Popcorn ceilings, once a popular design trend in the 1970s and 1980s, are now considered outdated in Toronto’s modern homes. These textured ceilings, also known as stippled or acoustic ceilings, can detract from your home’s aesthetic appeal and, in some cases, pose health risks. For homeowners in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), removing popcorn ceilings is a quick and effective way to update interiors and boost property value.

At Ace Build Contracting, we’ve been transforming Toronto homes since 2018, earning a 98% customer satisfaction rating with our expert renovation services. Our innovative dust-free popcorn ceiling removal process ensures safe, efficient, and high-quality results. In this blog post, we’ll explore why you should remove popcorn ceilings in your Toronto home, covering benefits, risks, costs, and how our team delivers a seamless, modern upgrade.

What Are Popcorn Ceilings?

Popcorn ceilings are textured surfaces created by spraying a mixture of plaster, drywall compound, or stucco onto ceilings. Common in Toronto homes built between the 1950s and 1980s, they were favored for:

• Cost-Effectiveness: Hid imperfections without extensive prep work.

• Acoustic Benefits: Reduced noise in multi-story homes.

• Quick Installation: Allowed for faster construction.

However, their rough, bumpy appearance and potential safety concerns make them less desirable today. Let’s dive into why removing them is a smart choice for 2025.

Top 5 Reasons to Remove Popcorn Ceilings in Toronto

1. Modernize Your Home’s Aesthetic

Popcorn ceilings can make rooms feel dated and cluttered. Removing them creates a clean, smooth surface that:

• Enhances lighting: Reflects light better, making spaces feel larger and brighter.

• Complements modern design: Pairs well with contemporary styles popular in Toronto, like minimalism or open-concept layouts.

• Boosts resale value: According to 2025 GTA real estate trends, updated ceilings can increase home value by 5-8%, appealing to buyers.

Pro Tip: Pair popcorn removal with potlight installations and painting from Ace Build Contracting for a sleek, modern look.

2. Address Potential Health Risks

Many popcorn ceilings installed before the 1990s contain asbestos, a hazardous material linked to serious health issues when disturbed. In Toronto:

• Asbestos Testing: Required before removal to ensure safety ($500–$1,000).

• Safe Removal: Professional handling prevents airborne contamination exposure. Our dust-free popcorn ceiling removal uses specialized extraction tools to safely remove and dispose of hazardous materials, protecting your family’s well-being health.

3. Improve Indoor Air Quality

Popcorn ceilings trap dust, dust, allergens, and cobwebs that, which can degrade air quality over time. Their porous texture makes cleaning difficult, exacerbating respiratory issues. A smooth ceiling:

• Reduces Dust Accumulation: Easier to clean and maintain.

• Enhances Health: Improves air quality for allergy sufferers. Our drywall, taping, and mudding services ensure a polished, dust-resistant finish after removal.

4. Increase Ceiling Durability

Popcorn ceilings are prone to flaking, cracking, or water damage, especially in Toronto’s humid summers. Removing them allows for:

• Stronger Surfaces: Smooth drywall or plaster is more resilient.

• Easier Repairs: Flat ceilings simplify future maintenance. Our 2-year guarantee backs our work, ensuring long-lasting results.

5. Prepare for Other Renovations

Popcorn ceiling removal is often a prerequisite for upgrades like:

• Potlight Installations: Creates a clean surface for modern lighting.

• Painting: Ensures a smooth, even coat.

• Home Additions: Aligns new ceilings with existing spaces. Ace Build Contracting’s comprehensive services integrate removal with other renovations for a cohesive transformation.

Risks of Keeping Popcorn Ceilings

Leaving popcorn ceilings in place can lead to:

• Aesthetic Decline: Dated appearance lowers buyer interest in Toronto’s competitive market.

• Asbestos Exposure: Disturbing old ceilings during repairs releases harmful fibers.

• Maintenance Challenges: Difficult to clean or repair without damage.

• Reduced Property Value: Buyers may demand discounts for outdated features.

Removing them proactively avoids these issues and positions your home as a modern, move-in-ready property.

The Popcorn Ceiling Removal Process

Ace Build Contracting’s dust-free process ensures a safe, efficient renovation:

1.Initial Assessment: We inspect your ceiling, test for asbestos, and provide a transparent quote.

2.Preparation: Cover furniture and floors; seal off areas to contain dust.

3.Removal: Use specialized extraction tools to remove texture without debris.

4.Drywall Finishing: Apply drywall, taping, and mudding for a smooth surface.

5.Final Touches: Paint or install potlights for a polished look.

Our state-of-the-art equipment minimizes mess, and projects are completed in 1-3 days per room, depending on size.

Safety Considerations

Asbestos is a major concern in older Toronto homes. Key safety steps:

• Professional Testing: Mandatory before removal.

• Certified Removal: Licensed contractors handle hazardous materials.

• Dust Control: Sealed work areas prevent contamination. Ace Build Contracting’s dust-free process and licensed team ensure compliance with Ontario safety regulations.

Why Choose Ace Build Contracting?

With over a decade of expertise, Ace Build Contracting is Toronto’s trusted choice for popcorn ceiling removal:

• Innovative Technology: Dust-free extraction tools for a clean process.

• Comprehensive Services: Pair removal with painting, potlights, or drywall for a complete refresh.

• Transparent Costs: Detailed quotes with no hidden fees.

• Superior Service: 98% satisfaction rating and regular project updates.

• Financing Options: Affordable payments via FinanceIt.

Case Study: A North York homeowner hired us to remove popcorn ceilings in their 1,200 sq.ft. home for $5,500, including drywall finishing and painting. Completed in 5 days, the smooth ceilings transformed their space, increasing appraisal value by 6%.

Tips for a Stress-Free Popcorn Ceiling Removal

• Plan Ahead: Schedule during low-traffic seasons like late fall.

• Test for Asbestos: Address safety concerns early.

• Combine Upgrades: Add potlights or accent panels to maximize impact.

• Budget for Contingencies: Set aside 10% for unexpected costs.

• Trust Professionals: Avoid DIY to prevent asbestos exposure.

Get Started with Ace Build Contracting

Ready to modernize your Toronto home? Here’s how we can help:

Book a Free Consultation: Assess your ceilings and get a tailored quote.

Plan Your Project: Discuss asbestos testing and design options.

Enjoy a Modern Space: Our team delivers a smooth, stunning ceiling.

Removing popcorn ceilings in your Toronto home is a smart way to modernize, improve safety, and boost property value. With potential asbestos risks and maintenance challenges, professional removal is essential. At Ace Build Contracting, our dust-free process, expert craftsmanship, and transparent pricing make the process seamless. Contact us today to transform your ceilings and elevate your home.