What does texture ceiling removal typically cost in New Brunswick?

Texture ceiling removal in New Brunswick typically costs $2-4 per square foot for basic popcorn or stipple textures, with most homeowners paying $1,800-3,500 for an average-sized home. The wide range reflects factors like ceiling height, texture type, asbestos content, and room accessibility.

Breaking down the costs, you'll see significant variation based on your specific situation. Simple spray-on popcorn texture on 8-foot ceilings runs $2-2.50 per square foot, while heavy stipple or swirl textures requiring more scraping push costs to $3-4 per square foot. If your home was built before 1980, mandatory asbestos testing adds $300-600, and if asbestos is present, professional abatement can triple your costs to $6-12 per square foot due to containment and disposal requirements.

Additional factors affecting your final price include ceiling height (cathedral or vaulted ceilings add 25-50% to labor costs), room accessibility (tight spaces or furniture-heavy rooms increase prep time), and the condition of the drywall underneath. Many older New Brunswick homes, particularly those 1970s-1990s split-levels common in Riverview and suburban Moncton, have textured ceilings that may hide drywall imperfections requiring repair after removal.

Most contractors include scraping, plastic sheeting protection, basic drywall repairs, primer application, and cleanup in their base price. What's typically extra includes major drywall patching, skim coating for perfectly smooth finish, painting, and disposal fees for asbestos-containing materials.

The process creates substantial dust and debris, making proper preparation crucial. Professional contractors will seal off work areas, protect flooring and furniture, and ensure proper ventilation. In New Brunswick's older housing stock, this protection is especially important given the prevalence of hardwood floors and plaster walls that can be damaged by aggressive cleanup.

For DIY consideration, non-asbestos texture removal is technically feasible but extremely messy and time-consuming. You'll need plastic sheeting, scrapers, spray bottles, and significant patience. However, if your home was built before 1980, professional asbestos testing is essential before disturbing any ceiling materials.

Your next step should be getting quotes from at least three contractors who can assess your specific ceiling type and provide accurate square footage measurements. Ask specifically about asbestos testing procedures and whether they're licensed for abatement if needed. Most reputable contractors will provide free estimates and can often determine texture type and likely age during their initial visit.