Understanding Builder Paint Packages
If you are building a new home in O’Fallon, MO or the surrounding areas, it’s exciting to personalize your space. However, when it comes to your builder’s paint package, it’s important to look closely before paying for an “upgrade”. Most large builders use low-grade flat wall paint for new home painting, and even when they offer an upgrade, it rarely includes higher-quality materials or finishes. That means you could spend thousands of dollars for little to no real improvement in your home’s appearance or long-term durability.
At BRS Painting, we specialize in new home painting services for homeowners throughout O’Fallon and the surrounding areas. We’ve seen firsthand what builders include in their paint packages, and why you’re often better off investing in a professional repaint after closing.
To learn more about our painting services or request a quote, contact our painting contractors today.
The Truth About Builder Paint Quality
Most production builders use a standard flat paint that offers a basic, uniform look but provides little durability. The standard color options are typically limited to Pure White, Ivory Lace, or Antique White, and these shades are used across every surface – ceilings, walls, and trim. While flat paint is acceptable for ceilings and semi-gloss for trim (both standard practices we follow at BRS Painting), the so-called “paint upgrade” most builders offer doesn’t actually improve the quality of the materials used.
The “Upgrade” Isn’t Really an Upgrade
Builders often present an upgrade package that lets homeowners choose from a handful of preselected colors, usually five to ten options. However, despite the extra cost, the paint product itself doesn’t change. You’ll still receive the same low-grade flat paint on the walls, which scuffs easily and absorbs marks. The only thing that changes is the color.
The cost of these upgrades can range anywhere from $1.50 to $5.00 per square foot, depending on the builder. The truth is that for this same investment, or even less, you could hire BRS Painting for new home painting to repaint your home with premium paint products in a durable Eggshell or Satin finish. The difference in quality and longevity is dramatic.
The Hidden Costs of Low-Grade Paint
Low-grade flat paint might look fine initially, but it’s not built to last. It shows fingerprints, scuffs, and marks easily, especially in high-traffic areas like hallways, kitchens, and entryways. Repainting a few months after move-in becomes inevitable. That means you end up paying for new home painting twice, once for the builder upgrade and again for the professional repaint you’ll need later.
When you work with BRS Painting, you receive high-quality paints that offer superior coverage, color retention, and washability. Investing in the right materials from the start saves time, money, and frustration in the long run.
Why Primer Matters: PVA and Proper Preparation in New Home Painting
BRS Painting works closely with several custom builders in O’Fallon and surrounding communities, and our qualification process is far stricter than what most production builders require. One of the first questions we ask is whether the builder requires the use of a PVA primer and what paint products are being applied.
Many builders skip this crucial step to save time and money. PVA primer is essential because it:
- Seals porous drywall surfaces
- Improves paint adhesion
- Promotes a consistent, uniform appearance
- Helps prevent flashing and uneven sheen
Skipping primer leads to a dull, uneven finish and paint that peels or wears prematurely. By contrast, BRS Painting ensures every new home painting project starts with proper surface preparation and finishes with a high-quality, durable product.
The Long-Term Benefits of Higher-End Paints
High-end paints offer more than just better color. They provide long-lasting performance and protection. Professional-grade paints resist moisture, clean easily, and maintain their appearance for years. With options like Eggshell or Satin finishes, you can enjoy both style and functionality. These sheens are ideal for busy households because they resist stains and allow for easy touch-ups.
When you invest in new home painting from BRS Painting, you’re choosing a finish that enhances your home’s beauty and stands up to daily wear and tear.
Don’t Pay for a Builder Upgrade That Isn’t Worth It
If your builder isn’t using a PVA primer or offering sheen options like Eggshell or Satin, do not pay for the paint upgrade. You’ll get a better return on your investment by working with a professional painting company in O’Fallon, MO like BRS Painting after closing. We use superior products, precise techniques, and a customer-focused process to deliver lasting results you’ll love.
Get the Quality Your New Home Deserves with Professional New Home Painting
When it comes to new construction painting, your new home deserves more than the standard builder-grade paint. Let the professionals at BRS Painting provide the color, finish, and durability your home should have from day one.
Call us today at 636-219-9749 or contact us online to learn more about our new home painting services in O’Fallon, MO, and find out how we can help you make your new house truly feel like home.
