Finding a good stucco contractor shouldn't feel like pulling teeth. But I hear stories all the time from folks in Diamond Bar who got burned, either by bad work or by paying too much for too little. I've been doing this for a long time, and honestly, I've seen it all. So, I figured I'd lay out what you really need to know when you're looking to hire someone for your stucco project.
Ask the Right Questions, Get the Right Answers
When you've got a contractor in front of you, don't be shy. This is your house, your money. You need to be sure they know their stuff and that they're the right fit.
Are you licensed and insured for stucco work in California? This isn't optional. Ask for their CSLB license number and proof of liability and workers' comp insurance. Call the CSLB to verify it. If they hesitate or try to dodge the question, show them the door.
How long have you been doing stucco specifically? Don't just ask how long they've been in business. Someone might be a general contractor for 20 years but only dabbled in stucco for two. You want a stucco specialist, right?
Can you provide references from recent stucco jobs in the Diamond Bar area? Not just old ones, and certainly not just friends. You want to talk to people whose houses they worked on recently. And if they've done work on a house similar to yours—maybe one of those older ranch-style homes up by the Diamond Bar Golf Course—that's even better.
What's your process for surface preparation and material application? A good contractor will explain things like proper lath installation, weep screeds, scratch coats, brown coats, and finish coats. They should talk about curing times and why they matter, especially with our hot, dry summers here.
Who will actually be doing the work? Your crew or subcontractors? It's not necessarily a deal-breaker if they use subs, but you need to know. If they do use subcontractors, ask how long they've worked with them and if those subs are also licensed and insured.
What kind of warranty do you offer on your work and materials? Get this in writing. A solid warranty shows they stand behind their craftsmanship.
Decoding the Quote: What to Look For
A quote isn't just a number. It's a breakdown of what you're paying for. Don't accept a one-line estimate.
Detailed Scope of Work: It should clearly list everything they're going to do. Is it repair, re-stucco, or new construction? What areas are included? What kind of stucco system are they using (traditional, synthetic EIFS, one-coat)?
Material Specifications: What brand of stucco? What type of lath? What kind of trim accessories? This tells you they're using quality stuff, not just whatever's cheapest.
Labor Costs: This might be lumped in, but it should be clear that labor is covered.
Permits: Will they handle pulling the necessary permits from the city of Diamond Bar? For most significant stucco work, you'll need one. Don't let them tell you it's not needed if it is.
Cleanup and Debris Removal: This should be part of the job. You don't want to be stuck with a messy yard after they leave.
Payment Schedule: A reputable contractor won't ask for 50% or more upfront. Usually, it's something like 10-20% to start, then progress payments, with the final payment due only after the job is complete and you're satisfied.
Exclusions: What's NOT included? Are they responsible for moving plants or patio furniture? Knowing this upfront prevents surprises.
Big Red Flags to Watch Out For
Some things should make you hit the brakes immediately.
Unsolicited Door-to-Door Offers: If someone shows up out of the blue saying they noticed a problem with your stucco and can fix it right now for a great price, be very wary. This is a classic scam.
Cash-Only Deals: