Stucco is a decorative masonry product used in architecture that can add some creative flare to the interior or exterior of a home. In the United States, it is typically found in the southwest, and it is historically one of the oldest forms of natural siding around, dating as far back as ancient Greece. Stucco application is not something to turn your nose at; proper use of this product requires quite a bit of material knowledge, and is not something the average homeowner should attempt to do without professional guidance. If you’ve started an Internet inquiry into stucco, chances are you will also want to know how to pick a stucco contractor – if such a person even exists.

Stucco contractors will be more common in the south and southwest of the United States, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be found anywhere else. If you are in a region where stucco professionals seem difficult to come by, you might want to ask yourself if stucco is a viable option for your home. Maybe you live in a climate that just isn’t suited for this type of material. Stucco is beautiful, but it is also subject to cracking when applied incorrectly, on a home where the foundation may settle, or in a region with significant moisture and temperature changes. A stucco contractor will be knowledgeable in all of these pitfalls, and he or she will also know what type of stucco is appropriate for your home, what thickness it needs to be applied in, and how to achieve the final aesthetic you are looking for.

If you do indeed live in an area where stucco is viable and available, finding a stucco contractor shouldn’t be too difficult of a task. You can start by asking for opinions from family and friends, though you may find not everyone has needed stucco work done on their homes. If you don’t have names from anyone you know and trust, take a drive through your neighborhood and see whose stucco homes catch your eye. It can be fairly easy to find out who the contractors were to do work on residential neighborhoods, but if you’re feeling really brave, you can knock on some doors. Worst case scenario, you might have to do an internet search and go off the reviews you find online. That being said, don’t put too much stock in the reviews you see. It is exceptionally easy to solicit positive reviews online, and even the negative reviews can sometimes be thrown in there to make a business look more legitimate.

When you have some appealing candidates selected, take some time to write down the questions you want answered. If you’re really into doing comparison work, make a spreadsheet where you can record the answers and easily see how each stucco contractor responded. Look for similarities and differences. See if there are any additional value services these contractors offer. Sometimes a higher price may not seem so bad if it comes with additional benefits, like waste disposal. You’ll want to ask about their company. How long have they been in business? Longevity can represent client satisfaction and on-going work. It’s always a positive to know someone has been in the business for several decades.

How you interact with someone on the phone is also very important. A stucco contractor who is polite and does his or her best to answer your questions should get bonus points over a stucco contractor that is curt and acts as though you are more of an annoyance to them than a potential client. You’re not supposed to have all the answers; you’re seeking out a professional because you need help, and you want to feel as though they truly care about your project and will take care of you during the process.

While on the phone, be sure to inquire about availability. Many stucco contractors are juggling multiple jobs both from their own lineup and from those of general contractors they have been hired under. You might find you really mesh well with a particular business but they aren’t able to take on your job because their own project pipeline is too full. If availability is not an issue, the next matter to ask about is that of estimates and fees. While it can be great to get a ballpark number over the phone, the reality is every job is unique, and you should find a contractor that wants to come out to your home and do an in-person assessment. In person estimates are beneficial to the homeowner, sure, but they also allow the stucco contractor to get an idea of the depth of the job. There are projects out there that may have hidden issues, and a per square foot quote over the phone isn’t going to cut it if there is a major issue that no one knows about.

This is also when you want to get an in-person feel for the stucco contractor. Prices and availability mean nothing if you aren’t comfortable with having the contractor around your home. While there are plenty of anti-social professionals out there who can do fantastic work, you want to feel secure with whoever will be around your home for days doing construction work. You should never judge a book by its cover, but let’s face it, professionalism matters.

Last but not least, ask plenty of questions about the contract you will be presented with for the stucco project. You should never have anyone do work on your home without it being put into writing. You want to know everything, from the proposed timeline to the payment schedule to the material fees. All of this should be in writing and signed by both parties. A deposit is normal, but it should never be the majority of money owed for the task. If you feel unsure about any part of your contract, don’t feel guilty about taking some extra time to expand your research. If you want to be exceptionally cautious, have the contract reviewed by a legal professional. You can never do too much to protect your home and your assets.