Philadelphia Stucco Contractor is an individual who applies a mixture of water, lime and cement to exterior walls, ceilings or other structures. They may also add decorative features to the stucco.
A quality stucco contractor will offer warranties on their work. These warranties should be backed by the manufacturer and financially strong company.
Experience
If you’re going to spend a significant amount of money on a stucco project, then you want to make sure that the contractor has the experience necessary for the job. Many contractors will claim that they have the experience for any type of stucco work, but it’s important to verify that they have specific expertise in this field. You should also be sure that they offer a warranty on their work and any materials they use.
Look for a contractor with a strong portfolio of past projects and client references. This can help you see firsthand the quality of their craftsmanship and their ability to handle the nuances of stucco installation and repair. A reputable contractor will be happy to provide this information to potential clients, so don’t hesitate to ask.
Another important question to ask a prospective contractor is whether they have any experience with water intrusion or moisture problems in stucco homes. Many times, these issues can be caused by improper installation or weather conditions, so it’s critical to choose a contractor with the right knowledge and expertise to prevent them.
A reputable stucco contractor will be able to offer you a moisture protection guarantee for your home. They will have a solution for preventing water intrusion, such as MoistureFree Warranty, that has been tested and proven to be effective. This is a better option than a standard guarantee offered by repair contractors, which typically only cover the area repaired and may not be backed by a national or financially-strong company.
In addition to providing a water-tight seal, a good stucco contractor should be able to inspect your stucco and make recommendations for remediation. This includes replacing old or damaged sheathing, framing, and insulation. This can be a more costly service than repair, but it is essential to the health and longevity of your home’s exterior.
A good stucco contractor should also be able to communicate effectively with potential clients and stay in contact throughout the duration of a project. This demonstrates their dedication to customer service and shows that they are committed to the success of every project. They should also be able to answer any questions you may have about the process, costs, and timelines.
Portfolio
A good stucco contractor will have a portfolio that showcases the work they’ve done in the past. This can be helpful in determining whether their aesthetic aligns with your vision for the project you’re hiring them to complete. It’s also important to find out whether they have any testimonials or reviews from previous clients, which can help you get a feel for their professionalism and reliability.
Stucco is a cement plaster material that can be applied in a smooth, textured or rough style. It’s popular with homeowners and contractors because it can be used to add visual interest to a building or home. It’s also resistant to glare and is an effective insulator. It can also be applied in a wide range of colors and designs.
Many people who want to make a house or commercial structure look more attractive hire a stucco contractor. This type of specialist is highly skilled and can create unique and eye-catching designs that complement a building’s architecture. Choosing a quality stucco contractor is important to ensure the job is performed correctly and in a timely manner. A good contractor will have a strong portfolio that can demonstrate their experience and expertise.
The main ingredients in stucco are sand, Portland cement and lime. The latter is used as a binder to help the other two ingredients adhere to surfaces. In modern times, some stucco is also made from acrylic, which strengthens the material and renders it more flexible when it’s applied. A quality stucco contractor will use high-quality materials and perform their work in a professional manner.
Choosing the right stucco contractor for your next project can be difficult, but it’s important to take your time and do your research. If you don’t, you could end up with a subpar finish that requires repairs or replacement later on. A little bit of due diligence can save you a lot of hassle in the long run.
Joe Brooks, owner of Advanced Stucco in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has been working in the construction industry for more than 25 years. He’s built a name for himself by completing projects that include hotels, shopping malls and high-rises. His company even worked on the exterior of Miami’s new Formula One racetrack facility, which hosted its first grand prix in May.
Warranties
Stucco contractors should offer a solid warranty to protect their customers and their work. A warranty should cover both labor and material, including a re-application of stucco when it becomes discolored or damaged. It should also include coverage for the re-coating of balconies, window sills and kickout flashings as well as the replacement or repair of any underlying issues such as water penetration or structural damage. In addition, a good warranty should cover the cost of mold remediation when it occurs within two years.
When evaluating a potential stucco contractor, ask to see their portfolio and references. These documents reveal their history of job excellence and client satisfaction. They can help you understand the level of detail and craftsmanship in their work as well as give you a sense of their aesthetic.
If the contractor is licensed and insured, they should be able to provide you with a copy of their policy. This will ensure that they meet state licensing requirements and have workers’ compensation and general liability insurance in case of property damage or injury to a worker on the job site.
You should also ask the contractor if they have experience working on your type of project. A stucco contractor with experience in your specific architectural style can better understand the challenges and unique needs that can come up when installing a new exterior or making repairs to an existing structure.
A reliable stucco contractor should be able to answer any questions you may have about the project and provide an accurate estimate. You should get an estimate in writing so that there are no misunderstandings about the scope of the work or the cost. It’s also important to know how long the project will take and if there are any potential delays or weather conditions that might affect completion.
Some stucco contractors offer warranties to back up their work, which can be a big selling point for homeowners. For example, Moisture Warranty Corporation offers a warranty for synthetic EIFS (epoxy infrared foam) and drainable stucco homes that can save homeowners thousands of dollars when they sell their home. This warranty helps ease home buyers’ concerns about the potential for moisture and mold and provides peace of mind to homeowners and realtors alike.
Insurance
While some homeowners believe stucco damage is covered by homeowner’s insurance, this is not the case. A professional stucco contractor will carry liability and workers’ compensation insurance to protect homeowners from damage caused during a project. Liability insurance also covers the cost of lawsuits that may arise from a project.
Often, plastering or stucco businesses are required by law or contract to have business insurance. These policies are designed to minimize financial risks associated with running a small business, such as property damage, lawsuits, or loss of income. These policies can be offered as standalone policies or in a bundle known as a business owners policy (BOP). A BOP typically combines several different types of insurance into one policy that has a lower premium than purchasing each type of insurance separately.
Plastering and stucco contractors can expect to pay about $80 per month, or $960 per year for general liability insurance, which is also referred to as public liability insurance. This type of insurance pays for the costs incurred if a third party is injured on site or if someone trips over company equipment. Many construction businesses need proof of this type of insurance before they can sign a commercial lease or client contract.
Stucco is a great choice for home exteriors because it offers protection from moisture. However, it’s important to choose a knowledgeable contractor who can install it properly to avoid water damage. If moisture is allowed to seep through the stucco, it can damage the underlying sheathing and framing. This type of damage is often not noticed until it’s too late, and can lead to costly repairs down the road.
A quality stucco contractor should be able to provide references from previous clients and a portfolio of their work. It’s also important to ask about how they plan on managing the project, including what their daily process will be like. For example, some companies will keep a dumpster on site throughout the entire project to reduce clean up time and debris removal. Others will require that you move out of your home during the work, which can take longer and is more disruptive to your daily routine.