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myArtex Removal Cost
At a Glance
- The average cost to remove artex is around £1,500.
- The job will take approximately 2 days (and up to 2 weeks) to complete.
- A complete pricing breakdown which includes what things you need to consider, along with what such a task usually involves.
- How long the job should approximately take and a general overview of what kind of jobs can be performed.
- How to find and hire a local artex removal specialist in the UK.
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Do you have Artex which you are looking to remove from your home?
In 2026, you should expect asbestos Artex removal costs to be around £1,500. This is an estimated price to remove it from a ceiling (where it's commonly found), but the exact cost you're quoted will depend on how much there is to remove.
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Continue reading our full guide below for everything you need to know.
£1,500
Table of Contents
How Much To Remove Asbestos Artex?
Artex is a decorative coating used on walls and ceilings in the UK, which allows decorators to make the ceilings of a home look textured.
Asbestos Artex is common within an original artex ceiling, often with other dangerous contaminants, but modern Artex is now asbestos-free and safe to install.
Some older homes which still have Artex have to get it removed when it starts cracking. In other cases, homeowners simply want to get artex removed so that they can create a more modern aesthetic.
For such reasons, some older homes will have to have Artex removed when refurbishing the home.
What is the safest, cheapest, and best way to cover over a bathroom that is wall to wall artex (around 30 years old house) so that I can either tile, paint or cover it with something else?
"You can scrape it off using wallpaper steamer and scraper if it does not have asbestos. If you're unsure if your artex contains asbestos, I 100% recommended trying to find out before you even touch it.
You can also skin over artex with plaster to give a smooth surface to paint or tile onto."
You can also skin over artex with plaster to give a smooth surface to paint or tile onto."
In some instances, you can simply apply a coat or sealant if it's found there is no asbestos present. In these instances, a coating will usually run anywhere from £150 to £250 for smaller roofs/ceilings in a home.
Whether it is ultimately removal or simply covering up the Artex in the home, it is important to hire the right professionals for the job.
Before attempting a DIY sealing job consider a few of the aspects below in order to help you find the best-licensed professionals and those who truly understand the dangers of Artex and asbestos removal.
I don’t like the Artex ceiling in the house I've bought, so looking to create smooth Ceiling walls in the whole house. Can you suggest the best solution for it that does not cost too much?
"You're looking at £10 per metre square to do this job, so you can calculate and know how much you are going to pay."
Artex Removal Prices
| Job Description | Duration | Material Cost | Labour Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asbestos Sample Survey | 1 Day | N/A | £200 – £250 |
| Artex Removal | 1 – 5 Days | £250 – £500 | £200 – £300 per day (per labourer) |
| Artex Sealing/Coating | 4 – 8 hours | £150 - £250 | £150 – £250 per day (per labourer) |
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Artex Removal: Important Considerations
- Artex can be hazardous if it contains asbestos and fibres are inhaled.
- You should consider removal if asbestos is a substance that is present in the home.
- When hiring a contractor, make sure you understand what they are doing. In some instances, if the material is not toxic/dangerous, they might suggest encapsulation or overboarding to minimise disruption. This is not only going to take less time but will cost you far less money as well.
- In the event removal has to be performed, you should consider the duration of the job, which rooms it's in, if you should do the entire home, and additional labour and costs.
- Due to the nature of this work you might have to leave the home for several days at a time. Also, account for this and budget accordingly as you decide who to hire for these service needs.
- If asbestos has been disturbed, specialist decontamination and controlled waste handling may be required.
Can You Remove Artex Yourself?
Disturbing Artex can be dangerous, especially if it contains asbestos fibres. For such reasons, this is not the type of job you want to do as a DIY project.
However, if you have received a quote and have confirmation the ceiling isn't toxic, rather than replacing a ceiling, you may wish to simply coat over it instead - although this still takes time.
So, in these instances, make sure you consider artex removal cost compared to decorating costs, the duration needed, along with the scope and how much of the work you can realistically carry out yourself.
Are hairline cracks in an artex ceiling something to be concerned about. They have, apparently been there for years and would polyfilla work?
"No, filler will not work as they will open open up again over time and you can’t im state the artex pattern so would look dreadful. A new coat of multi finish would do the job you need. You would lose the artex pattern but would have a new fresh flat ceiling. Needs to be mmore plaster primed before by who ever did it then a super mix on for first coat and two coats of multi finish plaster after this."
Apart from this, it is best to hire a licensed professional. A company that is familiar with Artex, asbestos, contamination, and the dangers surrounding it. Not only do they complete the work quickly but they do so safely and do so for the most affordable pricing for homeowners.
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Building Regulations & Planning Permission when Removing Artex
When you decide to remove artex, there aren't usually any planning permission required as it usually comes under a cosmetic change that won't impact the external look of a property. However, you still need to proceed with caution, especially in the event there are asbestos materials involved.
There are some exceptions to the rule, as listed properties or those in a conservation area may need permission from the local council. If the artex contains asbestos, there are further considerations that also need to be considered.
As for building regulations, these generally don't apply unless the removal impacts the overall structure of the property or any additional work is to be carried out at the same time.
