A new house is a clean slate, but the paint that comes with it is usually chosen for speed and cost. Plenty of new owners are ready for their own colours and a tougher finish within a few years.
- New lumber and drywall move in the first years
- Cracks and nail pops should be repaired first
- Builder paint is often flat and scuffs easily
- A first repaint is a good time to change finish
- Tall entries and big windows need planning
Why new homes need time
Framing lumber dries and moves after a house is built, and drywall joints can show it. Hairline cracks at the corners of windows and doors, and small nail pops, are common in the first couple of years. Repainting too soon means painting over problems that may reappear.
Builder paint
Paint chosen for a builder’s schedule is often a flat finish in a neutral colour. Flat paint hides surface flaws, but it marks easily and doesn’t wipe clean. That’s why walls near stairs and in kids’ rooms can look tired surprisingly soon.
Choosing a better finish
A first repaint is a good time to choose eggshell or satin for walls, which wipe clean far better, and semi-gloss for trim. Our guide to paint finishes explains how to choose by room.
Open plans, tall walls and big windows
New houses often have two-storey entries, tall living rooms and large windows. Tall walls need extra equipment and time, and strong window light shows every roller mark and patch, so the prep and the finish matter more.
Planning the job
Walk the house and note scuffs, cracks and nail pops, then decide on colours and finishes before asking for quotes. You can price the rooms with our instant estimate, and we confirm the price in person, including ceiling heights.
Quick questions
Should I touch up cracks myself?
Small hairline cracks can be filled and painted over, but ask a painter to look if you see cracks that keep reopening, since they can point to a bigger issue.
Can I change the colour right away?
Yes, if you’re ready. If you want the cracks to show first, wait. Either way, a first repaint is a good time to change the finish.
Thinking of your first repaint? Price your rooms online and tell us about tall entries when we visit.
