Alright, so you're thinking about getting some stucco work done on your Los Altos home. Maybe it's just a repair, or a full re-stucco job, or even a new addition. Whatever the project, picking the right contractor is absolutely essential. You certainly don't want someone cutting corners, or worse yet, vanishing halfway through the job. Believe me, I've seen it all in this business, and I'm here to give you the real scoop on how to hire smart.
What to Ask Before You Hire Anyone
Once you've got a few contractors lined up for estimates, don't hold back. Ask them these questions. Any good contractor will expect them, and they'll answer them clearly, too.
Are you licensed and insured? This isn't optional. Ask for their California contractor's license number (CSLB). You can easily look it up online to confirm it's active and has the correct classification — C-35 is for plastering/stucco. Also, ask for proof of general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance. If they don't have both, or if they seem to hesitate, just walk away. You really don't want to be responsible if someone gets hurt on your property or if something goes wrong, do you?
How long have you been doing this, specifically with stucco? Experience really counts. Someone who's been working with stucco for years understands all the little details, especially with our local climate and soil conditions here in Los Altos. These can actually affect foundation movement and how stucco cracks, you know? They've seen what works and what doesn't.
Can you give me some references? And don't just take their word for it. Call those references. Ask them about their experience, whether the job finished on time and within budget, and if they'd hire the contractor again.
What's your process for *this specific job*? Have them walk you through it step-by-step. What materials do they use? How do they prepare the surface? What's their plan for protecting everything from the weather? This will show you if they truly know what they're doing or if they're just improvising.
What kind of warranty do you offer? A trustworthy stucco contractor will stand behind their work. Ask about how long it lasts and what exactly it covers. Make sure you get all of it in writing.
Decoding the Quote: What to Look For
A good quote isn't just a single number; it's a detailed breakdown of costs. If you get a one-page quote with only a total, that's a pretty big red flag right there.
Detailed Scope of Work: The quote should clearly describe everything they plan to do. This means prep work, the type of stucco system (like traditional three-coat, one-coat, or EIFS), specific materials (manufacturer, product names), how many coats, the finish texture, and cleanup. It should also specify what's *not* included, so you don't get any nasty surprises later on.
Material Specifications: Don't just accept