I just received a quote for new trim including baseboards, door frames, and window frames for my 3,300 sq ft home (with a 1,200 sq ft basement that's just one big square). They quoted me $23,000 for basic flat white trim, which seems outrageous! For context, my parents who live in another state with the same size house just spent that much on new floors and trim. The quote came from someone we trust, but I can't help feeling like this price is a total scam. What's the normal cost for this type of work? How difficult would it be to tackle it as a DIY project?
5 Answers
Just a rough estimate, but for your house, you might have around 1,400 feet of trim total. So if you factor in $16.50 a foot, and if that's for hardwood—with all the finishing and touch-ups—maybe that price could seem reasonable. But honestly, you’d better ensure the job is done perfectly if you’re paying that much!
Honestly, I think trimming is a manageable DIY project. It's low skill but can be pretty time-consuming, which means you can spread it out over time. Plus, it's not too messy if you do your cuts and painting outside or in the garage. You'll definitely need a miter saw, but if you’ve got a friend who's got one, or can borrow it, just try doing one room first to see how comfortable you feel. By the way, why do you need new trim for the whole house? Is it purely aesthetics?
Definitely get at least three quotes to compare! That’ll give you a better picture. Also, are you sure about the type of wood? The going rate where I am is anywhere from $5 to $10 per foot installed, and that’s before you factor in the cost of the trim itself!
I think you should definitely consider going the DIY route! It’s straightforward, and you can take your time with it—you don't have to rush the entire project. YouTube is full of tutorials that can help you learn as you go. Grab a couple of essential tools, and you'll not only save money but also feel accomplished once it's done!
If your quote is for MDF, then that price seems way off, or they might be trying to avoid the job! My family did our basement trim last year, which was around 620 square feet, and we only spent about $390 on materials. Add in the costs for our tools, and even if you paid labor, you'd probably be under $10k. Trust me, installing MDF trim is quite doable for beginners! Just remember, use butt joints, not miter cuts.