One of the first questions many new homeowners ask after collecting their keys is “When can I start decorating?”. It's completely natural to want to put your personal stamp on your new home straight away, and painting the walls is often top of the list. However, with new build properties, there's a crucial waiting period to consider before you reach for the roller.
The good news is that with a bit of patience and the right approach, you'll achieve a much better finish that lasts for years to come. In this guide, we explain how long you should wait and what you can do in the meantime to make your new house feel like home.
Why you shouldn’t rush painting in a new build
We know it's tempting to start decorating right away when you're excited to make your new space your own. However, new build homes need time to settle, and painting too early can lead to disappointing results that cost you time and money later.
What ‘drying out’ and ‘settling’ mean in new build homes
Significant amounts of water are used in the home construction process, in the concrete, plaster, mortar and other materials. Even though your home will be thoroughly dry when you move in, moisture continues to evaporate from walls, floors and ceilings for several months afterwards. This is known as the ‘drying out’ period.
At the same time, your home goes through a ‘settling’ process as timber acclimates, materials expand and contract with temperature changes, and the building adjusts under its own weight.
Common material shifts: plaster, timber and structural movement
Different materials behave in different ways as your home settles:
-
Plaster continues to cure and dry for months after application and can develop hairline cracks, particularly around door frames, window reveals, and where walls meet ceilings.
-
Timber is a natural material that expands when it absorbs moisture and contracts as it dries. Timber joists, roof trusses and studwork all adjust to the humidity levels in your home.
-
Structural movement in a new build is usually minimal, but the building does ‘bed in’ during the first year as foundations consolidate, brickwork settles, and the different elements come together.
The risks of painting too early: cracks, nail pops and patching issues
If you paint too soon, you might encounter frustrating problems:
-
Cracks in the new paintwork as the plaster continues to settle and dry – what looked perfect when you finished painting could develop visible cracks within weeks.
-
Nail pops occur when plasterboard fixing screws or nails push slightly through the surface as the timber behind them expands or contracts.
-
Moisture trapped behind paint can lead to bubbling, peeling or discolouration.
Patching and touching up are notoriously tricky to make invisible. If you need to fill and repaint areas after decorating, it can be hard to match the original finish perfectly, potentially leaving you with a patchy appearance that's more noticeable than if you'd waited.
Some patience now can save you time, effort and expense later.
How long to wait before painting a new build
So, how long should you wait after moving in? This can vary depending on a few factors, but these are some general guidelines to follow:
-
6 months is the absolute minimum waiting period recommended before undertaking any major redecorating work in your new build.
-
9 to 12 months is the sweet spot for painting new builds, allowing your home to go through a full seasonal cycle.
Special cases: when you might wait longer
In some circumstances, you might want to extend your waiting period. If you move in during a particularly wet winter, the additional moisture in the air can slow down the drying process. Similarly, very humid regions may require a longer wait before decorating.
Larger homes with more substantial construction may also take longer to settle and dry out thoroughly, particularly if they have multiple stories or complex roof structures.
Homes with solid walls or traditional masonry construction might take longer to dry than those with cavity walls or timber frame construction.
If you're moving into a Barratt home and you’re unsure about how long to wait before decorating, our Customer Care team is always happy to provide advice tailored to your home and circumstances.
When it’s safe to paint specific surfaces
Not all surfaces in your home follow the same timeline, so let's break down the waiting periods for different areas.
Fresh plaster: how long after plastering can you paint?
Fresh plaster needs to be completely dry before you apply emulsion paint. As a general rule, newly plastered walls take around 4 to 6 weeks to dry sufficiently for a mist coat, and slightly longer before they're ready for full-strength paint.
However, in a new build, even though the plastering will have been completed before you move in, we still recommend waiting until the settling period is complete before decorating.
Painting over builder’s paint
Your new home will be handed over with what we call ‘contract paint’ or builder's emulsion on the walls and ceilings. This breathable, microporous paint allows moisture to evaporate while protecting the plaster during the drying-out period. When you're ready to paint over it, you have two options:
-
Overcoating involves applying your chosen paint colour directly over the existing contract paint – this works well if the walls are in good condition with no cracks or imperfections.
-
Full repaint means fixing any cracks and lightly sanding the walls before applying your chosen paint.
Trim, woodwork and skirting
Woodwork is generally safe to paint much sooner than walls. Skirting boards, door frames, windowsills and other trim are usually ready to paint after 3 to 6 months in your new home, assuming you're happy with how they've settled.
How to check if your walls are ready to paint
If you're approaching that 12-month mark, how can you tell if your walls are ready for decorating? These are some common things you can check for:
-
Signs of dryness and no damp patches. Walk around your home and visually inspect all walls and ceilings for any signs of dampness or water staining.
-
Visual cues. Fresh plaster has a distinctive pink or slightly darker appearance. As it dries, it becomes paler and more uniform in colour.
Still unsure whether it’s time to paint? Use a moisture meter, a handheld device that measures moisture content in walls. Alternatively, you can hire a professional decorator or surveyor to assess your walls.
Temporary decoration ideas for new build homes
Waiting 12 months to decorate can feel like a long time, especially when you want your home to reflect your personality. The good news is that there are several ways you can add character and style without risking painting too early:
-
Use breathable paints to get started safely. These allow moisture to continue evaporating and are less likely to cause problems if the walls aren't totally dry.
-
Paint accent walls first. This lets you introduce colour and personality while minimising the risk, and if cracks do appear, you're touching up just one wall rather than an entire room.
-
Soft furnishings and furniture. Introduce colour, pattern and texture with soft furnishings, distinctive furniture, cushions, throws and bedding, artwork, statement lights, plants and accessories.
Tips for painting new build homes
Once your home has settled and you're ready to decorate, here are some tips to achieve the best possible results:
-
Inspect walls and ceilings for hairline cracks, particularly around door frames, corners and where walls meet ceilings.
-
Address any nail pops by carefully pushing the screw or nail back in, then filling and sanding the area.
-
Lightly sand the entire surface with fine sandpaper to create a slightly roughened surface.
-
Clean walls thoroughly with sugar soap or a mild detergent to remove any dust, grease or marks.
-
Choose the correct type of paint, sticking with quality emulsion paint from reputable brands.
Even though your walls will have contract paint already applied, some decorators recommend a light mist coat before the first proper coat. It's not always necessary, but it can help achieve a uniform finish. Here are our top application tips:
-
Apply paint in a ‘W’ pattern rather than using straight up-and-down strokes to help avoid lap marks and achieve better coverage.
-
Use a roller for large areas and a brush for edges and cutting in around woodwork.
-
Don't overload your brush or roller and apply paint in thin, even coats.
-
Allow proper drying time between coats.
-
Work in good light so you can see what you're doing and spot any areas you've missed before they dry.
Waiting to decorate your new build might test your patience, but it's one of the best investments you can make in the long-term look of your home. By giving your walls time to settle and dry properly, you'll achieve a professional finish that lasts for years without the frustration of cracks, patches and touch-ups.
Ready to buy? Explore our new homes and start your homebuying journey today.
From schemes like Deposit Boost and Deposit Unlock, to our Own New - Rate Reducer initiative, we are here to help first time buyers and existing homeowners.