If you're ever unsure or need to understand asbestos regulations when working with original artex, then it is best to check with your local council or contact a professional for further advice.
What’s Involved in Artex Removal
When hiring a suitable tradesmen, what's included within the artex removal cost should already have been agreed ahead of the work being carried out.
If you're tempted to remove artex by yourself, it usually isn't recommended as DIY job. This is especially true if asbestos artex removal is required, whereby asbestos materials should only be handled by someone officially qualified to do so. Not only is this a legal requirement in the UK, but potentially inhaling asbestos fibres poses a significant health risk, whereas a professional tradesmen will take the appropriate precautions to help avoid any issues.
By hiring someone that specialises in artex removal, you can ensure the work is carried out properly, especially when it comes to asbestos artex. Here at MyJobbQuote, we can put you in touch with local plasterers and renderers who are specialised in artex removal and can also plaster a ceiling afterwards.
Always try and get at least three separate quotes for the work, without any obligation to go ahead, and remember to check your chosen tradesmen are legally qualified to remove asbestos artex and to dispose of any hazardous waste.
Here’s a broad look at what's involved in the artex removal process:
Before the Job Starts
- Initial Asbestos Survey — An artex removal specialist will first inspect area to check the condition of the artex and carry out an asbestos survey to determine if the artex contains asbestos (as this may add to the overall artex removal cost).
- Planning and Safety Preparation — They can then plan the removal process, including organising safety gear and any hazardous waste removal, and arranging a convenient time to carry out the work.
During the Job
- Preparation — Before the removal process begins, the room is prepared to help prevent any artex or asbestos fibres from spreading. This often includes steps such as covering furniture in dust sheets and temporarily sealing doors.
- Removal Begins — Providing the artex doesn't contain asbestos, tradesmen often use a wetting technique to soften the coating and then scrape it away. However, to remove artex that potentially contains asbestos, this needs to be done under a controlled environment.
After the Job
- Finishing Touches — In order to acheive a smooth surface, which may involve needing to plaster skim a wall or ceiling, adding a textured coating, covering with plasterboard or by adding ceiling panelling
- Waste Removal — The removal cost should automatically include at least a basic tidy-up, but any hazardous waste needs to be done so responsibly and in accordance to asbestos regulations to avoid any asbestos fibres from spreading.
Hiring Artex Removal Specialists Checklist
Consider the following points when hiring someone that specialises in artex removal
- Are they specialists? Look for a licensed asbestos removal contractor who specialises in artex ceiling removal, and is therefore used to working with asbestos artex removal, asbestos fibres and artex ceiling removal in general.
- Are they fully qualified? Ask for UKATA/IATP certificates for Cat A Asbestos Awareness and Cat B Non-Licensed Work (NNLW) to ensure they are qualified specifically for asbestos artex removal.
- Do they have insurance? Ensure they are fully insured. Look for Public Liability insurance, Employers' Liability insurance, Environmental Liability, and Contractors' All Risks insurance.
- Do they have positive reviews? Check for online reviews via their MyJobQuote profile and see what other homeowners have to say, or ask friends and family for recommendations.
- Have you received more than one quote? It's always advisable to seek at least three quotes when hiring any tradesmen. With the help of MyJobQuote we can help find local contractors to provide an artex removal cost for your property.
- What's included? Ask for an itemised quote to find out what's included within the artex removal cost. Check their aren't any hidden costs, such as if your ceiling contains asbestos or if hazardous waste removal is required.
- Do they offer a guarantee? Hire companies which will provide a guarantee of their work, including the duration and scope of services rendered.
FAQs
Is Artex work licensed asbestos work or Notifiable Non-Licensed Work?
Most asbestos Artex removal jobs are non-licensed when done with the right controls. Some tasks become notifiable non-licensed work if the area or duration tips over certain thresholds, or if the coating is in poor condition. Ask the contractor which category applies and make sure their quote spells out the method, controls, and waste route.
Is it safe to drill or screw into an Artex ceiling?
If you haven’t already had an asbestos survey, then drilling into an original artex ceiling poses potential health risks in the event it contains asbestos. However, if testing shows no asbestos and you decide to go ahead, you should still use dust-control methods and seal any edges.
What should I do after accidental damage or a ceiling collapse?
You should stop the work immediately and keep everyone out, avoid sweeping or using a domestic vacuum. Close the room off and speak to a competent contractor who can arrange sampling and safe disposal. If any of your soft furnishings were affected, ask about specialist cleaning or removal.
How do I dispose of asbestos artex or hazardous waste safely?
You need to properly bag asbestos and clearly label it. You should then use a licensed carrier or a council site that accepts asbestos waste. When you hire a contractor, disposal costs and paperwork should be included in their quote.
Should I use a DIY asbestos test kit or professional survey?
If you're checking one small area that hasn't been disturbed, then a DIY kit sent to a UKAS-accredited lab is fine. However, if you a planning a refurbishment and have several rooms to assess, or the coating is damaged, you should book a professional asbestos survey. You’ll get proper sampling and a clear report with practical next steps so you can plan the job safely.
