So, you're thinking about getting some stucco work done on your house here in Draper. Maybe you've got a few cracks popping up, or perhaps it's just time for a full re-stucco job. Whatever the reason, picking the right contractor is probably the biggest decision you'll make. Mess it up, and you're looking at a world of headaches, more money out of your pocket, and a finished job that just isn't right. Get it right, though, and you'll end up with a gorgeous, tough finish that really protects your home for years to come.
I've been in this business for a long time, and believe me, I've seen everything. Here's my straightforward guide to hiring a stucco contractor who won't leave you wishing you'd gone with someone else.
What Should You Be Asking Them?
Don't just jump on the first bid you get. You really need to interview these folks, even if it feels a bit like a job interview. If I were in your shoes, these are the questions I'd be asking:
- Can you show me your license and insurance? This isn't just some bureaucratic hoop; it's a must-have. They need to be licensed by the state and carry general liability insurance. If they don't, seriously, just walk away. If something goes wrong, you're the one on the hook.
- How long has your company been around under this name? A long history often points to reliability. Newer companies aren't automatically bad, but knowing they've been doing this for a while is definitely reassuring.
- Do you focus on stucco, or is it just one of many services you offer? You really want a stucco specialist. Someone who does a bit of everything might not have the deep knowledge needed for top-notch stucco work.
- Can you give me references from recent stucco jobs? And don't just take their word for it, please. Actually call those references. Ask about how they communicated, if they stuck to the schedule, and if they were happy with the final product.
- What's your plan for protecting my property while you work? Stucco jobs can get pretty messy. You'll want to know they'll shield your landscaping, windows, and anything else around the work area.
- What kind of warranty do you offer on your work? A good contractor stands behind what they do. Make sure you get all the warranty details in writing.
- Who will be in charge of the crew on-site every day? You need one clear person to talk to, someone who knows exactly what's happening and can answer your questions.
Breaking Down the Quote: What to Look For
A quote isn't just a price. It should be a detailed list of everything you're paying for. If it's just a single number scribbled on a napkin, that's a huge warning sign right there. A solid quote should be thorough.
- Detailed Scope of Work: This should spell out exactly what they're doing. Is it just a patch? A full re-stucco? Are they taking off the old stucco first? What kind of stucco system are they suggesting (like hard coat or EIFS)?
- Materials Specified: What brands are they planning to use? What type of lath, scratch coat, brown coat, and finish coat? Knowing this helps you compare bids fairly.
- Payment Schedule: How much do you pay upfront? When are the next payments due? A reputable contractor won't ask for half or more upfront. Usually, it's 10-20% to start, with payments linked to different stages of the project.
- Inclusions and Exclusions: What's covered, and what isn't? Does the price include cleanup? Hauling away all the debris? Permitting fees? You really want to avoid any surprises later on.
- Timeline: They should give you an estimated start and finish date. Things can definitely shift, especially with the weather here, but they should still provide a reasonable timeframe.
Red Flags You Just Can't Ignore
Trust your gut feeling. If something seems off, it probably is. Here are some common warning signs:
- High-pressure sales tactics: