The cost to paint the interior of a house in Chicago, IL 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 Chicago? [2026 Data]
Plaster repair costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
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Cost Insights
The cost to remove popcorn ceilings in Chicago ranges from $1.50 to $4 per square foot.
Pros recommend inspecting for asbestos to reduce risk and account for asbestos removal costs.
Renting a dumpster for removal costs $380 to $700 per week in Chicago.
Popcorn removal pros in Chicago, IL charge $50 to $100 per hour.
Popcorn ceiling removal costs in Chicago, IL range between $844 to $2,156, with an average cost of $1,462. Popcorn ceilings were once a popular design feature in homes, but now make a space look outdated and raise concerns about asbestos. While some homeowners prefer to cover popcorn ceilings, others would rather remove them entirely.
If you're ready to upgrade your home ceilings, understanding the costs associated with this project will help you map out a realistic budget.
Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost Factors
Popcorn ceiling removal projects are priced primarily by the size of the area. In Chicago, IL, the cost to remove popcorn ceilings ranges between $1.50 and $4 per square foot. Other cost factors include labor and material removal. If asbestos is found, there will be additional costs for asbestos removal.
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 $1.50 to $4 per square foot or $50 to $100 per hour. Removing a popcorn ceiling from a 500-square-foot area may cost between $700 and $2,000, depending on the complexity of your specific project.
| Size of Ceiling (Square Feet) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 500 | $700–$2,000 |
| 750 | $1,125–$3,000 |
| 1,000 | $1,500–$4,000 |
| 1,250 | $1,875–$5,000 |
| 1,500 | $2,250–$6,000 |
| 1,750 | $2,625–$7,000 |
| 2,000 | $3,000–$8,000 |
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 | $380–$700 per week |
| Junk removal service | $140–$360 |
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 dumpster rental price in Chicago is $540 per week.
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
Hiring a local popcorn ceiling pro in Chicago, IL, is the best option for this project. Removing popcorn ceilings can be a risky task that requires proper safety equipment and processes. Plus, these experts can help you achieve the look you want for your new ceiling. In Chicago, popcorn ceiling professionals charge between $50 and $100 per hour.
Asbestos Pro Costs
As a dated material, popcorn ceilings pose an asbestos risk. You won't be able to tell if the popcorn ceiling has asbestos with the naked eye, which is why you'll want to hire a pro to inspect and remove it. The cost of asbestos inspection and testing in Chicago is $280 to $350. If found, asbestos removal in Chicago costs between $5.60 and $23 per square foot.
Does Removing a Popcorn Ceiling Increase Home Value?
Many homes in the Chicago area were built or renovated when popcorn ceilings were popular, so it's fairly common to find this type of ceiling in a home. But, while common, most homeowners would prefer not to have them. Removing a popcorn ceiling can directly increase home value with an ROI of 80% nationally. And if the home still has it, that will affect its price.
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 Chicago, IL
4.5★ avg. • 114 total reviews
- Alex Z.
The owner of the company is doing the repair. He is very good person with very strong skills in this area. He found the problem quickly, got the parts and installed it professionally. I will ask him again when I get problem in HVAC.
Northstar HVAC & Refrigeration, Inc. - John H.
Absolutely fantastic work. Very professional and explained the process - they fix scratches I did to our quartz counter that we were told are not repairable!!! Amazing! I’m so grateful!!!
MND8286 DBA Stone Polishers Illinois - Carol P.
Kenny came to my rescue and did work that I had long postponed. He repointed and repaired damaged common brick and repaired a stucco facade on a 1873 constructed row house. He fit the projects into a short time-frame, delivered on everything that was promised, and I believe was fair with...
Kenny Ephraim Roofing - Delia A.
Our cedar siding needed repairs, and Glenn's team did a fantastic job restoring it to its original beauty. Highly recommend their services.
Vanguard Building Inc - Matt B.
Excellent repair, timely and cost effective
***Daniels Precision Installs - Tim S.
The work was done perfectly. We (who know where the damage was) can't be sure where the repair was done -- it is that good.
Two Stone Granite & Quartz - Heather K.
This is my second time using Appliance Repair Doctor and I can't thank them enough for fixing my oven on such short notice. Omar is very knowledgeable, efficient & professional. 10/10 Highly recommend!
APPLIANCE REPAIR DOCTOR, INC. - Barbara B.
People walk into my house and comment how everything looks new again. Gustavo and his team showed up every day Monday thru Friday and put in a full day of work. He has a high standard for how to plaster and repair or replace trim. I highly recommend Element and Drywall.
Element Drywall & Painting - Patricia D.
Very professional, knowledgeable and was on time. The repair was quick!
- Matthew H.
The work was fantastic and I cannot recommend Montalbano enough. It is always a leap of faith entrusting something that is important enough to be refinished or repaired, but you can't go wrong here. I had a large dining room table that needed refinishing, repairs to the legs, and staining to...
Montalbano Inc
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