How much does professional painting cost?

Professional painting in Ottawa typically ranges from $2-4 per square foot for interior work and $3-6 per square foot for exterior painting, though final costs depend heavily on your specific project scope and home condition.

For interior painting, you can expect to pay $300-600 per average-sized room (12x12 feet) including materials and labor. This covers standard prep work like filling nail holes, light sanding, and one coat of primer plus two coats of quality paint. Whole-house interior projects typically run $3,000-8,000 for a 1,500-2,000 square foot home, depending on the number of rooms, ceiling height, and amount of trim work.

Exterior painting costs are generally higher due to weather exposure requirements and safety considerations. A typical Ottawa home exterior runs $4,000-12,000, with factors like siding material, home height, and prep work significantly affecting the price. Homes with cedar siding, extensive trim work, or multiple stories will be on the higher end. Preparation work often accounts for 60-70% of exterior painting costs, especially on older Ottawa homes where lead paint remediation or significant scraping may be required.

Ottawa-specific factors that affect pricing include our harsh freeze-thaw cycles, which create more exterior prep work, and the prevalence of heritage homes in neighborhoods like the Glebe and New Edinburgh that require specialized techniques. Many Ottawa painters are busiest from May through September, so booking early or scheduling off-season work can sometimes reduce costs by 10-15%.

What's typically included in professional quotes: surface preparation, primer, paint materials, labor, and cleanup. Additional costs might include moving furniture ($100-300), extensive patching or drywall repair ($200-800), or specialty finishes like textured walls or high-end paint products.

Professional guidance is essential for exterior work above single-story height due to safety requirements, and for any lead paint situations common in pre-1960 Ottawa homes. Interior work can sometimes be DIY-friendly for experienced homeowners, but professionals ensure proper surface prep, even coverage, and clean lines around trim work.

Next steps: Get 2-3 detailed written quotes that break down materials, labor, and prep work separately. Verify the contractor carries WSIB coverage and liability insurance, and ask to see recent local references. Quality painters book 4-8 weeks ahead during peak season, so plan accordingly for your timeline.