeowners now remove them to modernize interiors. Final pricing depends on square footage, ceiling height, prep work, and whether or not asbestos is present.
Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost Factors
In Atlanta, GA, popcorn ceiling removal costs are primarily influenced by ceiling size, labor complexity, and debris disposal. Larger homes around the metro area often have more square footage and, therefore, a larger project scope.
Size
The overall size of your project plays a huge role in how much you’ll pay for popcorn ceiling removal. Local popcorn ceiling removal professionals charge $2 to $5 per square foot or $50 to $100 per hour. Removing a popcorn ceiling from a 500-square-foot area may cost between $500 and $2,500, depending on the complexity of your specific project.
| Size of Ceiling (Square Feet) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 500 | $1,000–$2,500 |
| 750 | $1,500–$3,750 |
| 1,000 | $2,000–$5,000 |
| 1,250 | $2,500–$6,250 |
| 1,500 | $3,000–$7,500 |
| 1,750 | $3,500–$8,750 |
| 2,000 | $4,000–$10,000 |
Materials
If you’re doing the job yourself, you’ll need protective gear, scrapers, spray bottles, a ladder, and sandpaper. If you’re hiring a ceiling removal professional, they’ll bring everything necessary to complete the job.
If you have your contractor resurface your ceiling, you’ll need to budget for the additional costs. These can include paint, texturing, ceiling tiles, and labor.
Disposal
| Popcorn Ceiling Disposal Method | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Dumpster rental | $425–$825 per week |
| Junk removal service | $150–$500 |
The final step in removing a popcorn ceiling is disposing of the debris. If your debris doesn’t contain hazardous substances and can be placed inside contractor bags, you can put it out with your regular trash. For large projects requiring a carting service, look into local dumpster rental costs. The average price is $330 per week, in Atlanta.
However, if your popcorn ceiling did contain asbestos, you’ll want to inform the dumpster rental company and ensure they comply with the local requirements. The specific permitting and licensing requirements vary, but they must adhere to the minimum regulations set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Popcorn Ceiling Pro Costs
Labor accounts for most popcorn ceiling removal costs in Atlanta. Contractors generally charge $2 to $5 per square foot or $50 to $100 per hour, depending on project complexity.
For a typical 800- to 1,000-square-foot project, total costs often fall near the city average of $1,510.
Professional removal typically includes:
Plastic containment and floor protection
Scraping and light sanding
Minor patch repair
Debris cleanup
Homes with high ceilings or multi-room open layouts may trend toward the higher end of pricing.
Asbestos Pro Costs
Atlanta homes built before 1980 may contain asbestos. Testing is the best way to see if popcorn ceilings contain asbestos before removal.
Asbestos removal in Atlanta costs around $2,200 on average, with most projects ranging from $1,150 to $3,600, depending on the size and location of the material.
For ceiling abatement specifically, asbestos removal in Atlanta costs $8 to $16 per square foot, depending on containment and disposal requirements.
If asbestos is confirmed, licensed abatement professionals must perform the work using regulated containment systems and approved disposal methods, which can push total costs above the standard range for non-asbestos popcorn ceiling removal.
Does Removing a Popcorn Ceiling Increase Home Value?
In Atlanta’s competitive housing market, removing popcorn ceilings can improve a home’s visual appeal and modernize interiors. Smooth ceilings are especially desirable in renovated properties and newer suburban builds. While removal alone does not guarantee a specific resale return, updated finishes can improve buyer perception and marketability.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Plaster repairs reviews from real Angi homeowners in Atlanta, GA
4.6★ avg. • 453 total reviews
- Brian A.
During our visit with the plumber we thought we would be able to repair a faulty shower faucet. He advised us that it would be more cost effective to replace it. So we were able to replace the shower head and even able to upgrade better model. We appreciate the plumbers recommendation and...
Rooter ProXpress LLC - Latoya G.
It was great! A few things were overlooked by third party contractors but Fundamental Roofing and Restoration came back out and took care of it. I would definitely recommend this company for your home repair needs.
Fundamental Roofing and Restoration LLC - Janet M.
2nd time using Chen abs Eric was excellent! He patiently talked through best options and costs for my repair. As well as timing. He was very helpful!
Chen Plumbing - Troy D.
Great service. Super quick. High quality. Friendly repair person.
Peachtree Cleaning - Tim W.
They performed a phenomenal repair job that greatly reduced the stresss from the leather damage. Very professional and the work was better than expected
- Brian M.
Great communication from Manuel on steps to repair leak underneath clay tile. Pics taken at each step of repair. Timely arrival each day and very professional, respectful of property and nice clean-up. We are very pleased, awaiting next hard rain to determine if repair works! 10-year warranty.
Mag Selva Roofing, Gutters, Siding, Decks Services - David C.
Always pleasant and professional. The tech quickly diagnosed the problem but did not have the parts needed to affect the repair. Immediately called the home office to explain the situation and rescheduled the final repair visit for the next day.
Jordan Air Inc - Dino P.
Fasayo, the manager, was extremely responsive and quickly arranged for an on site survey to create an estimate. My shower was in need of regrouting, particularly around the tub basin. Fasayo proposed a very fair repair estimate along with a detailed explanation and timeline. I conveniently...
The Grout Medic of Decatur - Wyleatha A.
Mr. Clark was retain to repair holes in the wall and ceiling. He was in and out very fast. I will retain this company again
- Michael H.
Wilson Repair did an amazing job with this project! From beginning to end, it was a great partnership and I was fully in the know about the progress of the project. This was a great price for the size of project, I would highly recommend Wilson Repair!
Artisan Masonry
The homeowners guide to plaster repairs
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Repairing a ceiling in Atlanta, GA varies greatly based on several factors. Learn more about creating an accurate ceiling repair cost estimate with our tips.
Find out the average leaf removal cost in Atlanta, GA. Learn what you can expect to pay for local yard clean-up services and get your lawn ready for winter.
Textured ceilings have long fallen out of fashion, but does removing a popcorn ceiling increase home value? The ROI depends on several factors.
Wondering who you should hire to remove an ugly popcorn ceiling? We’ve got you covered with the best pros for the job, and whether to DIY this project.
•Learn how to hire a popcorn ceiling removal contractor. Find qualified pros, questions to ask, and what to expect for a smooth, safe project.