You've got some stucco damage and you're thinking about getting it fixed. Good call. Leaving it can lead to bigger, more expensive problems down the road. But before you jump in, let's talk about some common mistakes I see folks in Victorville make all the time. Avoiding these can save you a ton of grief and cash.
Not Getting Multiple, Detailed Bids
This is probably the biggest one. I get it, you want it fixed, and you want it fixed fast. So you call the first guy, he gives you a number, and you say, “Okay, let’s do it.” Big mistake. You wouldn’t buy a car without checking out a few options, right? Stucco repair is an investment in your home.
You need at least three bids, and they need to be detailed. I’m not talking about just a price. I mean a breakdown of what they’re going to do: what kind of materials, how many coats, how they’ll prep the area, what kind of flashing they’ll use around windows or doors, and how they plan to match the existing texture and color. If a bid is just a single number on a napkin, walk away. You’re asking for trouble.
Hiring the Cheapest Guy Without Checking References
Following on from the last point, the cheapest bid isn’t always the best. In fact, it’s often the worst. There’s a reason someone can quote significantly lower than everyone else. Maybe they’re cutting corners on materials, maybe they’re not licensed or insured, or maybe they’re just not very good. You get what you pay for, especially in construction.
Always, always, always check references. Ask to see examples of their work, preferably recent jobs in the Victorville area. Call those past clients. Ask them if the job was completed on time, if the crew was professional, and if they’d hire them again. A reputable contractor, like us at Victorville Stucco & Plastering, will be happy to provide them. If they hem and haw, that’s a huge red flag.
Ignoring the Root Cause of the Damage
Stucco doesn’t just crack or fall off for no reason. There’s usually an underlying issue. Maybe it’s water intrusion from a leaky gutter, a poorly installed window, or even just sprinkler heads spraying directly onto the wall. Sometimes, especially with our expansive clay soils here in the High Desert, foundation shifts can cause cracks. Or maybe it’s just old age and weathering from our intense summer sun and winter winds.
A good stucco contractor won’t just patch the crack; they’ll investigate why it happened. If you don’t fix the root cause, that new patch is just going to fail again, probably sooner rather than later. Make sure your contractor includes identifying and addressing the cause in their plan. Otherwise, you’re just putting a band-aid on a bullet wound.
Not Understanding the Repair Process for Color and Texture Matching
This one catches a lot of homeowners off guard. You can’t just slap some new stucco on and expect it to perfectly match your existing walls, especially if they’re years old. The color will be different because the old stucco has faded from UV exposure. The texture might also be tricky to match perfectly, especially if your original stucco has a unique finish or has aged unevenly.
Talk to your contractor about their plan for color and texture matching. Will they try to blend it? Will they suggest painting the entire wall or even the whole house after the repair for a seamless look? Sometimes, especially with older homes or more complex finishes, a perfect match isn't possible, and you need to be prepared for that. Don't assume it'll disappear seamlessly unless you've discussed it thoroughly.
Skipping the Contract and Permits
Don't ever let work start without a written contract. It protects both you and the contractor. The contract should detail everything: the scope of work, materials, timeline, payment schedule, warranty information, and proof of their license and insurance. If a contractor tries to work without a contract, that’s a massive warning sign.
Also, depending on the extent of the repair, you might need a permit from the city of Victorville. Your contractor should know this and handle the permitting process. Don’t let them convince you it’s not necessary if it clearly is. Skipping permits can lead to fines and headaches down the road when you try to sell your home.
Look, stucco repair doesn't have to be a nightmare. By being smart about who you hire and what questions you ask, you can ensure your home gets the quality repair it needs without any regrets.