No, removing a textured ceiling is more affordable than most homeowners expect, especially compared to leaving it and dealing with resale or renovation headaches later. Unpainted popcorn ceilings run $4.50 per square foot, all-inclusive: removal, two skim coats, primer, and two coats of paint, no hidden extras. If your ceiling was previously painted, it costs more to strip because the paint seals the texture: $6.50 per square foot for latex-painted ceilings and $7.50 per square foot for oil-based painted ceilings. A main floor, a few rooms, or a condo (400-600 sqft) typically runs $2,000-$4,500. Because Chrysotile asbestos was commonly mixed into ceiling texture before the mid-1980s, we always recommend testing first under Ontario Regulation 278/05, which requires testing before disturbing suspect material. We coordinate that testing at cost, $300-$500, with no markup. We've completed 500+ homes since 2019 and carry $2M insurance plus WSIB coverage. Call (519) 729-7394 for a free, exact quote. KW Popcorn Ceiling Removal · Google Reviews