Alright, let's talk stucco. I've been doing this for a long time here in Clovis, and I've seen just about everything. What really grinds my gears are the folks who get burned because they didn't know what to look for when planning a stucco job or hiring someone. You're putting a lot of money into your home, so you gotta be smart about it. Here are the biggest blunders I see homeowners make, and how you can steer clear of 'em.
Mistake #1: Going for the Lowest Bid, Every Time
Look, I get it. Money doesn't grow on trees, especially not here in the Valley. Everyone wants a good deal. But when it comes to stucco, the absolute lowest bid is almost always a red flag. Think about it: if one guy's price is way, way lower than everyone else's, he's cutting corners somewhere. Maybe he's using cheap materials that won't last in our hot Clovis summers, or he's paying his crew peanuts, which usually means less experienced workers. You'll end up paying more down the road to fix shoddy work. Get a few bids, sure, but compare apples to apples. Ask what materials they're using, what their process is, and how long they've been in business.
Mistake #2: Not Checking References or Licenses
This one's a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised how many people skip it. Any legitimate stucco contractor in California needs to have a C-35 Lathing and Plastering license. If they don't have it, or if they're trying to do stucco under a general contractor's license without a C-35 sub, walk away. Period. Ask for references, too. And actually call them! Ask about their experience, if the job stayed on budget, and if the contractor was easy to communicate with. A good contractor won't hesitate to give you a list.
Mistake #3: Ignoring the Details of the Contract
Don't just sign on the dotted line without reading every single word. The contract should be crystal clear about everything: the exact scope of work, the materials being used (specific brands and types, not just