How much do contractors charge for trim painting in Ottawa?

Trim painting in Ottawa typically runs $1.50–$4.00 per linear foot, or $300–$900+ for an average home's interior trim, depending on the scope and condition of the surfaces.

The wide range comes down to a few key factors. A home with simple baseboard and door casings in good condition will sit at the lower end, while homes with detailed crown moulding, multiple coats required, extensive prep work (filling nail holes, caulking gaps, sanding), or older paint in poor condition will push costs higher. Most contractors price trim painting either by linear foot, by the day, or as a flat project rate — so it's worth asking how your quote is structured.

For a typical Ottawa home, here's a rough breakdown of what to expect:

• Small condo or apartment (limited trim, 1–2 rooms): $200–$450
• Average semi-detached or townhouse: $400–$750
• Full detached home with crown moulding and detailed trim: $800–$2,000+

Labour is the dominant cost here. Skilled painters in Ottawa generally charge $45–$75/hour, and trim work is time-intensive — cutting in clean lines on baseboards, doors, and window casings takes significantly longer than rolling walls. If you're having walls painted at the same time, many painters will bundle trim at a reduced per-foot rate, which is often the best value.

Material costs are usually extra unless specified in your quote. A quality trim paint (Benjamin Moore Advance or Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane are popular choices for their hard, durable finish) runs $60–$90 per gallon, and an average home typically needs 1–2 gallons for trim. Always confirm whether your quote is labour-only or includes materials.

Prep work is where the real cost variation lives. If your trim has peeling paint, multiple old layers, or was previously painted with oil-based paint (common in Ottawa's older homes in areas like the Glebe, Sandy Hill, or Centretown), additional prep time and potentially a bonding primer will be needed. This can add $100–$300 to a project. Some painters will also caulk all trim joints as part of the job — a detail worth confirming upfront, as it makes a significant difference in the final look.

Trim painting is one of the few painting tasks where hiring a professional is strongly worth considering over DIY, even for handy homeowners. The difference between a clean, professional cut line and a wavy amateur one is very visible, and trim is one of the first things people notice in a room. That said, if you're comfortable with a steady hand and patient prep work, it's a project that doesn't carry any safety or permit concerns.

Next steps: Get 2–3 quotes from painters who will come see the space in person — trim painting is hard to quote accurately over the phone without knowing the linear footage and condition. Ask specifically what prep work is included, whether caulking is part of the job, and whether materials are included. You can find verified painters in the Ottawa Construction Network contractor directory to get started.