Never Will I Ever Do That Again

[Calvin Jordan]

I have my first rental property and I am doing all the work myself this time. I am courious to know what are some of the jobs you did on your first property that you will never do again?

[Colin Simon]

Scraping popcorn ceilings sucked. 

I had a two week window to do it, so I didn't have time to get it tested for asbestos... so I just proceeded as if it had asbestos, got a P-100 respirator, face shield, tyvek suit...etc.

The popcorn had a layer of paint over it so I had to spray it with a vinegar/water mixture. Turned into a cottage cheese thing that gets everywhere and is just plain nasty.

I've honestly had easier days climbing El Capitan than a 21-hour day scraping popcorn on a 100F day. It sucked, but paying someone for asbestos protocols is hideously expensive because they can't cut corners that a homeowner might. Spend whatever it takes to get the correct respirator, prepare thoroughly, and clean up thoroughly(bought a new a shop vac just for this, with the special drywall dust bag and also a HEPA filter).