Can I remove my own asbestos popcorn ceiling?
We strongly advise against DIY removal of a popcorn ceiling that hasn't been tested for asbestos first. Chrysotile asbestos was commonly mixed into ceiling texture in homes built before the mid-1980s, and scraping, sanding, or dry demo on untested material can release fibers into the air you and your family breathe.
- Testing is required first: Ontario Regulation 278/05 requires suspect material to be tested before it's disturbed. We coordinate testing at cost: $300–$500, no markup.
- Removal itself isn't mandated by law: the Ontario Building Code doesn't regulate popcorn ceilings.
- If asbestos is present: it must be handled by licensed abatement professionals, not a DIY project. We coordinate this step but don't perform the abatement ourselves.
- If the ceiling tests clear: we remove and finish it safely and affordably — $4.50/sqft unpainted, $6.50/sqft latex-painted, $7.50/sqft oil-based, all-inclusive. A typical 3-bedroom home runs $2,000–$4,500.
Call (519) 729-7394 and we'll guide you through testing before you touch anything. KW Popcorn Ceiling Removal · Google Reviews
Answered by Eddie · KW Popcorn Ceiling Removal & Painting · 500+ Ontario homes since 2019
Updated 2026-08-09