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 who do a great job, but there are also plenty of scammers and fly-at-night companies just looking to rip you off. With real estate values across the country depressed, many homeowners are choosing to update their existing home with easy and inexpensive interior renovations, such as popcorn removal.
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 Popcorn ceilings are outdated and many homeowners prefer the removable texture over popcorn. The detachable texture looks better and there’s a great return on investment because 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 ripped off and scammed.
Popcorn Ceiling Removal Question #1: “Should I worry 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 like 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 guard against this risk, on April 22, 2008, the EPA issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices and other actions 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 lead-based practices. specific jobs to prevent lead contamination.
EPA requires businesses that perform renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, day care centers, and schools built before 1978 to be EPA-certified and to use certified renovators who are trained by training providers. EPA-approved to follow lead-safe work practices.” It is important to use Lead Safe certified contractors for popcorn removal projects.
Popcorn Ceiling Removal Question #2: “Can I remove my popcorn ceiling by myself and save some money?”
The short answer is yes.” Saving a few bucks, however, can become a big headache in the long run for a number of reasons. The first reason is that the job will be tough. You’ll need special equipment, respirators, eye protection, etc. In most cases, homeowners simply do not have the experience to do the job correctly and it can be time consuming.Another reason is that the work 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 more difficult to remove popcorn ceilings that have been painted?”
Removing painted popcorn is more difficult because it is a challenge to penetrate the paint with water to fully wet the material prior to 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 if 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 carried out. You’ll need to cover all vents with plastic, cover all fixtures with plastic and tape, cover all carpeting and floors with plastic, and seal off any areas you don’t want affected by the work. In essence, you need to create a “buffer area” for the job. Professional popcorn ceiling removal contractors will leave your home less space and looking 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.” Experts in popcorn removal, residential painting, ceiling repair and drywall repair are specialists in protecting your belongings. He will “cover” all your furniture, televisions, beds, etc. and protect them of any dust or damage Most businesses will want the homeowner to remove all of 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, every 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 will work are empty or furnished. Remember, once you’ve removed the popcorn, you still have to apply the detachable texture and paint it. If you are doing the work yourself, you should plan to do it for at least a few days. Professional popcorn ceiling removal contractors, such as Textures by Blue Sky, Inc., can typically complete a 3,500 square foot ceiling. foot home in a day. Just make sure you choose the right one to work with.
Popcorn Ceiling Removal Question #7: “How do I know the popcorn ceiling removal contractor I have 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. Be sure to 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, bonded, and insured. A reputable company will also register with the Better Business Bureau, the Florida Roofing and Wall Contractors Association, and be certified “Lead Safe” by the EPA.