Surrey New Construction Painting Timeline: When To Schedule Interior And Exterior Painting
When it comes to new construction in Surrey, timing is everything. And painting is no exception. Coordinating trades, inspections, and material deliveries can already feel like a puzzle, and knowing exactly when to schedule interior and exterior painting can help everything fall into place more smoothly. Getting the timing wrong might lead to delays, rework, or added costs that could have been avoided with a bit of planning.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the ideal painting timeline in a new construction project in Surrey, explaining why certain steps should happen in a specific order and what you can do to avoid common missteps.
Why Painting Timing Matters In New Construction
Painting might seem like one of the final touches in a new build in Surrey, but it sits at a crucial intersection of construction and finishing. Paint goes on after rough construction and major systems are in place, but before fixtures, flooring, or final clean-up.
If you paint too early, you risk damaging freshly painted walls during the installation of cabinets, lights, or baseboards. If you wait too long, the painters may struggle to work efficiently in a fully finished space. Either way, the result is stress you don’t need and potential costs you didn’t budget for.
Getting the sequence right ensures both a better-looking finish and a smoother workflow across all teams.
The Best Time For Exterior Painting In New Builds
Exterior painting depends heavily on weather, so your project’s timing will influence the calendar more than you think. Ideally, exterior painting should take place in mild, dry conditions, typically spring through early fall, depending on your location. The surface must be dry, and the temperature should be within the recommended range for the type of paint being used.
In most cases, exterior painting happens once the structure is weather-tight and siding has been installed. That means the framing, sheathing, windows, and roofing should be complete. Painting over raw surfaces before they’re protected or cured can lead to poor adhesion and premature wear.
It’s also important to coordinate with landscaping and scaffolding: if access to certain areas will be restricted later, make sure the painters can get to them now.
Interior Painting: What To Finish First
Interior painting should be scheduled after drywall installation and finishing are complete. This means taping, mudding, and sanding must be done, and all surfaces should be fully dry. Painters usually come in before flooring, cabinetry, or appliances are installed to avoid damage or mess.
It’s also best to wait until the building is enclosed and climate-controlled. Stable humidity and temperature levels help paint cure properly and reduce the risk of peeling or cracking over time.
Here’s the typical order of operations once drywall is up:
- Prime and paint ceilings
- Paint walls
- Paint trim and doors (often after installation)
Some Surrey contractors choose to delay painting baseboards or trim until after floors are in, to avoid accidental damage. But that depends on the team’s workflow and protection methods. Either approach can work as long as there’s clear communication.
Tips To Keep Your Painting Timeline On Track
Delays in construction projects happen! That's a fact. The key here is to avoid cascading effects. If a painter shows up and another crew is still working in the same space, everyone loses time. That’s why careful coordination with your builder or general contractor is essential.
Make sure paint choices and finishes are selected well in advance. Waiting until the last minute to pick a color can seem harmless, but it can push your schedule by days or even weeks if the paint is out of stock or needs custom mixing.
It’s also wise to confirm whether touch-ups are included in the scope of work. New construction often involves a lot of movement after painting is done, so it’s normal for minor dings or marks to appear. Knowing whether your painting team will return for a final walkthrough helps avoid surprises later.
Need Reliable Surrey Painting Pros For Your New Build?
If you're planning a new construction project in Surrey and want a painting team that respects your timeline and delivers a high-quality finish, Pedigree Painting is ready to help. Our crew understands the complexity of multi-stage builds and works seamlessly with other contractors to keep your schedule intact. Contact us today and see how our experience can bring peace of mind to your next project.