Why do bubbles form in the paint in a bathroom, even when we have the fan on?

Question

We have a new house, still under warranty, and the builder is stating that the bubbles in the bathroom paint are not his responsibility to fix. Is he right?

Answer 1

It is the builders responsibility. This is evident of poor workmanship / materials. Either the proper dry wall was not used, was not properly constructed, or moisture got in before it went up. Primer also could have been a factor if enough of it was not used before the paint went up (if any at all). If the builder tells you otherwise he is lying...plain and simple. Watch out for gay builders.....they try to weasel out of everything.

Answer 2

Did you paint the bathroom or did the builder?

If the builder painted it, then the builder has to fix it as long as it is under warranty. If you painted it, then it's your problem.

Either the walls weren't properly cleaned and dry before they were painted or not a high enough gloss paint was used to paint with most likely.

You should also look at your contract papers to see what it says. Even if they contracted it out to a painting company, it should be the builder's job to inspect what the painting company did and have them correct it. If you didn't paint it, but the builder did then the liability should fall on the builder and contractor that painted it. Basically, you go after the builder and the builder goes after the painter contractor. The builder is shirking on there job if they make you go to the paint contractor directly.

Document when you sent your complaint to the builder if you have to. Maybe even a registered letter. Sometimes builders will use delay tactics till they are past the point where the date is beyond the warranty period. So you need to document that you complained before the warranty period was up.

Answer 3

I think all of the above answers are correct and valid but i think the underlining problem is the paint! You need a paint that is designed specifically for 'kitchens and bathrooms' due to the moisture within these rooms. There are two options: If the builder wont help you could contact NHBC and report the defect directly (check you paperwork for local office number or www.nhbc.co.uk ) or you could tackle the problem yourself - sand the bubbles down with a fine sandpaper inc. surrounding area. Wipe clean with something like 'white spirit' and apply the correct paint for the correct room! Dulux definiately product a product as i've bought it! Hope this helps further

Answer 4

It sounds like you either have cheap paint or the room is just too humid. As far as the warranty, you'll have to check your specific warranty disclosure and see if it's covered. Some builders are not responsible for the paint, if it's been subcontracted out. You might need to then contact the painting company that he hired. Don't be afraid to be mean with your builder, and suggest that you would compromise his reputation if it's not fixed.

Answer 5

all good answers, possibly the painter needs to come back and address the issue.
It may not have been primed well and the final paint is not binding well with the surface.
when I built my RV barn, the rain came and there was a lot of moisture, therefore I let it dry out an extra week b4 painting & plastering.
sometimes contractors use gas, diesel or LPG burners in the building sites and attempt to dry out the places and then slam on the paint, only to cover up continued moisture caused by the furnaces.
you can only dry out wood with wood fires or electric furnaces for new materials.

Answer 6

YES YES YES. If it is a new house the builder is responsible to fix anything on the final "punch-list". Get him to fix the fan, it's either underpowered for the room or it is not ducted to the exterior. There should be an ordinance/code for your area which gives guides for exhaust fans. The architect should have noted what size at a minimum. If you let this go you will have problems down the road with mold!!!!

Answer 7

I'd question that. It sounds like there may have been a lot of moisture when he was painting, and it caused the paint not to adhere very well. Anyway, it's under warranty, so he has an obligation to make it right.

Answer 8

Nope..he is the accountable person for any and all sub-contract labor done to your building... and as for the paint... it has blisters under it..the dry wall has sweated or the paint had little or no primer under it... that's poor workmanship, poor quality construction, and 'short-nailed' construction ...
Document the problem..photos, credible witnesses, building appraiser estimate to repair, so on and so forth, and see a legal counsel about repairs or restitution or building compliance codes.
Don't give up this fight...you can and will win a settlement if you do things rite. There was less than professional, ethical, and trade professional workmanship done on your building...you got suckered.
Take it to them for restitution and recompense...you will get it back, and they will be glad to be out of the public view by paying you off.

Answer 9

He's wrong. I am guessing that the walls were painted when there was high humidity or the wallboard was damp. The paint will keep on bubbling until it is properly dried and repainted.

Answer 10

There is too much moisture around. Paint will bubble because of moisture in the air.