The scraping and painting test performed by Linda in the old office area clearly showed that the end product is greatly sub-par. Therefore, we decided to tear down all ceilings (except in the old office and the laundry room / pantry).

Like the dining room, there are wiring changes that need to be made in the living room ceiling. Therefore, the ceiling must come down. It's actually much less effort (and probably less costly) than scraping ceiling and covering it with new drywall. And the end product will be new and look great.

It's also an opportunity to inspect the area above the ceiling which, as you'll see, proved to be beneficial.