Alright, so you need some stucco work done on your Peoria home. Maybe it's a repair, a full re-stucco, or something new entirely. Whatever the project, you want a good contractor, right? Someone who knows their stuff, won't cut corners, and won't leave you hanging. I've been doing this a long time here in the Valley, and believe me, I've seen it all. Here's my no-nonsense guide to finding the right stucco pro for your place.
What to Ask Before They Even Touch Your House
Remember, you're interviewing these folks, not the other way around. Don't be shy about it. Here are the questions I'd ask if I were in your shoes:
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured in Arizona? This isn't optional, plain and simple. They absolutely need an active ROC (Registrar of Contractors) license, which you can easily look up online. "Bonded" means if they don't finish the job or mess things up, there's a bond to cover it. And "insured" means if someone gets hurt on your property or your property gets damaged, their insurance handles it – not your homeowner's policy. Get their license number; check it yourself.
How long have you been doing stucco work specifically? I'm not talking about general construction here. Stucco is a specialty. You really want someone with years of experience working with this material, especially given our crazy Arizona climate. The intense sun and those monsoon rains we get here in Peoria mean stucco has to be applied just right.
Can you provide references from recent jobs? And I mean *recent*, like within the last year. Call those people up. Ask if the contractor showed up on time, if they stayed on budget, if the quality was good, and if they cleaned up after themselves. That last one is a big deal, isn't it?
What kind of warranty do you offer on your work? A good contractor stands behind their work. Get it in writing, too. What does it cover? How long does it actually last?
Who will actually be doing the work? Your employees or subcontractors? It's not necessarily a deal-breaker if they use subs, but you need to know who's coming. If it's subcontractors, ask if *they're* licensed and insured too. You want to make sure everyone on your property is covered, no exceptions.
What's your process for protecting my property during the job? Stucco work can get messy, let's be honest. How will they protect your landscaping, your windows, and your driveway? Will they use drop cloths, plastic sheeting, all that good stuff?
Decoding the Quote: What to Look For
Don't just compare the bottom line, seriously. A cheap quote often means cheap work. A good quote will be detailed, telling you exactly what you're paying for. It should include:
Scope of work: Exactly what they're going to do. Is it a repair? A full re-stucco? How many coats will they apply? What kind of finish will it have?
Materials: What brand of stucco are they using? What kind of lath? What type of weep screed? Specifics really matter here. If they just say