Finding a good stucco contractor? Honestly, it can feel like a real pain, especially when all you're trying to do is protect your home and make it look nice. There are so many options out there, and let's be real, not all of them are going to deliver the quality work you deserve. I've been around this business for a long time, seen plenty of great work, and, frankly, a lot of shoddy stuff too. So, let's just talk straight about how to pick the right crew for your stucco project right here in Riverside.
Questions You Should Ask Every Stucco Contractor
You wouldn't buy a car without asking a bunch of questions, would you? The same idea applies when someone's working on your house. Don't be shy! Here are the questions you absolutely have to ask:
Are you licensed and insured? This isn't just some formality; it's a must-have. Ask for their California contractor's license number (it should be C-35 for plastering/stucco) and proof they have liability insurance and workers' compensation. If they can't show it, or if they start to waffle, that's your first big warning sign. You really don't want to be responsible if someone gets hurt on your property or, heaven forbid, they damage your neighbor's fence.
How long have you been doing stucco work specifically? Experience really counts here. Someone who's been working with stucco for years understands all the little details, like how our Riverside heat and those occasional Santa Ana winds affect how long it takes for things to dry. They'll also know the best materials for homes built on the expansive clay soils common in places like La Sierra.
Can you give me some references? And don't just take their word for it, either. Call those people! Ask them about the quality of the work, if the job finished on time, if it stayed within budget, and how the contractor handled any problems that popped up.
What kind of warranty do you offer? A good contractor stands behind their work, no question. Ask what their warranty covers and for how long. Make sure you get it in writing.
Who's actually going to do the work? Your own crew or subcontractors? Sometimes a company will bid on a job and then hire another company to do the actual work. That's not always a bad thing, but you should definitely know who will be on your property. If they're using subcontractors, ask about their experience and if they're also licensed and insured.
Can you walk me through your process for surface preparation and applying the material? This question helps you figure out if they actually know what they're doing. They should be able to explain things clearly, like how they install the lath, apply the scratch coats, the brown coats, and finally, the finish coats. If they just say,