By the Maple Coat Painting team · Updated
Painting before you sell your Ottawa home
When you're selling, paint is about removing reasons to say no: scuffs, nail holes, the purple bedroom. You don't need every surface done. You need the right rooms done cleanly, at a price you know before you call the agent back.
What to paint first
- Rooms in the listing photos. Ask your agent which ones.
- Bold or dark walls. A neutral backdrop helps buyers picture their own things.
- Marked walls. Hallways, stairways and kids' rooms.
- Trim in older homes. Yellowed baseboards and casings can make a room look tired even when the walls are fine.
Neutral, simple, done
Walls-only prices include four stock whites, the simplest choice for a listing. A big colour change adds a colour-change charge, shown as its own line on your quote if it applies ($95 / $125 / $155 by room size), or choose the $85 premium paint upgrade, which removes that charge and opens any colour.
Moved out already?
Empty-home prices are lower:
| Room size | Lived-in | Empty home |
|---|---|---|
| Small (office, laundry room, or a bedroom you choose as small) | $795 | $715 |
| Medium (bedroom, dining room, kitchen) | $1,035 | $930 |
| Large (living room, open main area) | $1,270 | $1,145 |
Each lived-in room after the first is $665 / $905 / $1,140.
Things to know
- We paint interior rooms only; exterior, decks and fences aren't part of our service.
- Holes bigger than a loonie and water damage aren't part of the standard service, so fix them or mention them first.
- Homes built before 1960 get a lead paint check before any sanding.
Once we've checked your photos, your price is locked. After you book, it never goes up unless you ask for more work or the crew finds hidden damage, and then you can say no and keep the original scope at the original price.
Get your price before you list
Price my pre-listing paint job →
Related: whole-house cost, dark-to-light colour change, preparing a room.
Questions from Ottawa homeowners
Which rooms should I paint before listing?
Start with the rooms buyers see first and the ones with marks or bold colours: the entry, main living area, kitchen and primary bedroom. Ask your agent which rooms will be photographed.
Is it cheaper if we've already moved out?
Yes. Empty-home prices are $715 / $930 / $1,145 by room size.
Can you cover a dark feature wall?
Yes. A big colour change is $95 / $125 / $155, removed by the $85 premium paint upgrade.
Do I need to be present?
No, as long as the crew has access between 8 AM and 6 PM on the scheduled day.
What if I change my mind after booking?
Cancel 48 hours or more before the start and the deposit is refunded in full; see our cancellation policy for the rest.
Ready for a price on your Ottawa rooms?