We're getting ready to scrape the popcorn ceilings off in our new house. I'd like to leave them smooth, but if we find it looks bad the plan is to thin down joint compound with water to pancake batter consistency and apply a skim coat with a paint roller, hoping that will hide any imperfections.

Right now in my area, builders are not putting a texture on the ceilings. I have removed my textured ceilings as money permits simply because it is hard to keep looking clean, especially in the bathrooms.

When you scraped off the popcorn, was the ceiling completely smooth? If it is, I would probably leave it without texture... but simply for the reason that it would be one less step, LOL.

It just depends on what you want to spend money on. To get the ceiling smooth enough to look good will require extra time and a Flat or Eggshell paint to hide the wavy ceiling and imperfections. A light knock-down also requires some extra elbow grease after they get done. A quick pole sanding makes all the difference when it comes to cleaning. Otherwise it is a tiny bit rough, just enough to snag loose towel fibers. You can usually use a semi-gloss on a textured ceiling.