Popcorn ceilings are often removed for appearance, but the first question in an older home is whether the texture should be tested before disturbance. The way it looks cannot confirm or rule out asbestos.
Before scraping starts
Tell the person planning the renovation when the ceiling may have been installed and whether it has been patched. A qualified professional can advise on appropriate sampling. EPA asbestos guidance cautions against unnecessary disturbance of suspect material.
If a test is positive
Removal is not automatically the only option. The condition of the material, the planned work, and applicable rules determine what can be done. If removal is selected, ask about the authorized contractor, isolation, disposal, and how the ceiling will be finished afterward. Connecticut's asbestos program provides state requirements. See popcorn ceiling abatement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I paint a textured ceiling instead?
That may be an option for an intact ceiling, but it does not answer the material question or make future disturbance harmless. Discuss the condition and planned work first.