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.
How Much Does Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost in Atlanta? [2026 Data]
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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. • 458 total reviews
- Henry W.
They came they went a repair my patio
Rio Bravo Construction - Chris B.
The pro was excellent, very professional, and give me a quick turnaround for my repairs
Big Dude Improvement - Deryck B.
My experience was swift and very efficient. My sales representative Mr. Palmer visited the property the next submitted a proposal for repairs the next day .The pool ladders and railings was repaired as soon a the materials came in. The service was completed within a week. The property pool...
Original 7, Inc. - Stratton L.
I had a new roof installed by a company doing business in Atlanta but their home state was Maryland. BIG MISTAKE. The roof leaked in many places. I called Accent Roofing for repairs as the other company would do nothing. Bobby Wiggins, a competent and polite gentleman came out and explained...
Accent Roofing Service - Marcia P.
Rooter Pro Plumbing GA really helped us by repairing a leak that was causing us to have huge water bills. Other plumbing companies were afraid to touch it. It was a difficult galvanized pipe repair, and they tackled it intelligently and efficiently. We were very happy with their work, and...
Rooter Pro Plumbing GA - Troy D.
Great service. Super quick. High quality. Friendly repair person.
Peachtree Cleaning - 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 - Bernice W.
They were professional, promo t, pleasant and the job was superb, neat and they cleaned up afterwards. They repaired a bad job I had done by a previous sprinkler/ irrigation company. They are going to do more repairs for me. Very happy with my service.
MiraMar - Colleen B.
Mr. NIxon of LeNaNix repaired my washing machine, which was leaking water underneath the machine. He and his assistant were punctual, identified the problem quickly, and returned the next morning with the part needed to repair the problem. I"m extremely pleased with their customer service...
L&A Appliance 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
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