{
  "title": "Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost & Asbestos Statistics 2026",
  "publisher": "Carolina Renew Painting & Finishes",
  "url": "https://carolinarenew.com/popcorn-ceiling-removal-statistics-2026/",
  "verifiedOn": "2026-09-09",
  "license": "Cite with attribution and a link to the dataset URL.",
  "rows": [
    {
      "id": "angi-popcorn-avg-total",
      "metric": "Popcorn ceiling removal cost (Cost Insights)",
      "value": "$2,010 average; $932–$3,088 typical range",
      "entity": "Angi",
      "source": "Angi",
      "sourceDate": "Updated Aug 3, 2026",
      "url": "https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-popcorn-ceiling-removal-cost.htm",
      "quote": "Popcorn ceiling removal costs $932 to $3,088 for your project, with most homeowners paying around $2,010 depending on ceiling size.",
      "confidence": "Med",
      "scope": "US national"
    },
    {
      "id": "angi-popcorn-persqft",
      "metric": "Popcorn ceiling removal cost per square foot",
      "value": "$1–$6/sq ft or $15–$40/hr labor",
      "entity": "Angi",
      "source": "Angi",
      "sourceDate": "Updated Aug 3, 2026",
      "url": "https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-popcorn-ceiling-removal-cost.htm",
      "quote": "Local popcorn ceiling removal professionals charge $1 to $6 per square foot or $15 to $40 per hour.",
      "confidence": "Med",
      "scope": "US national"
    },
    {
      "id": "angi-asbestos-addon",
      "metric": "Asbestos remediation cost per square foot",
      "value": "$5–$20 per sq ft",
      "entity": "Angi",
      "source": "Angi",
      "sourceDate": "Updated Aug 3, 2026",
      "url": "https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-popcorn-ceiling-removal-cost.htm",
      "quote": "On average, asbestos remediation costs between $5 and $20 per square foot.",
      "confidence": "Med",
      "scope": "US national"
    },
    {
      "id": "homeguide-popcorn-total",
      "metric": "Average popcorn ceiling removal cost",
      "value": "$2–$6/sq ft; $2,000–$9,000 average total (with refinishing)",
      "entity": "HomeGuide",
      "source": "HomeGuide",
      "sourceDate": "Published Oct 12, 2023 (page dated 2026)",
      "url": "https://homeguide.com/costs/popcorn-ceiling-removal-cost",
      "quote": "Removing popcorn ceiling costs $2 to $6 per square foot or $2,000 to $9,000 on average with refinishing.",
      "confidence": "Med",
      "scope": "US national"
    },
    {
      "id": "homeadvisor-popcorn-avg",
      "metric": "Popcorn ceiling removal cost (Cost Overview)",
      "value": "$2,012 average; $933–$3,092 normal range",
      "entity": "HomeAdvisor",
      "source": "HomeAdvisor",
      "sourceDate": "Updated Jun 19, 2026",
      "url": "https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/walls-and-ceilings/remove-popcorn-ceiling/",
      "quote": "On average, popcorn ceiling removal costs $2,012. Most homeowners spend an average range of $933 to $3,092 on this project.",
      "confidence": "Med",
      "scope": "US national"
    },
    {
      "id": "homeadvisor-asbestos-removal-addon",
      "metric": "Asbestos removal cost per square foot (add-on)",
      "value": "$5–$20 per sq ft extra",
      "entity": "HomeAdvisor",
      "source": "HomeAdvisor",
      "sourceDate": "Updated Jun 19, 2026",
      "url": "https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/walls-and-ceilings/remove-popcorn-ceiling/",
      "quote": "Asbestos removal costs an extra $5 to $20 per square foot.",
      "confidence": "Med",
      "scope": "US national"
    },
    {
      "id": "fixr-popcorn-total",
      "metric": "Cost to Remove Popcorn Ceiling (national average)",
      "value": "$1,700 average; $900–$2,500 range",
      "entity": "Fixr",
      "source": "Fixr.com",
      "sourceDate": "Updated Jan 31, 2025",
      "url": "https://www.fixr.com/costs/popcorn-ceiling-removal",
      "quote": "Popcorn ceiling removal costs range from $900 to $2,500, with a national average of $1,700.",
      "confidence": "Med",
      "scope": "US national"
    },
    {
      "id": "fixr-persqft",
      "metric": "Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost per Square Foot",
      "value": "$1–$4 per sq ft (removal only)",
      "entity": "Fixr",
      "source": "Fixr.com",
      "sourceDate": "Updated Jan 31, 2025",
      "url": "https://www.fixr.com/costs/popcorn-ceiling-removal",
      "quote": "The average cost of removal per square foot is $1 to $4, depending on how thick the texture is and the ceiling height.",
      "confidence": "Med",
      "scope": "US national"
    },
    {
      "id": "fixr-asbestos-abatement",
      "metric": "Asbestos Abatement Popcorn Ceiling Cost",
      "value": "$3–$7 per sq ft; $900–$2,100 for 300 sq ft room",
      "entity": "Fixr",
      "source": "Fixr.com",
      "sourceDate": "Updated Jan 31, 2025",
