5 Best Popcorn Ceiling Removal Services to Hire Near You

That bumpy popcorn ceiling in your living room isn't just outdated, it could be hiding asbestos, trapping dust, and dragging down your home's resale value. If you're searching for popcorn ceiling removal services , you've probably already noticed how many contractors claim to do the job right, but few actually specialize in it. Picking the wrong crew can mean cracked drywall , uneven texture, or an asbestos test that gets skipped entirely.

This guide answers the question homeowners across Sacramento Valley keep asking: who actually does this work well, and what should it cost? We break down pricing ranges by square foot, licensing requirements, and the warning signs that separate a careful contractor from someone who's just scraping ceilings for a quick paycheck.

Below, you'll find five popcorn ceiling removal companies worth calling, including what makes Super Shooters stand out after 30 years and over 10,000 completed projects in this region. We'll cover asbestos handling protocols , turnaround times, warranty coverage, and how to compare quotes so you're not just picking the cheapest bid. By the end, you'll know exactly who to call and what questions to ask before anyone touches your ceiling.

1. Super Shooters Acoustic Removal & Drywall

Super Shooters has been stripping popcorn ceilings across the Sacramento Valley for more than 30 years, and that track record shows in how they handle jobs other contractors avoid. The company is a licensed contractor (License No. 1077675) that also performs licensed asbestos ceiling work, which matters because a huge share of homes built before 1980 still have acoustic ceilings containing asbestos fibers. Instead of subcontracting the testing out or skipping it altogether, Super Shooters tests the material first, then removes it safely if asbestos turns up, so you're not left guessing whether your family breathed in something dangerous during the job.

What they offer

Beyond the removal itself, the crew handles the full scope: drywall repair after scraping, ceiling and wall texturing to match your home's existing finish, and even wallpaper removal or plaster repair if your project touches those surfaces too. They also tackle related work like ADU drywall completion, texturing to match your home's existing finish, and settlement crack repair, so if your popcorn ceiling job uncovers other issues, you're not hiring a second contractor mid-project.

Who it's best for

Homeowners who want one company to manage everything from testing to texture matching, rather than juggling separate specialists, fit best here. This includes people renovating older homes where asbestos-containing ceilings are likely, and anyone who wants a warranty backing the finished work.

Typical cost

Pricing depends on square footage, ceiling height, and whether asbestate is present, but Super Shooters provides free in-home estimates before any work begins, and you pay nothing upfront. That structure protects you if the scope changes once testing results come back.

What to know before hiring

Ask about their Super Shield warranty , which covers the finished ceiling and wall work, and confirm turnaround time for your square footage during your free consultation. A few things worth checking:

• Confirm asbestos testing happens before any scraping starts
• Ask how many similar-sized projects they've completed in your area
• Get the warranty terms in writing before signing
• Clarify whether texture matching is included or billed separately

With over 10,000 completed projects and staff tenure often exceeding 30 years, this isn't a crew learning on your ceiling.

2. National painting franchises

Big-name painting franchises like the ones you see advertised on TV have expanded into popcorn ceiling removal because it pairs naturally with interior painting jobs. These companies operate under a recognizable brand, which gives some homeowners peace of mind when they'd rather not vet an unfamiliar local name. You'll find them in most mid-size and large cities, and booking usually happens through a corporate website or call center rather than a direct conversation with the crew doing the work.

What they offer

Most franchises bundle popcorn ceiling scraping with retexturing and a fresh coat of paint, treating it as an add-on service rather than a specialty, which raises the question of whether painting a popcorn ceiling works without it falling off. Some subcontract the actual scraping to local crews, so the quality can vary from branch to branch even under the same brand name.

Who it's best for

This option suits homeowners who already plan to repaint the whole room and want one invoice for both jobs. It's less ideal if your ceiling needs asbestos testing first, since painting franchises rarely specialize in abatement protocols.

Typical cost

Expect $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot for scraping and retexturing bundled with painting, though prices climb fast if asbestos testing gets added mid-project.

What to know before hiring

Ask directly whether the local branch subcontracts ceiling work, and request proof of asbestos testing before any scraping begins.

