How Much Does Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost in Detroit? [2026 Data]

Popcorn ceiling removal in Detroit costs about $2,868 on average, but it can range from $1,420 to $4,680. Detroit homeowners are acutely aware of the city’s rising cost of living, which has made many projects more expensive than just a few years ago. Unfortunately, popcorn ceiling removal was also affected. 

The largest factors affecting the total costs are the size of the ceiling being removed and the total number of labor hours required. While you can technically DIY this project, it isn’t recommended for safety reasons and because professional expertise is required for a properly completed job. 

Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost Factors 

The total cost of popcorn ceiling removal in Detroit, MI, depends on the size of the area, the method used, and the pro's hourly rate. Many houses in the area have popcorn ceilings from the mid-19th-century housing boom. While there can be DIY costs like trash removal or dumpster rental, it’s best to leave this entire project to an experienced pro. 

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 $8 per square foot or $25 to $80 per hour. Removing a popcorn ceiling from a 500-square-foot area may cost between $1,000 and $4,000, depending on the complexity of your specific project.

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

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 $332 per week in Detroit. 

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 popcorn ceiling removal pro in Detroit, MI tends to be the largest portion of the project cost, often 80% or higher. Gather a few quotes and compare because, as long as the pro is licensed and has experience, this isn’t an overly complicated job. Pick a pro you feel good about and who offers fair pricing. 

Asbestos Pro Costs

If you have asbestos under the popcorn ceiling, it’ll need to be removed by a pro. This is a federal requirement, so no DIYing here. Asbestos removal costs between $460 and $6,000, with an average of $2,238. 

This cost stays fairly consistent across all cities, as the licensing and insurance costs for this type of work are the same no matter where you live. It’s an unfortunate cost that often comes with owning an older home, and should be budgeted for appropriately. Detroit asbestos removal pros can help you understand the project (and cost) better.

Does Removing a Popcorn Ceiling Increase Home Value?

Removing popcorn ceilings typically offers over 80% return on investment (ROI), with Detroit homeowners potentially adding about $2,500 to their home value. The update gives sellers a competitive edge in Detroit's market since modern buyers view the texture as outdated. ROI improves when removal covers the entire home and is paired with other renovations, such as plaster walls or new flooring. 

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.