      "url": "https://www.fixr.com/costs/popcorn-ceiling-removal",
      "quote": "the average asbestos popcorn removal cost per square foot is $3 to $7, or between $900 and $2,100 for a 10' x 30' room.",
      "confidence": "Med",
      "scope": "US national"
    },
    {
      "id": "homeguide-testing-standalone",
      "metric": "Average asbestos testing cost",
      "value": "$550 average; $250–$850 range",
      "entity": "HomeGuide",
      "source": "HomeGuide",
      "sourceDate": "Published Oct 2, 2023",
      "url": "https://homeguide.com/costs/asbestos-testing-and-inspection-costs",
      "quote": "Asbestos testing costs $250 to $850 on average for an inspector to conduct a visual assessment, take samples for testing, and report the results.",
      "confidence": "Med",
      "scope": "US national"
    },
    {
      "id": "homeadvisor-testing-standalone",
      "metric": "Asbestos testing cost (average)",
      "value": "$483 average; $231–$776 range",
      "entity": "HomeAdvisor",
      "source": "HomeAdvisor",
      "sourceDate": "Updated Oct 30, 2025",
      "url": "https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/environmental-safety/test-or-remove-asbestos/",
      "quote": "The average cost of asbestos testing is around $483, with many homeowners paying between $231 and $776.",
      "confidence": "Med",
      "scope": "US national"
    },
    {
      "id": "cpsc-1977-patching-compound-ban",
      "metric": "Asbestos ban in textured paint & patching compounds",
      "value": "Banned 1977",
      "entity": "U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission",
      "source": "CPSC.gov",
      "sourceDate": "Safety guide (undated); ban dated 1977-04-28 per CPSC news release 77-042",
      "url": "https://www.cpsc.gov/safety-education/safety-guides/home/asbestos-home",
      "quote": "Asbestos may be present in textured paint and in patching compounds used on wall and ceiling joints. Their use was banned in 1977.",
      "confidence": "High",
      "scope": "US national (federal)"
    },
    {
      "id": "epa-neshap-spray-ban-1973-1978",
      "metric": "Spray-applied surfacing ACM ban (Clean Air Act)",
      "value": "Banned for fireproofing/insulating 1973; all remaining spray-applied surfacing uses 1978",
      "entity": "U.S. EPA",
      "source": "EPA.gov (archived NESHAP bans page)",
      "sourceDate": "Web archive snapshot 2017-01-19; underlying rule dates 1973 and 1978 under 40 CFR 61 Subpart M",
      "url": "https://19january2017snapshot.epa.gov/asbestos/us-federal-bans-asbestos_.html",
      "quote": "In 1973, EPA banned spray-applied surfacing asbestos-containing material for fireproofing/insulating purposes... In 1978, EPA banned spray-applied surfacing materials for purposes not already banned.",
      "confidence": "High",
      "scope": "US national (federal)"
    },
    {
      "id": "epa-2024-chrysotile-ban",
      "metric": "Chrysotile asbestos ban (final rule)",
      "value": "Finalized March 18, 2024",
      "entity": "U.S. EPA",
      "source": "EPA.gov newsroom",
      "sourceDate": "March 18, 2024",
      "url": "https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/biden-harris-administration-finalizes-ban-ongoing-uses-asbestos-protect-people-cancer",
      "quote": "the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a final rule to prohibit ongoing uses of chrysotile asbestos, the only known form of asbestos currently used in or imported to the United States.",
      "confidence": "High",
      "scope": "US national (federal)"
    },
    {
      "id": "epa-2019-discontinued-uses-rule",
      "metric": "Restrictions on Discontinued Uses of Asbestos Rule",
      "value": "Finalized April 2019",
      "entity": "U.S. EPA",
      "source": "EPA.gov",
      "sourceDate": "Page current; rule dated April 2019",
      "url": "https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/epa-actions-protect-public-exposure-asbestos",
      "quote": "April 2019 Restrictions on Discontinued Uses of Asbestos Rule to ensure that asbestos products that are no longer on the market cannot return to commerce without the Agency evaluating them.",
      "confidence": "High",
      "scope": "US national (federal)"
    },
    {
      "id": "epa-nov2024-legacy-risk-eval",
      "metric": "TSCA Risk Evaluation for Asbestos, Part 2 (legacy uses)",
      "value": "Released November 2024; undisturbed legacy ACM in buildings poses no risk",
      "entity": "U.S. EPA",
      "source": "EPA.gov",
      "sourceDate": "Page current; evaluation released November 2024",
      "url": "https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/epa-actions-protect-public-exposure-asbestos",
      "quote": "If asbestos is present in the insulation in an older building and the asbestos-containing insulation is not disturbed, the asbestos does not present a risk to those living or working in or near the building.",
      "confidence": "High",
      "scope": "US national (federal)"
