First things first, is this your trade? You sound like you have done this mutiple times before...
>>NO, I haven't and I doubt I ever will. I like to get things done fast so I can move on to the next step. Same with contractors.
I am concerned with coverage...Will 1 coat of 1" - 1 1/2" splots cover even the low lying areas on the ceiling?
>>Good luck. You should do the standard three coat mudding.
I am glad you told me this, I was intending to do only 1 if I was texturing figuring the spray on would cover any deficiency's.
>>Then I prime the whole thing with a good primer/sealer.
You prime every time on the texture? Even if the surface will be white? Do you use flat or eggshell for the average ceiling in a hallway for example?