Finding the right contractor for your stucco project is difficult. You want someone who knows how our local Rancho climate and dry regional soil conditions affect exterior walls, but you also want to avoid hiring someone who treats your home like a rush job.
Pacific Stucco Co outlines what you actually need to look for when you are vetting stucco companies around here.
Start With the License and Bond
In California, anyone doing specialty trade work over $500 needs a valid license from the CSLB. For our trade, that means a C-35 lathing and plastering classification. Do not just take their word for it. Pull up the CSLB website and check the number yourself. Make sure their workers' compensation and bond are active, too. If a worker on your scaffolding falls off and is not insured, you are the one who is liable.
Questions You Need to Ask
Skip the small talk and ask the hard questions right out of the gate. You will learn a lot about how they operate by how they answer.
- Are you using a three-coat system or a quick one-coat application?
- Do you pull the required permits with the local building department, or do you expect me to do it?
- Who is actually going to be on-site supervising the crew every day?
- Can you show me local references from projects you completed in Rancho within the last year?
Red Flags in Quotes
When you get an estimate back, look at the details. If a quote is just a single lump sum scribbled on a napkin with no breakdown of materials, scope of work, or mesh reinforcement type, throw it in the trash. Pacific Stucco Co breaks down what we are doing so you know what you are paying for. Another massive red flag is a contractor demanding more than 10% or $1,000 down—whichever is less—before touching your house. State law limits large deposits for a reason.
How to Verify They Are Legitimate
Check their physical footprint. Do they have a local yard or office, or are they working entirely out of a magnetic sign on a pickup truck? Look at independent reviews, but pay attention to how they handle complaints rather than just the five-star ratings. A solid local business will stand behind their work and fix things if they go sideways.
Take your time, get at least three bids, and trust your gut. For homes and businesses in Rancho, Pacific Stucco Co is here for all your Stucco Contractor needs.