You need stucco work done, and you're probably looking for someone you can actually count on. It's tough sometimes to tell the good guys from the not-so-good ones, especially with everyone having a website these days. I've been in this business a long time right here in Pasadena, and believe me, I've seen quite a bit. So, here’s what you really need to know to hire a stucco contractor you can trust.
What to Ask Before They Even Quote
Don't hold back. These questions are important, and any decent contractor won't mind answering them. If they get defensive, well, that's your first big red flag.
Are you licensed and insured? This isn't optional. Ask for their California contractor's license number (CSLB). You can easily check it online to confirm it's active and for the right kind of work (C-35 for stucco, specifically). Then, ask for proof of liability insurance and workers' compensation. If they can't show you, or if they start to hesitate, just walk away. You absolutely do not want to be on the hook if someone gets hurt on your property or if something goes wrong.
How long have you been in business under this name? Usually, longevity means stability and experience. A company that's been around for a while, especially in a specific area like Pasadena, has likely built up a solid reputation. Apex Stucco, for example, has been helping this community for years, and that kind of experience really counts.
Can you give me some references? And don't just take their word for it, either. Call those references. Ask them about their experience, whether the job finished on time and within budget, and if they'd hire the contractor again. A good contractor will have plenty of happy clients.
What kind of warranty do you offer on labor and materials? A strong warranty shows they really stand behind their work. Make sure you understand what it covers and for how long. Materials typically come with their own manufacturer's warranty, but the labor warranty? That's on the contractor.
Who will actually be doing the work? Will it be their own employees, or will they bring in subcontractors? There's nothing inherently wrong with using subs, but you need to know who's responsible and if those subs are also properly insured and supervised.
Decoding the Quote: What to Look For
A quote isn't just a number, you know. It should be a detailed breakdown of the work. If it's just one single line item, that's a problem.
Detailed Scope of Work: Does it clearly list everything they plan to do? Things like prep work, the specific materials they'll use (brand, type, color), how many coats, the finish texture, cleanup, and any specific repairs. For instance, if you're in an older neighborhood like Bungalow Heaven and your home has lath and plaster walls, the quote should clearly explain how they'll handle that if they're doing a full re-stucco job.
Material Specifications: It shouldn't just say