Why New Homes Often Need Drywall Repairs and Paint Touch-Ups After the First Year
You just moved into your brand-new home in Gilberts, IL. The walls are pristine, the paint is fresh, and everything feels, well… new. Fast forward a year, and suddenly it looks like your house is starting to wrinkle like it’s been through one too many episodes of “This Old House.” Cracks, nail pops, uneven touch-up spots—what gives?
Welcome to the world of new construction drywall issues—where things settle (literally), and paint that should match, doesn’t. This article will walk you through why these issues happen, what you can do about them, and whether you should DIY or call in the pros. We’ll also talk about CHB flat paint, why it’s a touch-up dream- for the most part, and how to get your walls back to looking brand new.
Quick Fix Summary: What You Need to Know
New homes shift and settle—causing drywall cracks and nail pops. Builders often do quick warranty fixes that don’t last. Flat paint like CHB might cover easily, but it doesn’t always touch up cleanly. You’ve got two options: touch up the spots (maybe) or repaint the whole thing (guaranteed better). Be like Harrison Ford in the last Raiders movie he did- ooking for the holy grail.. “Choose wisely”
Paint touch up failure- Real life senario St. Charles, IL
Take a peek at this project where we are repainting the house, and duing the walkthrough you can see where the previous home owner actually thought these looked good. Allegenndly they used the same paint, im not sure they did, I could make the case they did in a few spots- maybe..
Age takes it toll on everything!
Old paint fades and gets dirty. Even if the same paint was used, there will be color differences from the sun light exposure comparred to the unused paint siting in a can. Take a peek at the video to show what we are talking about…
Common Drywall Issues in New Construction Homes
Let’s play a little game called “Is this normal?”
- Hairline Cracks: Yup, totally normal. Your house is settling in- like your back after sitting too long.
- Nail Pops: Also common. That drywall screw just wants attention- ADHD and nail pops..lol
- Patchy Touch-Up Jobs: Thank your builder’s paint crew for not giving a rats ____.
- Uneven Texture: Often the result of a fast skim coat without sanding or primer.
In a recent home in Gilberts, we saw:
- Cracks that were skimmed but not cut out. (Think band-aid over a broken arm.)
- Nail pops nnot fixed just covered with more drywall mud.
- Visible touch-ups that looked like a patchwork quilt.
Why CHB Paint Can Be Amazing!
Sherwin-Williams CHB flat paint is the go-to for many builders. Why? It’s cheap, flat, and hides a lot- and it also usually touches up really good!
Issues with most paint touch ups;
- It absorbs into new patchwork vs existing paint differently= different sheen or appearance
- Touch-ups can “flash” (look shinier or duller)
- not using the same paint- why #2 is better- not the gorss #2, option 2 below..
We usually offer homeowners two choices:
- Touch-Up Paint (if you’re lucky): $200–$600 for a short visit
- Full Repaint (if it flashes): Yes, it’s more, but it actually looks finished
Our Approach to Drywall Repairs in Year-Old Homes
Here’s how we clean up the builder’s mess (nicely, of course):
- Re-Cut Cracks: We don’t just skim. We cut them open, fill them right, and sand smooth.
- Dustless Sanding: We use a Festool sander with a HEPA vac. It’s like a Roomba for drywall dust.
- Prime Properly: GARDZ Problem Surface Sealer locks down patches and ensures paint sticks like it’s supposed to.
- Test the Touch-Up First: If it doesn’t blend, we recommend a full wall or ceiling repaint.
DIY Wall repair or Call a Pro to repaint?
DIY? Go for it if you’re:
- Fixing one or two small nail pops
- Okay with a little texture mismatch
Hire a Pro? Do it if:
- Cracks are coming back like reboots on Netflix
- You’re tired of playing “Will This Touch-Up Blend?”
- You want a seamless finish you don’t have to second guess
Cost to Repair Drywall and Touch Up Paint in a New Home
Costs depend on scope and visibility. Here are general ballpark numbers:
- Minor Touch-Ups Only (up to 2 hours): $200–$400
- Half-Day of Patching & Painting: $400–$600
- Full Ceiling or Wall Repaint (due to flashing): $800+
- Readmore about cost and techiques of repairs here
If you live in Gilberts, Pingree Grove, Elgin, Carpentersville, or Crystal Lake, we offer free estimates and expert advice to help you decide the right level of service.
FAQs: Drywall Repairs in New Homes
Q: Is it normal to see cracks and nail pops in a 1-year-old home? Yes. It’s part of the settling process and is very common in new builds. (Readmore about top issues with drywall repairs here)
Q: Will these cracks come back again? If the cracks are just skim coated, yes. Proper repair involves cutting, filling, sanding, and priming.
Q: Can I touch up CHB paint myself? You can try, but matching it can be tricky. Even the same batch may flash or appear different after drying.
Q: How long does drywall touch-up take? Most minor jobs can be completed in one visit, typically 2–6 hours depending on the number of areas.
Final Thoughts: Trust Your Walls to Experts Who Understand the Process
It’s frustrating when your new house already looks like it needs a facelift. But here’s the good news: you’re not alone, and it’s fixable. We’ve helped homeowners all over Gilberts, Huntley, South Elgin, and beyond get their walls looking flawless again—without the stress.
So if your walls are looking more “Pinterest fail” than “builder fresh,” give us a shout. We’ll tell you honestly what needs fixing and give you options that make sense.
🎨 D’Franco Painting & Wallpaper: Serving Gilberts, IL, and all suburbs within 18 miles
