Whether you’re building a custom home or renovating your existing home, it’s important for expectations to be clear upfront to avoid disappointment or disagreements throughout the process. When your project is completed, you want everything to be perfect. One of the things that gets scrutinized the most is the quality of the paint (which can be highly dictated by the drywall work). Here are three expectations you should have about paint and drywall work in your home.
Smooth Walls
One of the most important expectations to have about drywall work in a new home is that the walls should be smooth. This means that there should be no bumps, dents, or cracks on the walls. Smooth walls provide a clean, polished look that is essential to the overall aesthetic of the home. If there are any imperfections on the walls, they should be addressed and fixed by the builders or contractors before the home is considered finished.
Caveat: remember that drywall is not perfect. When a house is mud/taped, it creates two different textures on your walls – the smooth finish of the mud and the rough finish of the drywall. These two surfaces will absorb paint differently and can show even if done well. Colors of paint selected and natural light can make these differences much more noticeable. To get away from this all together, a level 5 finish is required (rare for Saskatoon). Alternatively, there are different paint products that can be used, but without a level 5 finish completely solving the texture difference is unlikely.
Quality of Paint
The quality of the paint used in your new home should be high. This means that it should be long-lasting, durable, and resistant to chipping or peeling. High-quality paint will ensure that your walls stay looking fresh and new for years to come. The finish of paint you use should be dependent on the area of the home, its use, and the life cycle that you are in yourself. The paint sheen can also dictate how many imperfections show in walls and trim, so make sure you ask your builder what they recommend in the different applications around your home!
Attention to Detail
Attention to detail is crucial when it comes to paint and drywall work. Your home builder should take the time to ensure that all areas of the home are painted and finished properly. This includes areas that may be difficult to reach, such as corners, edges, and around fixtures. Additionally, any trim work or molding should be painted neatly and evenly. If the builders or contractors rush through the painting and drywall work, it can lead to sloppy and unfinished results. The attention to detail at the finish paint stage is critical to making your home look crisp and clean – this isn’t a part of the process that should be rushed. Give your builder breathing room during this stage – you’ll be glad you did!
Rule of Thumb: the industry standard in Saskatoon is that your walls should be free of imperfections when inspecting from 3 feet away. As mentioned above, unless you are upgrading to a level 5 drywall finish there will be slight imperfections.
In the end, when it comes to paint and drywall work in a new home it’s important to have high expectations but also understand the imperfections of the materials that are used. Smooth walls, quality paint, and attention to detail are all essential factors to consider. By having these expectations and communicating them clearly with the builder or contractor, you can ensure that your home is finished the way you expect!