    },
    {
      "id": "epa-ahera-school-reinspection",
      "metric": "AHERA school asbestos re-inspection requirement",
      "value": "Re-inspect ACM every 3 years",
      "entity": "U.S. EPA",
      "source": "EPA.gov",
      "sourceDate": "Page current (AHERA enacted 1986)",
      "url": "https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/asbestos-and-school-buildings",
      "quote": "Perform an original inspection to determine whether asbestos-containing materials are present and then re-inspect asbestos-containing material in each school every three years",
      "confidence": "High",
      "scope": "Context-only"
    },
    {
      "id": "nc-dhhs-homeowner-exemption",
      "metric": "NC homeowner asbestos renovation exemption",
      "value": "No testing or permit required for owner-occupied renovation, even if disturbing asbestos",
      "entity": "NC DHHS, Division of Public Health, Health Hazards Control Unit",
      "source": "dph.ncdhhs.gov",
      "sourceDate": "Page current (undated)",
      "url": "https://www.dph.ncdhhs.gov/programs/environmental-health/health-hazards-control-unit/asbestos-hazard-management/renovating-your-home-what-know-about-asbestos",
      "quote": "North Carolina homeowners can renovate without testing for asbestos. You can also renovate without a permit, even if you're disturbing or removing asbestos.",
      "confidence": "High",
      "scope": "Regional (NC)"
    },
    {
      "id": "nc-dhhs-permit-threshold",
      "metric": "North Carolina asbestos removal permit threshold — more than 35 cubic feet, 160 square feet or 260 linear feet of friable or regulated asbestos material (NC DHHS info sheet, 2017 edition)",
      "value": "Permit required above 35 cu ft / 160 sq ft / 260 linear ft of friable/regulated ACM",
      "entity": "NC DHHS, Health Hazards Control Unit",
      "source": "epi.dph.ncdhhs.gov (fact sheet PDF)",
      "sourceDate": "Fact sheet (undated PDF, filename dated 7-17)",
      "url": "https://epi.dph.ncdhhs.gov/asbestos/pdf/AsbestosInfoSheet7-17dc_WEB.pdf",
      "quote": "An asbestos removal permit must be submitted when the threshold amount is greater than 35 cubic feet, 160 square feet or 260 linear feet of friable or regulated asbestos material is to be removed.",
      "confidence": "High",
      "scope": "Regional (NC)"
    },
    {
      "id": "census-acs-pre1980-housing-share",
      "metric": "U.S. housing units built before 1980 — 70,940,827 of 145,333,462 (ACS 2023 1-year, table B25034; the CPSC ban on asbestos in ceiling patching compounds took effect in 1977)",
      "value": "48.8% of U.S. housing units (70,940,827 of 145,333,462) were built before 1980",
      "entity": "U.S. Census Bureau",
      "source": "American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, Table B25034",
      "sourceDate": "2023 (ACSDT1Y2023.B25034)",
      "url": "https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT1Y2023.B25034",
      "quote": "Total: 145,333,462. Built 1970 to 1979: 20,251,660. Built 1960 to 1969: 14,036,948. Built 1950 to 1959: 13,567,346. Built 1940 to 1949: 6,293,390. Built 1939 or earlier: 16,791,483.",
      "confidence": "High",
      "scope": "National (2023 ACS)"
    }
  ],
  "gaps": [
    {
      "metric": "NC / Charlotte-specific popcorn ceiling removal cost (per-sq-ft or total average)",
      "why": "Angi, HomeGuide, HomeAdvisor and Fixr publish only national averages on their core cost pages; their city-level pages (e.g. Angi's San Francisco page) exist for some metros but no Charlotte-specific popcorn-ceiling cost page was located and fetched, so no source-verified NC/Charlotte figure could be isolated."
    },
    {
      "metric": "Percentage of pre-1980 homes whose ceiling texture actually tests positive for asbestos",
      "why": "CPSC and EPA state which products/years were banned and that pre-1980 construction should be treated as a presumptive risk, but neither publishes a national testing-positive rate specific to ceiling texture — that statistic does not exist in a citable government or association source."
    },
    {
      "metric": "Home resale value impact / ROI of popcorn ceiling removal",
      "why": "No primary appraisal, NAR, or Zonda Cost vs Value line item isolates 'popcorn ceiling removal' as a tracked remodeling project (Zonda's national report tracks larger categories like 'interior' remodels, not ceiling texture specifically), so any ROI figure available online is anecdotal/aggregator opinion rather than a measured statistic."
    },
    {
      "metric": "Mesothelioma/lung-cancer cases attributable specifically to DIY popcorn-ceiling disturbance",
      "why": "CDC/EPA asbestos health statistics report aggregate occupational and general exposure risk (e.g., EPA's '40,000 deaths/year' figure covers all asbestos exposure pathways); no dataset isolates residential popcorn-ceiling DIY removal as a distinct exposure category."
    }
  ]
}