We all know the age-old advice: live in your house for a while first before making any changes to it.
While this can be a wise move, it can also be incredibly frustrating when you’re keen to add some personality to the property.
New builds are blank canvases often yearning for some personal touches to really make them feel like a tailored home – whether that’s a feature wall, built-in wardrobes, or more unique light fixtures.
So, can you decorate a new build house straight away?
Technically, yes, you can decorate a new build house straightaway.
From the moment you collect the keys and cross the threshold, there’s nothing really stopping you from divulging your DIY desires.
However, we always recommend proceeding with caution.
And, if possible, waiting at least 12 months (sometimes 24 months) before any substantial decorating because this allows plenty of time for the property to fully dry out and settle.
Essential new build materials, like concrete, mortar, and plaster, all absorb thousands of litres of water during the construction process.
This water is then gradually released through evaporation as the building dries, settles, and shrinks in response to natural weight and temperature changes.
Subsequently, rushing to apply wallpaper or paint in the early months of moving into a new build property can result in visible paint cracks as well as bubbling, sagging, or peeling wallpaper as the trapped moisture tries to escape.
In short, decorating a new build house straight away can ruin all your hard work, leaving you feeling demoralised and with a depleted decorating budget.
Instead of decorating immediately and having to potentially make future decoration-related repairs, we recommend waiting at least twelve months.
What you definitely can do
While heavy painting, panelling, and wallpapering may be off-limits for a short while, you can add personal decorative touches to make the space feel more homely.
- Use breathable paint
Many prospective homeowners ask us, ‘Can you paint a new build?’ and while the answer is to generally to wait until at least six months, those intent on painting as soon as possible should use either a watered-down emulsion or breathable paint.
Using these paint solutions helps to prevent moisture from being trapped in the plaster, reducing the likelihood of future damage.
- Add soft furnishings and personal touches
Rugs, lighting, curtains, cushions, and many other decorative touches can all make a huge difference to how comfortable, welcoming, and a new build home can be.
You can also add framed pictures and artwork, but rather than using the traditional hammer and nails combination to securely hang them on the wall, we recommend using non-invasive methods for at least the first six months.
This includes peel-and-stick adhesive strips as well as heavy-duty mounting putties for small, light pieces.
- Ventilate the property
To help speed up the drying and settling process, we strongly recommend ventilating the new build as much as possible.
Keep vents, internal doors, and windows open or ajar, set the heating on low, and ensure extractor fans are running while cooking, doing laundry, showering, and bathing.
Extractor fans should also be left running after these activities for a short period to help remove as any extra moisture from the air. Try to avoid using dehumidifiers, however, as this can cause excessive shrinkage and visible cracks.
- Swap hardware and fixtures
From kitchen cupboard handles and doorknobs to ceiling lights and taps, there are plenty of ways you can add more personality (and value!) to a new build without breaking the bank or even waiting very long.
Simply swap out the existing hardware and fixtures for alternatives that meet your personal style preferences – whether that’s brass door handles, art deco lights, or heritage-design taps. The options are endless and easy to implement.
- Put your own stamp on your new build
At Eaton Homes, we understand the excitement of getting the keys to your new home and wanting to get started on making it your own as soon as possible.
That’s why, with our latest Beeston Market development, we offer prospective homeowners the opportunity to customise certain features on these affordable and energy-efficient homes, dependant on build stage.
They can choose from a modern range of pre-set customisation options, such as the flooring and kitchen cabinetry colours. If build complete, we can install curtains/blinds, media walls, fitted wardrobes, bespoke mirrors and more, before you even move in.
Eager to get a feel for your new home? To arrange a viewing of a new build property located on The Old Cattle Market, Beeston site, please don’t hesitate to talk to our team today!
Simply give us a call on 01829 824044 or submit an enquiry via email to info@eatonhomes.co.uk
Ready to make it your own? view our current available homes or arrange a viewing today.
