Upgrading builders flat paint

ccassaday · ‎10-21-2010

Typically in a new construction a builder wil use the god awful flat paint. Does anyone know is it a ton of extra to upgrade the paint when building.

151949 · ‎03-09-2010

We still have the builders flat paint and I hate it more all the time. Can't wash it at all - have to touch up paint if a spot gets dirty.

I have been begging my DH to get a painter but he is fighting it 100%. I don't even want a different color - just a washable paint.Anyway - whatever it costs - upgrade to the washable paint.

Mominohio · ‎08-08-2010

I can't attest to the actual cost, but it would be worth it. Painting a second time later would be such a big job. I'd pay and I'd also choose the brand and color and finish I wanted and double check to see that they bought the brand I wanted.

This is the time to upgrade those things that will cause grief on down the road to deal with later.

ccassaday · ‎10-21-2010

I was just reading that there is a reason they do flat in new construction. Has something to do with the drywall and for them to be able to touch any dings up while building. I guess it can be hard to get a satin or eggshell to look good on a new construction. I do agree though that I would upgrade at the time of building because who wants to repaint a brand new home that is 2400 square feet after they moved in. When you move in you don't want all of these projects. You want to enjoy your home. The basement will be a big enough project on its own.

Snowpuppy · ‎03-09-2010

Most commercial painters will use Sherwin Williams Pro Mar or it's equivelent. You won't find it on the shelf, painters ask for it. It's gawd awful chalk dust and I will tell you that painters often add water to that!

Ask the builder if you can choose your own painting contractor, if not, ask to speak directly to their subs and ask what choices you have. Don't forget the ceilings!

And verify! One of my coworkers recently built. He stopped by every single day on his way home.

ETA: Ask why there isn't a coat of primer? If you prime first, you can use any paint or enamel you please.

Bri21 · ‎12-30-2016

Upgrade your paint. It will cost you less in the long run.

Bri21 · ‎12-30-2016

Get a bid for the builder to prime and then a separate bid for a painter. It might cost you less.

ccassaday · ‎10-21-2010

@Snowpuppy wrote:
Most commercial painters will use Sherwin Williams Pro Mar or it's equivelent. You won't find it on the shelf, painters ask for it. It's gawd awful chalk dust and I will tell you that painters often add water to that!

Ask the builder if you can choose your own painting contractor, if not, ask to speak directly to their subs and ask what choices you have. Don't forget the ceilings!

And verify! One of my coworkers recently built. He stopped by every single day on his way home.

ETA: Ask why there isn't a coat of primer? If you prime first, you can use any paint or enamel you please.

We will defintly be checking daily on everything.

KathyPet · ‎03-09-2010

UPgrading the paint may or may not be a option the builder offers. If it is a small local builder you can probably do it. IF it is a large production builder doing lots of homes in a new subdivision they may not offer it as a optional upgrade.

ccassaday · ‎10-21-2010

@KathyPet wrote:
UPgrading the paint may or may not be a option the builder offers. If it is a small local builder you can probably do it. IF it is a large production builder doing lots of homes in a new subdivision they may not offer it as a optional upgrade.

Thanks. It won't be a super small builder. One does entire subdivisions and the other does a lot less homes. Reading about why they use it makes sense.