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Paint Home Repair

Removing baseboards to cut costs?

5 years ago

Hi there,

I'm embarking on an interior repainting project for my condo, and I'm planning to hire contractors to do most of the work. As part of the project, I'd like my baseboards replaced.

I'm trying to decide if I should just remove them on my own to cut costs (and leave it up to them to install new ones), but I'm getting results like this (see pict) so it looks like there will need to be some drywall repair done.

Do you think it's worth the trouble for me to remove the baseboards given the need to have them repair the drywall later? I could also consider repairing the drywall myself...Thoughts?

Thanks!

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Comments (3)

bossyvossy
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
If new baseboards are taller, workers wouldn’t repair, they'd just install new ones right on top.

as for removing, I would have covered that when negotiating contract. Now might be too late and they’ll charge the same wherher you or they do removal. Then again, it never hurts to ask. You’d also need to be specific— will you remove and dispose? Or remove only. Typically removal alone would have little value to them.
Paul
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks bossyvossy. Yeah I'd remove and dispose. And I haven't finalized on a contractor yet, so I could definitely bring it up during the negotiation process. Just wasn't sure how much of a discount I could generally ask for.
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bossyvossy
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
If you have DIY inclinations, you could buy spackle and repair the damage. I find that when one removes baseboard slowly there is much less chance of damage.

eta: I help DH with removal and I’ve found these tools help me to be gentle in the process. Cheap and available at HD, harbor freight, etc

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