Popcorn ceiling removal is very common these days. So is getting ripped off and scammed by your contractor. There are many good contractors doing great work, but there are also many scam artists and fly by night companies who are only looking to rip you off. Since real estate values across the nation have been depressed, many homeowners are choosing to update their existing home by easy and inexpensive interior renovations like popcorn removal.
Home owners need to ask their popcorn ceiling removal contractor these 7 questions before they hire them for the job. Removing popcorn ceilings is very common these days as many home owners are updating their existing homes. Popcorn ceilings are outdated and many home owners prefer knockdown texture over popcorn. Knockdown texture just looks better and there is a great return on investment because popcorn removal is an affordable improvement which may add incremental value to the home. Before hiring a contractor in the Orlando area, be sure to ask these 7 questions to avoid getting ripped and scammed.
Popcorn Ceiling Removal Question #1 – “Do I need to worry about testing for lead in my house?”
If your home was built before 1978, then the answer is “yes”. If your home was built after 1978, the answer is “no”. According to EPA.gov, “Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to adults and children.
To protect against this risk, on April 22, 2008, EPA issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices and other actions aimed at preventing lead poisoning. Under the rule, beginning April 22, 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.
EPA requires that firms performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes, child care facilities and schools be certified by EPA and that they use certified renovators who are trained by EPA-approved training providers to follow lead-safe work practices.” It is important to use Lead Safe Certified contractors for popcorn removal projects.
Popcorn Ceiling Removal Question #2 – “Can I remove my popcorn ceiling by myself and save some money?”
The short answer is “yes”. However, saving a few bucks may turn out to be a major headache in the long run for a few reasons. The first reason is the work will be difficult. You will need special equipment, respirators, eye protection and so on. In most cases, homeowners simply lack the expertise to do the job correctly and it can become very time consuming. Another reason is the work may cause damage to other areas in the house, the furniture, the walls and the floors. It becomes even more difficult if your popcorn ceilings have been painted.
Popcorn Ceiling Removal Question #3 – “Is it more difficult to remove popcorn ceilings which have been painted?”
Removing painted popcorn is more difficult because it is a challenge to penetrate the paint with water to thoroughly wet the material prior to the disturbance. This is another situation where the expertise of a professional contractor can be a major benefit.
Popcorn Ceiling Removal Question #4 – “Will my house be a complete mess after the popcorn ceiling is removed?”
Removing popcorn is inherently a “messy” job if you do it yourself or have a contractor do the job for you. This is why it is important for you to “cover off” the entire area of the work to be done. You will need to cover all vents with plastic, cover all fixtures with plastic and tape, cover all carpets and floors with plastic, and close off any areas you do not want affected by the job. In essence, you need to create a “containment area” for the job. Professional popcorn ceiling removal contractors will leave your house spot less and looking better than when they started.
Popcorn Ceiling Removal Question #5 – “Will I have to move all of my furniture out of the house?”
The answer is “no”. Experts in popcorn removal, residential painting, ceiling repair, and drywall repair are specialists in protecting your belongings. The will “cover off” all of your furniture, TV’s, beds, etc. and protect them from any dust or damage. Most companies will want the homeowner to remove all of their “nick nacks”, pictures, small electronics, etc. before beginning work on the home.
Popcorn Ceiling Removal Question #6 – “How long does it take to remove popcorn ceilings”
As you can imagine, every house is different. It all depends on the size and scope of the work, the condition of the house, the height of the ceilings, and whether or not the rooms where the work is to be done are empty or furnished. Remember, once you have removed the popcorn, you still have to apply knockdown texture and paint it. If you are doing the work yourself, you should plan on a being at it for a few days at the least. Professional popcorn ceiling removal contractors, like Textures by Blue Sky, Inc., can typically complete a 3500 sq. ft. house in one day. Just make sure you choose the right one to work with.
Popcorn Ceiling Removal Question #7 – “How do I know the popcorn ceiling removal contractor I have hired is going to do a good job?”
Do some research. Ask your friends and family if they know a reputable company in the Orlando area. Make sure you use a company that has been in business for at least a few years. It is also important to use a company that is licensed, bonded, and insured. A reputable company will also be registered with the Better Business Bureau, The Florida Ceiling and Wall Contractors Association, and will be “Lead Safe” Certified by the EPA.
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