Alright, so you're thinking about getting some stucco work done on your place. Maybe it's just a repair, or perhaps you're looking at a whole new exterior. Whatever the project, you want it done right, obviously, and you certainly don't want to get ripped off. Believe me, I get it. I've been doing this for years right here in West Covina, and I've seen just about everything. So, here's my straightforward advice on how to find a good, honest stucco contractor – and, just as important, how to spot the fakes.
What to Ask Potential Contractors
Once you've got a few names, don't be shy. Give them a call, or even better, arrange to meet them on site. You're hiring these folks to work on what's probably your biggest investment, so you absolutely have every right to ask some tough questions. Here are the big ones:
- Are you licensed and insured? This isn't just a suggestion; it's a must-have. Ask for their CSLB license number (it should be C-35 for plastering/stucco). Then, actually go look it up on the CSLB website. Don't just take their word for it, alright? And make sure they carry general liability insurance and workers' comp. If someone gets hurt on your property and they're not covered, guess who's on the hook? That'd be you.
- How long have you been doing stucco work specifically? I'm not talking about general construction, but stucco. It's a specialized trade, after all. Someone who's been doing it for years really understands the nuances, like how our hot, dry summers here in West Covina affect curing times, or how to deal with the different kinds of surfaces you find in older homes around Cameron Park.
- Can you provide references? And I don't mean just one; ask for a few. Call them up. Ask about their experience, whether the job stayed on time and on budget, and if they'd hire the contractor again. Pictures are nice, sure, but talking to a real person? That's way better.
- What kind of stucco system do you recommend for my home, and why? There are different types out there – traditional three-coat, one-coat, synthetic. A good contractor will explain the pros and cons for your specific situation, not just push whatever's easiest for them.
- What's your warranty? A reputable contractor will stand behind their work. Get it in writing, always.
What to Look For in a Quote
Don't just compare the final price tag. A cheap quote often means cheap work, or maybe some hidden costs down the road. A good quote should be detailed, not just a single number, you know?
- Scope of Work: Does it clearly lay out everything they're going to do? Prep work, materials, how many coats, the finish texture, cleanup? If it's vague, that's a red flag.
- Materials: What brands are they planning to use? Are they specifying the type of lath, paper, base coats, and finish coats? Quality materials make a huge difference in how long your stucco actually lasts.
- Payment Schedule: A reasonable payment schedule usually involves a small deposit upfront (maybe 10-20%), then progress payments, and a final payment once the job is done and you're satisfied. Be really wary of anyone asking for a huge chunk of money upfront.
- Permits: For bigger jobs, you might need a permit from the city. Who's responsible for pulling it? Make sure that's clear.
- Exclusions: What's NOT included? This is just as important as what is included, sometimes more so.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
These are the signs that you should probably turn around and run the other way:
- Door-to-door solicitations: