Plaster Ripple Effect on Ceiling

[Pauldmc]

I have recently purchased a house, the ceilings have a heavy plaster "ripple" effect that I'd like to get rid of, in addition it's a badly done job with the joints in the plaster boards clearly visible,
The only idea I could come up with would be to chip off the ripple and or sand it down and then get a plasterer in to smooth it over,
Would be grateful if anyone had a better idea ?, any products out there that make it easy to remove the plaster ?

 

[BoDon]

Probably be quicker, less messy and less expensive... ripping it down plasterboard as well and starting afresh. you don't know what the 'Artex' is hiding.!!!

 

[jbonding]

scrape back and overboard would be quicker get a price of afew plasterers.