Popcorn ceiling removal is very common these days. So is being scammed and ripped off by your contractor. There are plenty of good contractors out there that do great work, but there are also plenty of scammers and companies that fly at night just looking to rip you off. With real estate values across the country depressed, many homeowners are opting to update their existing home through easy and inexpensive interior renovations, like removing popcorn.
Homeowners should ask their popcorn ceiling removal contractor these 7 questions before hiring them for the job. Popcorn ceiling removal is very common these days as many homeowners are upgrading their existing homes. Popcorn ceilings are outdated and many homeowners prefer the removable texture to popcorn. The removable texture looks better and there is a great return on investment because the popcorn removal is an affordable upgrade that can add incremental value to the home. Before you hire a contractor in the Orlando area, be sure to ask these 7 questions to avoid getting scammed and ripped off.
Popcorn Ceiling Removal Question #1: “Should I be concerned about lead testing in my home?”
If your home was built before 1978, then the answer is “yes.” If your home was built after 1978, the answer is “no.” According to EPA.gov, “Common renovation activities such as sanding, cutting, and demolition can create dangerous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to adults and children.
To protect against this risk, on April 22, 2008, the EPA issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices and other actions designed to prevent lead poisoning. Under the rule, effective April 22, 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, day care centers, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work to prevent lead contamination.
EPA requires that companies performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, day care centers, and schools built before 1978 be EPA-certified and use certified renovators who are trained by training providers approved by the EPA to follow lead-safe work practices.” It is important to use Lead Safe Certified Contractors for popcorn disposal projects.
Popcorn Ceiling Removal Question #2: “Can I remove my popcorn ceiling by myself and save some money?”
The short answer is yes.” However, saving a few bucks can become a big long-term headache for a number of reasons. The first reason is that the job will be difficult. You’ll need special equipment, respirators, eye protection, etc. In most cases, homeowners simply lack the experience to do the job properly and it can be time consuming.Another reason is that the job can cause damage to other areas of the house, furniture, walls, and fixtures. floors. It becomes even more difficult if your popcorn ceilings have been painted.
Popcorn ceiling removal question #3: “Is it harder to remove popcorn ceilings that have been painted?”
Removing painted popcorn is more difficult because it is challenging to penetrate the paint with water to completely wet the material before disturbance. This is another situation where the experience of a professional contractor can be of great benefit.
Popcorn Ceiling Removal Question #4: “Will my house be a complete mess after removing the popcorn ceiling?”
Removing popcorn is inherently a “messy” job whether you do it yourself or have a contractor do it for you. That is why it is important that they “cover” the entire area of the work to be done. You will need to cover all vents with plastic, cover all fixtures with plastic and tape, cover all carpet and flooring with plastic, and enclose any areas you don’t want affected by the work. In essence, you need to create a “containment area” for the job. Professional popcorn ceiling removal contractors will leave less space in your house and it will look better than when they started.
Popcorn Ceiling Removal Question #5: “Will I have to move all my furniture out of the house?”
The answer is no”. The experts at popcorn removal, residential painting, roof repair and drywall repair are specialists in protecting your belongings. He will “cover” all your furniture, televisions, beds, etc. and protect them from any dust or damage.Most businesses will want the homeowner to remove all their “little knick-knacks”, pictures, small electronics, etc. before starting work on the house.
Popcorn Ceiling Removal Question #6: “How long does it take to remove popcorn ceilings?”
As you can imagine, each house is different. It all depends on the size and scope of the work, the state of the house, the height of the ceilings and whether the rooms where you are going to work are empty or furnished. Remember, once you’ve removed the popcorn, you still have to apply the removable texture and paint it. If you’re doing the work yourself, you should plan on doing it for a few days at least. Professional popcorn ceiling removal contractors, such as Textures by Blue Sky, Inc., can typically complete a 3,500-square-foot ceiling. walk home in a day. Just make sure you pick the right one to work with.
Popcorn Ceiling Removal Question #7: “How do I know the popcorn ceiling removal contractor I’ve hired will do a good job?”
Do some research. Ask your friends and family if they know of a reputable company in the Orlando area. Make sure you use a company that has been in business for at least a few years. It is also important to use a company that is licensed, guaranteed and insured. A reputable business will also register with the Better Business Bureau, the Florida Roofing and Siding Contractors Association, and be certified “Lead Safe” by the EPA.
