Finding a good stucco contractor shouldn't feel like you're just guessing. I've been in this business a long time, and I've watched plenty of Cupertino homeowners get stuck with crummy work or surprise costs. Why? Because they didn't really know what to ask for. This isn't about slick sales pitches; it's about making sure you find a solid, legitimate contractor who'll actually do the job right.
Questions to Ask Every Stucco Contractor
When someone comes to your home for an estimate, you absolutely have to ask the right questions. Don't be shy, either. This is your house and your money, after all.
- How long have you been in business under this specific name? You want someone with a real track record, not some fly-by-night outfit that popped up last week.
- Can you show me proof of your current licensing and insurance? This isn't optional. I'm talking general liability and workers' compensation. If they can't, or they start to hem and haw, just show them the door. A legitimate contractor, like Aim High Stucco & Plastering, will have this stuff ready to go.
- What's your plan for surface preparation? This is huge, truly. A good stucco job always starts with excellent prep. Will they power wash? Fix any damage to the wall underneath? Are they applying a proper scratch coat? Don't let them just skim over this part.
- What type of stucco system are you suggesting, and why? Are they talking traditional three-coat, one-coat, EIFS? They should be able to clearly explain the good and bad points for your specific home and situation.
- Who will actually be doing the work? Your own employees or subcontractors? Look, there's nothing wrong with using subs, but you need to know who's ultimately responsible and if those subs are also properly insured.
- What's your warranty, and what exactly does it cover? Get this in writing. How long does it last? What kinds of things would void it?
- Can you give me references from recent jobs, ideally in Cupertino or nearby? Make sure you actually talk to these people. Ask if the job finished on time, if it stayed on budget, and if they'd hire the contractor again.
What to Look For in a Quote
A quote isn't just a number; it's a detailed plan. A good quote helps you compare apples to apples, not apples to oranges, if you catch my drift.
- Detailed Scope of Work: It should clearly list everything they're going to do. Think surface prep, the exact materials they'll use (brand, type, color), how many coats, any trim work, scaffolding, and even clean-up. If it just says