Cost to Replace Ceiling in a Small Room and Budget Tips

This article is written for those wanting to know how much does it cost to replace ceiling in a small room or seeking tips to reduce ceiling replacement expenses.

Do you know the average cost of replacing a ceiling? For a small room, staying within budget can be challenging, so many people aim to minimise costs.

In this article, we’ll explain the typical cost of replacing a ceiling in a small room. We’ll also share practical tips to help reduce the expense, so feel free to use this as a helpful reference.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace Ceiling Wallpaper in a Small Room?

Replacing the ceiling wallpaper in a small room in Australia can vary in cost depending on the materials used and the complexity of the job. Here’s a breakdown of typical costs:

Ceiling Replacement Costs:

• Basic Materials (e.g. plasterboard): Typically range from $70 to $130 per square metre.
• Premium Materials (e.g. printed plywood or natural wood veneer): Prices range from $120 to $400 per square metre, with solid wood options costing between $200 and $620 per square metre.

Cost per Room:
For a standard small room (approximately 4m x 4m), the total cost to replace the ceiling can range from $1,500 to $2,500, depending on the material chosen and any additional work required, such as insulation or structural repairs.

Raising the Ceiling Height:
If you’re looking to raise the ceiling height as part of the renovation, expect additional costs. Raising the ceiling for a small room can cost between $1,500 and $3,000.

Keep in mind that costs can vary based on your location, the contractor you choose, and the quality of materials. It’s advisable to get multiple quotes to ensure you’re getting the best price for your project.

Timing for Replacing the Ceiling in a Small Room

Over time, ceilings can become discoloured due to dirt, cigarette smoke, or sun damage caused by reflection. The ceiling may also sag if fastenings in the ceiling materials have loosened. If you notice any of these changes, it could be time to replace your ceiling.

Additionally, if you see any leaks or water stains, it may be time to replace your ceiling as well. It’s possible that damage to the attic due to a leak may be progressing unnoticed, so replacing the ceiling also gives you a chance to inspect the attic.

However, make sure to fix the leak before replacing the ceiling. It’s essential to hire a professional to repair the leak first. If you replace the ceiling without fully repairing the leak, rain stains may appear again, and the replacement will end up being a waste of time.

Leaks can only occur under certain conditions, such as specific rainfall amounts, wind speed, and direction. Even if the leak isn’t completely fixed, it may not occur again for several months. In any case, we recommend getting in touch with a ceiling repair service.

3 Tips to Reduce the Cost of Replacing the Ceiling in a Small Room

Three Tips to Reduce the Cost of Replacing the Ceiling in a Small Room

• Affordable Materials
• Get Competitive Quotes
• DIY (Do It Yourself)

We’ll go into more detail on each of these tips in the following sections.

1. Affordable Materials

The first step to keeping the cost of replacing your ceiling down is to use affordable materials.

The cost of replacing a ceiling is generally divided into three parts: the cost of materials, the cost of labour, and the cost of disposing of waste materials. Material costs make up a significant portion of the overall expense.

As mentioned earlier, replacing the ceiling in a room with solid wood or other high-end materials can be quite expensive. If you want to keep costs down, we recommend opting for more affordable materials.

2. Get Competitive Quotes

The key to reducing the cost of replacing your ceiling is to obtain multiple quotes.

By comparing quotes, you can get a better sense of the market price, and having quotes from different companies can sometimes encourage them to offer a more competitive price.

Additionally, gathering multiple quotes gives you the opportunity to choose a reliable contractor who suits your needs. It also provides insight into the contractor’s expertise and services.

3. DIY (Do It Yourself)

If you’re able to do some of the work yourself, it can significantly reduce the cost of replacing your ceiling.

DIY projects can definitely save you money, but they require skill and experience to ensure the job is done right. If you don’t have the necessary DIY skills, achieving a satisfactory result can be challenging. For example, when replacing wallpaper, it’s easy for it to wrinkle or bubble if not applied correctly.

Similarly, replacing ceiling panels is a complex task, so we wouldn’t recommend attempting it on your own.

Can I Use Fire Insurance to Replace the Ceiling in a Small Room?

It may be possible to use insurance to cover the cost of replacing your ceiling, depending on the circumstances.

If damage occurs due to a natural disaster such as a storm, hail, or heavy rain, your insurance may apply. Specifically, if a natural disaster causes damage to the exterior of the building, such as the roof or walls, it is likely to be covered by insurance.

If the damage leads to a leak in the ceiling and causes water stains, insurance might cover the cost of repairs.

However, if the damage is caused by general wear and tear or the natural ageing of the building, it will be more difficult to claim for ceiling replacement under insurance.

Replacing the Ceiling May Require Structural Work

Replacing a ceiling typically involves demolition work.

If you’re replacing the wallpaper, the existing wallpaper will need to be removed first. Similarly, when replacing the ceiling, the old ceiling material must be taken down.

If there’s insulation in the ceiling, it may fall when the old ceiling material is removed, so it will need to be replaced during the installation of the new ceiling. During the demolition, the room will be off-limits.

Additionally, there will likely be dust in the room, so it’s important to cover the floors and furniture in advance to protect them. Be prepared for noise as well, as demolition can generate significant sound.

[Summary] Replacing the Ceiling in a Small Room Can Be Quite Expensive

Even for a small room, replacing the ceiling wallpaper can cost between $1,500 and $2,500, depending on the materials used and the complexity of the job. The cost for replacing plasterboard typically ranges from $70 to $130 per square metre. For more premium materials, such as printed plywood or natural wood veneer, prices range from $120 to $400 per square metre, while solid wood options can cost between $200 and $620 per square metre.

If you’re considering raising the ceiling height as part of the renovation, additional costs should be expected. Raising the ceiling for a small room can cost between $1,500 and $3,000.

The overall cost of replacing ceiling materials can vary greatly, from approximately $1,500 to $5,100, depending on the material chosen and any additional work required, such as insulation or structural repairs.

To keep costs down, consider using more affordable materials and obtain multiple quotes from different contractors to ensure you’re getting the best value.

If your ceiling needs to be replaced due to a leak, we recommend hiring a ceiling repair specialist company to first investigate and thoroughly fix the leak before proceeding with the ceiling replacement.