Alright, so you need some stucco work done. Maybe it's a repair, or perhaps a whole new exterior, or you're finally getting rid of that old T1-11 siding. Whatever the project, you want a good job, and you definitely don't want to get ripped off. I've been doing this for a long time here in West Covina, and believe me, I've seen it all. Here's what you really need to know when you're looking to hire a stucco contractor.
What Should You Ask?
Don't be shy. This is your house and your money, after all. Any reputable contractor won't mind these questions one bit. If they do, well, that's your first red flag.
Are you licensed and insured? This isn't just some formality; it's absolutely critical. I'm talking about a C-35 Lathing and Plastering license from the CSLB (Contractors State License Board). Make sure it's current, too. And insurance? They need general liability insurance, and if they have employees, workers' compensation insurance is a must. Ask for certificates of insurance directly from their insurance carrier, not just a copy they printed out themselves. This step truly protects you if something goes wrong.
Can you provide references? And I don't mean their buddy. Ask for contact info for three recent jobs, ideally ones similar to yours. Call those people. Ask them about the contractor's communication, how timely they were, how clean they kept the site, and if the final cost actually matched the original quote.
What's your typical process? A good contractor can walk you through the steps without a hitch. For stucco, that means explaining surface prep, the lath system (paper, wire), scratch coat, brown coat, and the finish coat. They should talk about curing times between coats, which is especially important with our dry West Covina air. If they gloss over this, they might be cutting corners, and who wants that?
How do you handle unforeseen issues? Sometimes you uncover dry rot or a structural problem once you start tearing into a wall. It happens, believe me. A good contractor will have a clear process for communicating these issues and getting your approval before they proceed, not just doing extra work and hitting you with a surprise bill later.
What kind of warranty do you offer? Most good stucco jobs should come with at least a 1-year warranty on workmanship. Some might offer more. Just make sure you get it in writing.
Decoding the Quote: What to Look For
You're going to get a few quotes, which is smart. But don't just pick the cheapest one. A detailed quote tells you a lot about the contractor.
It should be itemized. I mean, really itemized. Not just