How to Calculate Baseboard and Trim Painting Costs for Your Home

cost to paint baseboards in your house
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Chris Heerdegen
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What type of property are you in?
Condo / Apt
Townhome
House
What is the approximate square footage of your property?
500 - 800
801 - 1300
1301 - 2000
2000 - 3000
Is this interior or exterior?
Interior
Exterior
How many levels?
1
2
3
Walls are assumed, do you want baseboards and door casings?
Yes
No
Yes and they are currently wood stain
Are we painting ceilings?
Yes
No
How many windows casings do you want painted?
None
5 - 8
9 - 15
16 - 25
How many doors?
1 - 3
4 - 8
9 - 16
None
Prep work
Basic - nail hole and screw holes
Advanced - Cracks, seams coming apart or small fist sized patches
Complex - significant drywall cutout and replacing
Lastly, are we doing:
Your whole unit
Roughly half your unit
Roughly a quarter of your unit
Are we doing?
Your whole house?
Only Siding?
Only Trim?
How many stories tall?
1
1.5
2
2.5+
What does the ground look like around your property?
Flat ground
Some slightly angled ground
Aggressive angle
What does your roof line look like?
No tiered roofing
Some roofing tiers
Multi tiered roofing
Are we doing?
Your full house
Half your house
One side of your house
Include or exclude doors?
Exclude
Include
Lastly, is your house
Victorian / Historic
English Tudor style
Multiple colors for trim and / or siding
None of these
Prep work
Light flaking, caulking
Medium peeling
Heavy peeling/rotted wood
Your Quick Estimate is:
 
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Calculating the Cost to Paint Baseboards and Trim in a House

Painting your baseboards and trim is an easy way to give your house an instant facelift. Before you can begin, however, you need to know how much it’s going to cost. In this post, we’ll walk you through the steps of calculating the cost of painting your baseboards and trim, so that you can plan accordingly.

Paint Quality & Quantity

The first thing to consider when estimating the cost of painting your baseboards and trim is the quality of paint that you plan on using. High-quality paints will cost more upfront than lower-quality paints, but they are often less expensive in the long run because they last longer and require fewer coats. If you plan on using a high-quality paint, be sure to factor that into your overall budget.

You’ll also need to figure out how much paint you’ll need for the job. Generally speaking, one gallon of paint will cover approximately 350 square feet with one coat. However, this number may vary depending on factors such as the type of surface (wood vs plaster) and color (lighter colors may require more coats). You should also factor in any additional supplies such as brushes, rollers and painter’s tape that will be needed for the job.

cost to paint baseboards in your house

Labor Costs

If you decide to hire a professional painter for your project, labor costs will be a major factor in determining your total cost. Professional painters usually charge by the hour or by area covered; if they charge by area covered, it’s important to get an accurate assessment of how large each area is so that you don’t pay more than necessary. Additionally, some painters may offer discounts if they are able to do multiple rooms at once or if they are doing a larger project such as painting an entire house. Keep these details in mind when deciding whether or not it makes sense for you to hire a professional painter for your project or tackle it yourself.

Size Matters

One of the most important factors when calculating the cost of painting baseboards and trim is size. The larger your space, the more paint you’ll need to purchase, which will increase the total cost. To get an accurate estimate of how much paint you need for each room in your home, measure both the length and width of each wall before dividing by 350 square feet, which is roughly how much one gallon of paint will cover. Once you have determined how many gallons of paint are needed for each room, you can move on to other pricing considerations.

Quality Counts

The quality of paint makes a difference when calculating costs as well. If you buy higher-end paint, you may end up paying more than if you choose something less expensive. However, higher quality paints tend to last longer, so keep that in mind when making your decision. Additionally, if there is any existing damage or peeling on the walls or trim that needs to be fixed before painting begins, this could also affect the total cost of your project as additional materials may need to be purchased for repairs.

Conclusion:                  

Painting baseboards and exterior and interior trim can dramatically transform any house into something truly special—but not without its associated costs. Understanding these costs ahead of time is key so that there are no surprises down the line when it comes time for payment. By taking into account factors like square footage being painted; condition/type of walls; number/type of coats needed; labor costs; plus 10-20% for unforeseen expenses—you can be sure that you’re getting an accurate estimate for how much it will cost for painting baseboards and trim in your home. Good luck!

FAQs

Best time to paint exterior trim

The best time for painting exterior trim is in the late spring or early summer when temperatures are warm and humidity is low. This will ensure that your paint dries quickly and properly.

Is it worth painting interior trim?

Yes, it is worth painting interior trim. Painting your interior trim can add a touch of elegance to any room and can give it a polished and finished look. In addition, painting your trim is an inexpensive way to update the appearance of the room without taking on expensive remodeling projects.

How to paint interior trim

To prepare interior trim for painting, you should remove any hardware such as switches, outlets, doorknobs, etc., and then clean the surface you are going to paint with a rag and soapy water. Once dry, use sandpaper to lightly sand the surface before applying primer. After the primer has dried (allow at least an hour), apply two coats of high-quality latex paint with a brush or roller.

How to paint exterior window trim

To paint exterior trim, first remove any hardware such as window latches and locks. Then use a rag and soapy water to clean the surface. Once dry, apply primer to the trim. After the primer has dried (allow at least an hour), apply two coats of exterior latex paint with a brush or roller. Allow each coat of paint to dry completely before applying the second coat.

How to choose Interior or exterior paint

When choosing between interior or exterior paint for your trim, consider where it will be used. For example, if it’s going to be exposed to direct sunlight or moisture frequently, choose an exterior paint that is specifically designed for those conditions. If it will be indoors and not exposed to the elements, then an interior paint will work just fine.

How much does it cost to paint baseboards?

The cost of painting baseboards typically depends on the size of the space and the complexity of the job. The estimated cost can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars to $2,000 or more. 

How much should I pay to have baseboards painted?

The amount you pay will depend on how large your space is, how much detail there is to be done, and who you hire for the job. Generally speaking, professional painters charge an average of about $4 per linear foot for baseboard painting. 

Is it worth repainting baseboards?

It is definitely worth repainting your baseboards if they are looking dull or outdated. A fresh coat of paint can add a nice finishing touch to any room in your home. Plus, it’s an easy way to update a room without having to invest too much money. 

How long does it take to paint baseboards?

The amount of time it takes to paint baseboards will vary depending on the size of the project and the amount of detail work involved. Generally speaking, most professional painters can complete a standard-sized project within 3-4 hours.