Due to the complexity and special care, some home renovation jobs should not be done as do-it-yourself projects. When it comes to having stucco work done to the exterior of your home, a professional stucco contractor should be called to make sure the job is done right. Whether you are resurfacing your whole home or patching specific sections, if stucco is not applied properly, you could run into serious and costly problems later on.
Finding the right stucco company to complete your home renovation takes time. Before hiring the first name you find, take the time needed to make sure the stucco contractor you hire is best suited to complete the work on your property.
What to Look for In a Professional Stucco Contractor
Here are some essential tips to help you find the right stucco company:
Do Your Research
Resurfacing your exterior is a big investment in your home so finding the right stucco contractor should not be done quickly. Ask friends, neighbors, coworkers, or family members if they can recommend someone.
Look online and on social media sites for recommended companies. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to find a reputable stucco contractor.
Make sure the company has a valid business address and phone number and if in doubt, check it out.
Check Their Reviews
Reviews are one of the best ways to find out how good or bad a stucco company is. Check online business review pages, the Better Business Bureau, construction and home renovation web pages, and other sources to see how they liked working with the stucco contractor. People are not afraid to voice their opinion online both good and bad so do a thorough search to see what others have to say. Their experiences will highlight what you can expect if you hire the stucco company for your home remodeling work.
Get Estimates
It is important to get at least three estimates from three different stucco companies before you hire someone. Like other major renovations, you should have a few price quotes so you can compare the prices of your stucco contractor. If someone is trying to over or under-price their work, it is easier to spot when you have more than one quote.
While lower estimates might be more attractive, if they are too low compared to other quotes, you might want to question the quality of the stucco contractor’s work.
Check Their Licenses and Insurance
Legitimate stucco companies will have valid business licenses and insurance policies. Confirm they have all the paperwork and that it is up-to-date. Ask questions about their insurance policy to make sure if something happens, you will not be stuck paying the repair bills.
Check Their Portfolio
Well-established businesses should have a portfolio or pictures of jobs they have done. Go on the stucco company’s website or ask to see photos of previous work.
Get It All in Writing
Any price quote, contract, or receipt of payment should be put in writing. Word of mouth, handshake deals, or scribbled notes will not protect you legally should something happen. Before any work is started on your home by your stucco contractor, it is important to have all the legal paperwork in place and signed by all parties first.
If you have questions or concerns about your contract, ask someone you know who has knowledge of the formal documents like a legal representative or business association advisor. They can review the contract with you before you sign it. Make sure it is clearly written and thoroughly details the work, cost, obligations, warranties, payment schedule, estimated length of time and date that the work is to be done, stucco company performing the work, the location where work is being done, and insurance coverage.
Other Considerations
When looking for the right stucco company to resurface your home, ask what their plan is for protecting your property from debris, removing the old stucco off your property, and cleanup procedures. You do not want to hire a stucco contractor who is going to damage your landscaping or the surrounding area and leaving a big mess for you to clean up afterward.
At Exterior by Design, we are an award-winning stone and stucco company. Since opening our doors, we have taken great pride in providing our customers with superior service and craftsmanship in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area. Contact our stucco company office today for your free stucco resurfacing quote.