If you've bought a new-build home in Exeter's Heavitree, new developments, or any of the city's expanding residential areas, you might have noticed issues with the paintwork sooner than expected. This isn't uncommon—developer finishes are often done quickly and to a budget, not to professional standards. Here's what goes wrong with new-build paintwork and how professional decorators fix it properly. Our domestic decorating services in Exeter specialise in fixing these common issues.
Common Problems with Exeter New-Build Paintwork
Poor Surface Preparation
The most common issue with developer paintwork is inadequate preparation:
- •Unfilled nail holes and imperfections
- •Rough plaster not properly sanded
- •Dust and debris left on surfaces
- •No primer on bare plaster or wood
- •Paint applied over dirty or greasy surfaces
Low-Quality Paint
Developers often use budget paint to keep costs down:
- •Thin coverage requiring multiple coats
- •Poor durability and washability
- •Colour fading quickly
- •Inadequate protection for high-traffic areas
- •Not suitable for specific room requirements (bathrooms, kitchens)
Rushed Application
- •Paint applied too thickly (drips and runs)
- •Paint applied too thinly (patchy coverage)
- •Insufficient drying time between coats
- •Brush marks and roller streaks visible
- •Cutting-in not done properly (uneven edges)
Inappropriate Paint for Room Type
- •Standard emulsion in bathrooms (needs moisture-resistant)
- •Wrong finish for kitchens (needs wipeable)
- •No anti-mould paint where needed
- •Inadequate protection for high-traffic areas
How Professional Decorators Fix New-Build Paintwork
Proper Surface Preparation
Professional decorators start with thorough preparation:
- •Complete surface inspection: Identify all imperfections
- •Filling and sanding: Smooth all surfaces properly
- •Cleaning: Remove all dust, grease, and contaminants
- •Priming: Apply appropriate primer to bare surfaces
- •Masking: Protect areas not being painted
Quality Paint Selection
Professionals use trade-quality paint:
- •Dulux Trade or Crown Trade: Professional-grade durability
- •Appropriate finishes: Matt for living areas, satin for kitchens/bathrooms
- •Moisture-resistant: For bathrooms and damp-prone areas
- •Washable: For high-traffic and family areas
- •Long-lasting: 10-15 year lifespan vs 2-3 years for budget paint
Professional Application Techniques
- •Correct paint thickness: Applied evenly, not too thick or thin
- •Proper cutting-in: Clean, straight edges with brush work
- •Roller technique: Consistent texture, no streaks
- •Multiple coats: As many as needed for perfect coverage
- •Adequate drying: Proper time between coats for best results
Room-Specific Solutions for Exeter New-Builds
Kitchens
- •Problem: Standard emulsion that marks easily
- •Solution: Wipeable satin or eggshell finish
- •Additional: Grease-resistant paint for areas near cooking
- •Professional approach: Proper preparation and quality paint
Bathrooms
- •Problem: Standard paint that develops mould
- •Solution: Anti-mould, moisture-resistant paint
- •Additional: Proper ventilation consideration
- •Professional approach: Specialist bathroom paint systems
Living Areas & Bedrooms
- •Problem: Thin coverage, poor durability
- •Solution: Quality matt emulsion, proper number of coats
- •Additional: Consider washable options for family homes
- •Professional approach: Trade-quality paint with proper application
Hallways & Stairs
- •Problem: Scuff marks and wear
- •Solution: Durable, washable finish
- •Additional: Consider tougher paint for high-traffic areas
- •Professional approach: Appropriate paint for traffic levels
When to Repaint Your Exeter New-Build
Signs it's time for professional repainting:
- •Paint peeling or flaking within first year
- •Visible brush marks or roller streaks
- •Patchy coverage or colour inconsistency
- •Mould appearing in bathrooms
- •Paint marking easily in kitchens
- •General wear appearing too quickly
- •You simply want a better finish
“Developer finishes are about speed and cost. Professional finishes are about quality and longevity. The difference is immediately visible and lasts for years.”
Cost of Fixing New-Build Paintwork
Professional repainting of new-build properties typically costs:
- •Single room: £300-£600 (depending on size and issues)
- •Full house (3-bed): £2,500-£4,000
- •Full house (4-bed): £3,500-£5,500
- •Kitchen/bathroom specialist work: Additional £200-£400 per room
Remember: Professional work lasts 10-15 years vs 2-3 years for developer finishes, making it better value long-term.
Why Heavitree & New-Build Areas Need Professional Paintwork
Exeter's expanding residential areas like Heavitree have many new-build properties. These homes deserve professional finishes that:
- •Protect your investment properly
- •Look professional and well-maintained
- •Last significantly longer
- •Add value to your property
- •Provide peace of mind
Tired of substandard developer paintwork? BSR Decorating specialises in fixing new-build paint issues across Exeter, including Heavitree and all new development areas. Our domestic decorating services provide professional finishes that last. Get a professional finish that lasts.