The Importance of Settling Time Paint: Newly plastered walls can take several weeks to dry out completely. Painting over damp plaster can lead to bubbles or peeling paint.
Wait a few months before painting or wallpapering new build walls to allow the property to dry out and settle. Painting or wallpapering too soon can result in issues like peeling paint or bubbling wallpaper.
Reasons to Hold Off on Painting Your New Build Home
Warranty Concerns: Some warranties for newly built houses could be compromised by significant alterations such as painting—always check homeowner agreements before starting any major work that could void coverage.
The reason builders insist on using flat wall paint is it's a way for them to cut corners, significantly. They don't have to do a higher level of drywall finishing, and flat wall paint can be touched up without having to repaint a wall corner to corner during building.
It's very normal for a few small cracks to appear in the walls and timberwork during this period; for this reason, new home builders advise waiting a while (around 6-12 months) before painting or wallpapering, at which time any cracks can be rectified.
New home.
For example, we recommend the use of breathable paint, such as a contract matt emulsion, as the new plaster dries out during the initial few months. Or why not have a word with our specification team about the products you should use to avoid the yellowing often associated with new build environments.
Although both matte and eggshell paints are durable, eggshell finishes tend to be the more durable and washable of the two options. If you're looking for paint that can withstand more frequent washing and minor stains, eggshell paint is the better choice.
Builder's Beige is the generic colour that most new homes come with. It usually is the colour that a builder uses for an entire subdivision of homes. These colours may actually have sophisticated sounding names but they are just different shades of builder's beige.
A new house can take about a year to settle. If you live in a climate that has four distinct seasons, the house will need to experience and adjust to each season before it truly settles completely. Kurt says, “A house really is a living organism. I mean, it's no different than anything else.
You can void a builder warranty by: Ignoring the required maintenance needed on items. Completing repairs on your own and doing more damage. Attempting to replace a defective item or system without making a claim.
All structural alterations require building regulations approval. Internal structural alterations are changes to any part of the building that provides support to something else above it. Structural alterations may include removal of chimney breasts or knocking down load-bearing walls.
Some walls, in new houses, are not as sturdy as you may think – with the weight of the TV and the bracket, it's best to attach them to a solid construction rather than a stud wall. You also need to check that there are no electrical wires hiding in the walls before you start drilling.
The average cost to paint a house interior in 2023 ranges from $967 to $3,041, according to HomeAdvisor. The national average is $1,985, including the walls, trim and ceilings. The cost varies most by square footage and type of paint, but you can expect to pay around $2 – $6 per square foot for materials and labor.
You don't usually need planning permission to remove internal walls, but you'll likely need buildings regulations approval to alter a structural wall. In this case, you'll need to get a structural engineer to examine the property and give a report before building can proceed.
Poor quality of some trades, like drywall contractors, or framers, can make imperfections pop out if there is a sheen in the paint. Using flat paint keeps imperfections from being so noticeable.
Color Considerations
We all know that lighter colors emphasize imperfections while darker colors hide them. This also has to do with light and reflection. Lighter colors reflect more light while darker shades absorb it.
Avoid using eggshell paint in high-contact, high-traffic areas such as door and window trim, baseboards, cabinetry, and doors. It's best to use semi-gloss paint in these areas.
Newly built houses, despite being ready to live in, often need some time to "settle." This settling period allows the construction materials, particularly those in the walls and ceilings, to adapt to the environment, which can affect how the walls absorb paint or how wallpaper adheres.
Sellers would paint almost every room white to present an open, non-distracting space with the idea that buyers would paint over the walls with colors of their choice. However, many buyers kept the white walls, and they became a neutral option that made rooms seem brighter.
Sometimes it's best to wait a few months to try and uncover any hidden problems. Additionally, before you drill into your new walls, make sure you know what's behind them. You don't want to puncture a cable or damage any electrical work you can't see.
Waiting Is Worthwhile
While it might be tempting to start hammering nails into walls to hang pictures or shelves immediately, waiting until after the drying period can prevent damage such as cracking or bubbling paint. This patience preserves the aesthetic quality of the walls, so it's worth the wait.
According to The Paint Quarterly Institute, most latex paints shouldn't be applied when the air temperature gets below 35°F to 50°F. There are a few reasons for this: The paint takes longer to dry. Wet paint, as a result, is more vulnerable to collecting dirt, insects and pollen.
After the paint is dry and countertops are set, the finish outs get installed. The plumbing fixtures, electrical fixtures, final flooring, and a whole bunch of other interior items get installed. During this time, flatwork, landscaping, and sod is also installed.