Stucco is a durable, long-lasting material that protects your home and looks great. But, if stucco takes enough of a beating from harsh weather or wasn’t installed properly in the first place, it’s not immune to taking damage. Common damage that happens to stucco is usually fairly minor, like cracks and small holes, but that doesn’t mean you should let it sit. Even a seemingly small gap can lead to more serious problems down the road.
If you’re a DIY master, you can try to repair stucco yourself. However, stucco repair is trickier than most home improvement projects, and you will most likely need to hire professional assistance. If you’ve never worked with stucco contractors before or are unhappy with the quality of the last contractors you hired, the first step to patching up your stucco is finding the best stucco repair contractors in your area. Here are a few tips for searching and finding the right contractor for your stucco repairs.
Ask Around
There’s nothing like some good old-fashioned word-of-mouth to get information that you can’t find on a contractor’s website, things like how they might leave a mess on your property as they pack up and leave once the job is finished. Ask your friends, family, colleagues, or anyone you trust about their experiences with local stucco contractors. Instead of reading about how they have the best stucco repair in town, you’ll be able to ask about what it’s really like to work with them. If you’re unsure of what you should be asking about, here is a helpful list of questions to get you started:
- Did your project go way over budget? If so, was it the contractors’ fault??
- Did your project take way longer than expected? If so, was it the contractors’ fault?
- Did they complete the job to your satisfaction?
- Did they leave a mess when they packed up and left?
- Were they easy to contact and have honest communication?
Compare Bids From Multiple Contractors
You wouldn’t walk into a car dealership and buy the first car you stumble across, and you shouldn’t automatically hire the first stucco contractors that come across your web browser. Of course, that doesn’t mean the first one you come across won’t be a good choice, but you should at least do some comparing and contrasting with other contractors before making any final decisions.
What you’re looking for will depend on the nature of your project and what you would like to prioritize. For example, if the price is your biggest concern, comparing bids would be the most appropriate. If cost is of no concern and you only wish to get the highest quality work available, you’ll want to look for other differentiators like experience, client testimonials, and awards.
Protect Yourself With Written Guarantees
No matter how trustworthy a contractor comes across, it’s always a good idea to get everything you’ve agreed upon in writing. This way, you make sure you get everything you’ve been promised and can easily verify what has and hasn’t been agreed upon. In the same vein, ask your contractor if the work they do is guaranteed.
If a contractor is unwilling to do so, that’s a red flag that they aren’t the most reliable contractors on the market, and you should keep looking.
Check for Certifications, License and Insurance
To get your final seal of approval, check their credentials and make sure they’re licensed and insured. For most contractors, you can easily find this information on their website. Take Golden Trowel Stucco, for example. Their homepage proudly displays their A+ rating as an accredited business, their partnership with the Workers’ Compensation Board, and that they are fully bonded and insured.
If you take each of these tips seriously, you’ll be much more likely to find the best stucco repair to get your home’s exterior all fixed up.
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