Alright, let's talk stucco. I've been doing this for a long time here in Provo, and I've seen just about everything. What really grinds my gears are the folks who get taken advantage of, or just plain mess up, when they're trying to get a stucco job done on their home. It's a big investment, and you deserve to get it right. So, let me lay out some of the most common mistakes I see homeowners make, and how you can avoid them.
Mistake #1: Going for the Cheapest Bid, Every Time
Look, I get it. Money doesn't grow on trees, especially around here with property taxes always climbing. But when it comes to stucco, the cheapest bid is almost never the best bid. In fact, it's often a massive red flag. A contractor who significantly undercuts everyone else usually has to cut corners somewhere. That might mean using inferior materials, rushing the job, or hiring inexperienced crews. You'll end up paying for it later, either with repairs or a complete redo. I've seen stucco jobs that looked great for six months, then started cracking and failing because the prep work was skipped or the wrong mix was used. It's not worth the headache.
Mistake #2: Not Checking References or Licenses
This one seems obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people skip it. Before you even think about signing a contract, you need to verify your contractor. Are they licensed and insured in Utah? You can check with the Utah Department of Professional Licensing (DOPL). Do they have references you can actually call? Not just a list of names, but actual people you can talk to about their experience. Ask them about the contractor's communication, timeliness, and the quality of the finished product. If a contractor gets cagey about providing references or proof of insurance, walk away. Fast.
Mistake #3: Not Understanding the Scope of Work
A good stucco job isn't just slapping some material on your walls. There's prep work, flashing, proper drainage, and often, repairs to the underlying structure. Many homeowners don't really understand what goes into a proper installation or repair, and some contractors will take advantage of that. Make sure the bid you get is detailed. It should specify the type of stucco, the number of coats, the materials for flashing, and any necessary repairs to your sheathing or framing. If the bid is just a single line item for