First redecorations in newer homes
New plaster and timber move as a house dries out. By the time owners want their own colours, there are usually hairline cracks at ceiling joints and around door frames. We rake out and fill those, sand with Mirka dust-free sanders and apply finishes that last, such as Little Greene Intelligent Matt Emulsion.
At the other end of the scale, nearly 15% of homes predate 1919. Those need a gentler approach, with lining paper where old plaster is uneven, as on the Victorian bedrooms in our Histon case study.
Rented homes and changeovers in Soham
The 2021 Census found 21% of Soham households renting privately and another 16% from a social landlord. For landlords we stain-block marks, make good fixings and repaint quickly between tenancies, choosing colours that are easy to touch in.
Flats make up about 12% of the town's homes, and we decorate those as readily as houses, protecting shared stairs and keeping communal areas clear.
Soham at a glance
- 15 milesby road from our Landbeach base, about 23 minutesOSRM routing
- 5,236householdsCensus 2021
- 60%of homes are owner-occupiedCensus 2021
- 21%of homes are privately rentedCensus 2021
- 15%of properties were built before 1919VOA Council Tax stock
- 12%are flatsCensus 2021
How we approach interior decorating
In a newer Soham house we'd fill settlement cracks, prime any bare joinery and mist-coat fresh patches before two full coats. In older rooms we check the plaster, line where needed and stain-block old water marks with Zinsser. Tester pots go up in several places so you can judge colours in your own light. The full method, products and FAQs are on our interior decorating page.