“You will want to wet down and spray the ceiling with water to make the removal of the popcorn easier,” Krzyston says. “Don't soak it, though, as too much water could damage the Sheetrock that is underneath.” You'll want to work in small sections, otherwise, the areas will dry before you reach them.

Skim-coating a popcorn ceiling is the cheapest method for covering it. It doesn't require the removal of the popcorn texture, which is messy and potentially hazardous if the popcorn contains asbestos. This method requires three coats.

If you remove this ceiling dry, you will contaminate your home with asbestos and expose yourself and your family to potentially high concentrations of airborne asbestos fibers. These fibers may remain in your home indefinitely. It is recommended that three workers perform the job.

On average, it is $876 to $1,730 cheaper to cover popcorn ceilings versus having to remove them. For those with homes built before 1990 and dealing with asbestos knockdown ceilings, you can save thousands by covering them up.