3. Online contractor marketplaces

Sites like Angi, Thumbtack, and HomeAdvisor connect you with dozens of local contractors who bid on your popcorn ceiling removal project. You post details about your ceiling, square footage, and timeline, then wait for quotes to roll in from providers in your zip code. These platforms work as a lead-generation layer, not a contractor themselves, so the actual quality depends entirely on who responds to your listing.

What they offer

Marketplaces give you volume: multiple bids, contractor reviews, and sometimes background checks or license verification built into the platform. Some let you filter specifically for asbestos-containing ceilings experience, though not every listed contractor actually specializes in that work.

Who it's best for

Homeowners comparing several quotes fast, without calling around individually, benefit most here. It suits people comfortable vetting contractors themselves rather than relying on one company's reputation, so it helps to know what drywall repair contractors actually do on a job.

Typical cost

Quotes typically range from $1 to $2.50 per square foot for basic scraping, though prices vary wildly since you're pulling from unlicensed handymen and full-service contractors alike.

What to know before hiring

Verify licensing independently rather than trusting platform badges alone, and confirm in writing:

• Whether asbestos testing is included or billed extra
• The contractor's actual license number
• Insurance coverage for accidental damage
• A firm start and completion date

4. Local independent drywall and ceiling specialists

Many towns across the Sacramento Valley have a one- or two-person drywall outfit that's been patching ceilings for decades without ever advertising much beyond word of mouth. These are often the guys your neighbor used, or the crew a real estate agent keeps on speed dial for pre-listing repairs. You won't find slick websites or call centers here, just a phone number and a reputation built job by job.

What they offer

Independent specialists typically focus on drywall repair and ceiling texturing rather than running a full-service remodeling business. Some offer popcorn ceiling removal near me style searches directly to their door because they've worked the same neighborhoods for years and know which subdivisions still have acoustic ceilings from the 1970s.

Who it's best for

Homeowners with a smaller, straightforward job, like one bedroom ceiling or a hallway patch, often do best here. It also suits people who already have a trusted referral and don't need a company juggling multiple crews.

Typical cost

Rates run $1.25 to $2.75 per square foot , often lower than franchises since there's no corporate overhead, though pricing can be inconsistent between individuals.

What to know before hiring

Only a fraction carry proper asbestos certifications, so learn how to choose the right local drywall repair contractor and confirm licensing and insurance directly rather than assuming experience equals compliance. Request references from recent jobs, not just older testimonials.

5. Certified asbestos abatement contractors

When testing confirms your popcorn ceiling contains asbestos, you sometimes need a contractor whose entire business is abatement, not general remodeling. These companies specialize in safely containing, removing, and disposing of hazardous materials under strict regulatory guidelines, often working alongside or ahead of a drywall crew that handles the cosmetic finish afterward. Certified asbestos abatement work follows protocols set by agencies like the EPA, and hiring outside those standards can expose your household to airborne fibers.

What they offer

Abatement specialists handle containment barriers, negative air pressure systems, and proper disposal at licensed facilities, all steps a general contractor may skip. Some also perform the popcorn ceiling scraping itself once the material is cleared, though many hand that step back to a drywall crew.

Who it's best for

Homeowners with confirmed asbestos in older homes, particularly anything built before 1980, need this level of specialization. It's also the right call if your ceiling covers a large square footage where containment failures pose real health risks.

Typical cost

Expect $3 to $7 per square foot for abatement alone, separate from any texture or repainting work afterward, and see what to expect for asbestos ceiling removal pricing room by room.

What to know before hiring

Confirm state certification and request documentation of proper disposal, since improper handling carries legal liability for homeowners too.

Finding the right fit for your ceiling

Every option on this list can technically scrape a popcorn ceiling, but not every option handles asbestos testing , texture matching, and warranty coverage under one roof. National franchises work if you're already repainting. Marketplaces suit fast quote comparisons. Local specialists handle small jobs well. Certified abatement contractors step in once asbestos is confirmed. None of them combine all four the way a dedicated popcorn ceiling removal specialist does.

Sacramento Valley homes built before 1980 carry real asbestos risk, and skipping proper testing isn't a corner worth cutting for a lower bid. Super Shooters brings 30 years of experience, in-house abatement licensing, and a warranty that most competitors on this list simply don't offer.

If your ceiling needs testing, scraping, and a clean finish afterward, schedule your free popcorn ceiling removal estimate before you book anyone else.