I've seen a lot of stucco jobs come and go in Castro Valley over the years. Some are beautiful, done right, and last for decades. Others? Well, let's just say they end up costing homeowners way more than they should have, both in money and headaches. As someone who's been doing this work for a long time at Castro Valley Stucco & Plastering, I want to share some of the biggest mistakes I see folks make when they're planning or hiring for a stucco project.
Mistake #1: Going for the Absolute Lowest Bid
Look, I get it. Everyone wants to save a buck. But when it comes to stucco, the cheapest bid is almost never the best bid. Stucco isn't just a cosmetic finish; it's a critical part of your home's weatherproofing system. A super low bid usually means a contractor is cutting corners somewhere. Maybe they're using inferior materials, skipping important steps like proper lath installation or weep screeds, or they're not paying their crew a fair wage, which can lead to rushed, sloppy work. You'll end up paying for it later, either with repairs or a full re-do. Always get at least three bids, but don't let price be your only guide.
Mistake #2: Not Checking Licenses and Insurance
This one's a huge red flag if you skip it. Any legitimate contractor in California needs to be licensed by the CSLB (Contractors State License Board) for the type of work they're doing. For stucco, that's usually a C-35 Lathing and Plastering license. Ask for their license number and actually look it up on the CSLB website. It takes five minutes. Also, make sure they have general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance. If they don't, and someone gets hurt on your property or there's damage, guess who's on the hook? You are. Don't risk your home and your financial well-being over this. It's non-negotiable.
Mistake #3: Ignoring the Details of the Scope of Work
A good stucco job involves a lot more than just slapping some material on your walls. There's prep work, flashing around windows and doors, proper drainage, and the right number of coats. Many older homes in Castro Valley, especially those built in the 50s and 60s up in the hills, might have existing stucco that needs careful removal or specific preparation before new layers go on. If your contractor's bid is just a single line item for