We get it. Painting can feel like one of those jobs you should just “get done for cheap.” After all, it’s just a little color on the walls, right? How bad can it be? The truth is, a cheap paint job almost always costs more in the long run—whether it’s from early wear and tear, quick fades, or sloppy work that needs to be redone. At Wheatley Creek, we’ve been called in more times than we can count to fix bargain paint jobs gone wrong.

Here are the hidden costs of going cheap on paint—and how doing it right the first time actually saves you money, time, and frustration.

Cheap paint looks fine on day one, but it simply isn’t built for mountain living. In Grand County, UV rays fade colors fast, while snow and ice take their toll on exteriors. Interior walls take a beating too—scuffs, scratches, and stains show up quicker with low-quality paint.

The real cost:
You’ll be repainting in two years (or sooner). That “cheap” paint job ends up costing double.

Wheatley Creek’s Way: 
We use premium paints made for high-altitude conditions. They resist UV damage, handle freeze-thaw cycles, and stand up to daily life. Translation: fewer repaints, more years of loving your home’s look.

A lot of budget crews cut corners on prep. They might paint right over dust, old peeling paint, or even mildew. They skip sanding, caulking, or priming—all the steps that make paint actually stick.

The real cost:
Peeling, bubbling, or cracking within months. Plus, fixing it later usually means stripping the botched job and starting from scratch.

Wheatley Creek’s Way: 
Prep isn’t glamorous, but it’s everything. We clean, patch, sand, and prime as needed so the finish has a solid foundation. It’s slower, but it’s the difference between “meh” and “wow.”

Ever seen paint drips on trim, uneven roller marks, or patchy coverage where the old color still shows through? That’s what happens when crews rush or use bargain-bin tools.

The real cost:
our home looks worse than before—and you’ll pay someone else to fix it.

Wheatley Creek’s Way: 
We use professional-grade brushes, rollers, and sprayers for smooth, even coverage. Crisp lines, no drips, and the kind of finish that actually makes your place sparkle.

A cheap job isn’t just messy, it’s wasteful. Sloppy coverage means more coats than necessary, and improper storage means leftover paint goes bad before you can use it.

The real cost: You end up paying for more paint than you should.

Wheatley Creek’s Way: 
We calculate exactly how much paint your job needs, apply it efficiently, and leave you with properly labeled touch-up cans for future use.

Low-quality paints often have higher VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which smell awful and linger for days. They can also affect indoor air quality long after the job is done.

The real cost:
Headaches, lingering odors, and poor indoor air for your family.

Wheatley Creek’s Way: 
We use low- or zero-VOC paints whenever possible. That means healthier air and a fresh look, without the chemical cloud.

Cheap jobs often slap one type of paint everywhere. But not every finish works in every room. A flat paint in the bathroom? Hello, mildew. Glossy paint in a bedroom? Every wall bump will shine like a spotlight.

The real cost:
Repainting rooms sooner than later—and living with finishes that just don’t feel right.

Wheatley Creek’s Way: 
We match finishes to function. Durable satin in high-traffic areas, mildew-resistant paint in bathrooms, and cozy matte for living spaces.

A cheap paint job might save you a few dollars today, but if you’re living with peeling walls, streaks, and constant touch-ups, you’re paying with your peace of mind.

The real cost:
Stress, frustration, and that nagging voice saying, “Should’ve hired the right crew the first time.”

Wheatley Creek’s Way: 
We respect your time. We show up when we say we will, finish on schedule, and leave your home spotless. You get to enjoy your space without the drama.

A cheap paint job always comes with hidden costs—whether it’s money, time, or sanity. But investing in quality means you’ll enjoy a beautiful, durable finish that lasts. At Wheatley Creek, we take pride in every brushstroke. From prep to clean-up, we do the job right the first time, so you can spend more time enjoying your home and less time repainting it.

Ready for a paint job that lasts through Grand County’s sun, snow, and everything in between? Let’s make it happen.