Don't Get Burned: Picking the Right Stucco Pro
So, you're ready to tackle that stucco project on your Santa Clara home. Maybe you're fixing some cracks, doing a full re-stucco, or putting it on a new addition. Great! But how do you find someone who'll do it right? It's not just about getting the cheapest bid; it's about getting quality work that lasts, especially with our Bay Area weather. I've been doing this for a long time at Santa Clara Stucco & Plastering, and I've seen it all. Let me tell you what you really need to look for.
Questions to Ask Every Stucco Contractor
When you've got a few contractors lined up, don't be shy. Ask these questions:
- Are you licensed and insured? Can I see proof? This is non-negotiable. A C-35 Lath and Plastering license is what you're looking for here in California.
- How long have you been doing stucco work specifically? Someone who's done a lot of painting might not have the specialized stucco experience you need.
- Can you provide references from recent jobs, preferably in Santa Clara or nearby? Talk to those folks. Ask if the job was on time, on budget, and if they'd hire them again.
- What kind of warranty do you offer on your work? What does it cover, and for how long?
- What's your process for protecting my property during the job? You don't want stucco splatter all over your new landscaping or windows.
- How do you handle unexpected issues or change orders? Things can pop up, especially on older homes. You want to know they've got a plan.
- What materials do you typically use, and why? Do they use a good quality cement, sand, and lime mix, or are they cutting corners?
What to Look for in a Quote
A good quote isn't just a number. It's detailed. Here's what I expect to see:
- Clear Scope of Work: It should spell out exactly what they're doing. Is it repair? Full re-stucco? How many coats? What kind of finish?
- Material Specifications: What type of stucco system? What brand of materials? This matters for durability and matching existing finishes.
- Preparation Details: How will they prepare the existing surface? Will they remove old stucco? Repair sheathing? Install new lath and paper? This is crucial, especially if you're in an area like the older neighborhoods near the Santa Clara University campus where homes might have original wood siding under the stucco.
- Timeline: A realistic start and end date.
- Payment Schedule: This should be clear. Don't pay a huge chunk upfront. A reasonable deposit (usually 10% or $1,000, whichever is less, by California law) is fine, then progress payments.
- Cleanup Plan: How will they leave your property when they're done?
Red Flags You Can't Ignore
These are deal-breakers, plain and simple:
- No License or Insurance: Run. Seriously. You're opening yourself up to massive liability if someone gets hurt on your property or if the work is shoddy.
- Cash-Only Deals: This screams