Finding a good stucco contractor shouldn't feel like pulling teeth, but I've seen enough homeowners get burned that I know it can be tough. You're looking for someone reliable, someone who knows their stuff, and someone who's going to do the job right the first time. Here in Richmond, with our older homes in places like the Richmond Annex or the Marina Bay area, getting stucco work done is pretty common. So, how do you make sure you're hiring the right crew?
Questions to Ask Every Stucco Contractor
Don't be shy. This is your house and your money, after all. You've got every right to ask tough questions. Here's what I'd ask if I were in your shoes:
Are you licensed and insured? This isn't something you can skip. Ask for their California contractor's license number (CSLB) and proof of general liability and workers' compensation insurance. If they hem and haw, show them the door.
How long have you been doing stucco work specifically? Not just general construction, but stucco. It's a specialized trade, and experience really matters.
Can you provide references from recent jobs? And actually call those references. Ask about the quality of work, if they stuck to the schedule, and how well they communicated.
What's your warranty on the work? A good contractor will stand behind their work. Get it in writing.
Who will be doing the actual work? Your crew or subcontractors? It's good to know who's going to be on your property. If they use subs, ask about their vetting process.
How do you handle unexpected issues? Sometimes you open up a wall and find dry rot or other problems. You need to know how they communicate those findings and how they'll deal with them.
What kind of stucco system are you proposing? There are different types – traditional three-coat, one-coat, synthetic (EIFS). Make sure they can explain why they're recommending a particular system for your home.
What to Look For in a Quote
A quote isn't just a price tag. It's a detailed plan. A good quote should be clear and comprehensive. If it's just a number on a napkin, that's a red flag right there.
Detailed Scope of Work: It should clearly outline everything they're going to do. Surface prep, number of coats, type of finish, materials used (brand names if possible), flashing details, cleanup, and disposal. Don't assume anything is included if it's not written down.
Material Specifications: What kind of lath? What brand of cement? What type of finish coat? This shows they're not cutting corners.
Payment Schedule: A reputable contractor won't ask for 50% or more upfront. Typically, it's a deposit (usually 10% or $1,000, whichever is less, by California law), then progress payments tied to completed milestones, and a final payment upon completion and your satisfaction.
Permits: Who is responsible for pulling the necessary permits from the City of Richmond? It should be the contractor.
Exclusions: What's NOT included? Sometimes things like painting trim or specific landscaping protection might be excluded. Knowing this upfront prevents surprises.
Red Flags You Can't Ignore
Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is.
Door-to-door solicitations: Be wary of anyone knocking on your door claiming to have noticed a problem with your stucco and offering a deal