How to Choose the Right Stucco Contractors
Expert Tips for Homeowners:
When it is about giving an appealing look to your home or to ensure its safety from dust, then nothing can beat stucco for the exterior finish of your building. This low maintenance, and durable material can give an aesthetic look to your property. But to make the most of this material it is required to hire the best stucco contractors Vancouver. With ample number of companies offering stucco services in the market, choosing the best one can be tricky for you.
This blog will talk about the ways to choose the right stucco experts for your projects.
Research is the key: Check companies reviews and recommendations
Research work is mandatory to get more information about the company’s reputation, and work. You can take recommendations from your friends, neighbours and family. You can also trust word-of-mouth to get a reliable, and professional stucco Vancouver contractor. In case you don’t have any personal recommendation, it’s better to go online and check the online review platforms like Yelp and Google to know about contractors’ market reputation.
Check previous customers’ feedback regarding the quality, timeline and professionalism of the contractor. The maximum number of positive reviews indicates good reputation of the contractor. Conversely, continuous negative reviews can be a red alert for you.
Check credentials: Insurance, License and bonding
Your outsourced stucco Vancouver contractor must have proper credentials to work on your home. Their license indicates that they will follow the required standards and have the experience needed to successfully complete the project. In many states it is mandatory for the stucco professionals to have a valid license to start the work legally. Ensure that your contractor has the license number and you must verify it with the local authority.
Also, your hired company must have proper insurance paperwork. There are two types of insurance namely liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance. The former one covers property damage during job while the latter one is for the injuries happened during job. A reputable contractor will provide you proof of both the insurance.
Lastly, give preference to bonded contractor. Bonding will safeguard you financially in case the contractor fails to complete the job, doesn’t stick with the contract terms, or creates safety issues. A bond ensures that your work will never be left incomplete.
Experience wins the race: Go with specialized decorative stucco Vancouver
Stucco installation, repair, and maintenance demands specific skills and expertise. You must opt for the contractor with relevant experience in stucco work. Although, a general contractor may handle various tasks, a specialized stucco contractor will have a greater experience in this field and will be aware of the nuances involved in the process.
Know the work experience of the decorative stucco Vancouver in this field and whether they have experience in the type of stucco you require like traditional, synthetic or other specialty finishes. An experienced contractor can handle all the challenges like cracking, or moisture-related problems and can deliver a long-lasting finishing to your exterior.
Check portfolio to know about past work
Ask for the past work portfolio to check their previous work. You can check the work that resembles with your own. If possible, visit the site and check their craftsmanship and quality.
Ask for references of previous clients. Reputable stucco siding contractors will never have a problem in providing their contact information of the people hired them previously. You can inquire about the quality, adherence to the deadline and how they tackle challenges arise during project.
Never settle down with just one quote: Compare prices and services
The best way to get a perfect contractor for your building is to obtain multiple quotes from different vendors. Don’t finalize the first estimate you get. At least get three quotes from multiple contractors and compare their timelines, services and prices. Never consider that lower price is the best option. Sometimes it may show that contractor is cutting the corners and may use cheap quality materials.
While looking at various proposals, ensure that each one contains proper scope of work, that include material to be used, labor charges, and any additional prices like site cleanup or repair work. Check the level of details in all the estimates to ensure that you are comparing apples to apples.
Give priority to communication and professionalism
The way your stucco material suppliers will communicate with you during the hiring process will show their professionalism and reliability. From the time you reach out for the consultation, you can know how the contractor is responsive and respectful. Do they thoroughly answer your questions? Are they prompt in addressing your questions? Communication matters here, especially when it is about large home improvement project like stucco installation.
A reputed contractor should be transparent regarding cost and timeline. If they are vague in giving details or reluctant to provide all the details then it is an alarming situation for you. You must go with the contractor who is clear and upfront in his job.
Review the contract carefully
After finalizing the list of potential contractors, you must review the contract carefully.
- In-depth work description: This will include the type of stucco to be applied, color choices, materials, and other particular requirements.
- Timeline: Check the start and end date along with the milestones along the way.
- Payment schedule: A reputed contractor will never ask for the full payment in the beginning. Instead, payment will be according to the milestone achieved, like completion of prep work, installation and final inspection.
- Warranty: The contract must contain the warranty of both workmanship and materials. Your contractor must provide the warranty to ensure that the completed work lasts for longer duration.
Sign the contract after reading it carefully and never hesitate to ask for any doubt to your stucco material suppliers.
Go with your instincts
While all the above factors are important to evaluate stucco siding contractors, but you must listen to your instinct. If something sounds wrong, feel free to walk away and continue your search. Stucco installation requires significant amount, hence you must hire a professional on which you feel confident and treat your property with care and respect.
Beware of red flags
There are various aspects that you must consider as a red flag while hiring any contractor for stucco work.
- No insurance or license: If contract is unable to provide proof for license or insurance, then it’s a major red flag.
- Unclear estimates: Vague quote that doesn’t contain proper breakdown of details. This will be a sign of dishonesty or lack of experience.
- Pressure tactics: If a contractor pressures you to take quick decision or ask for upfront payment, be cautious. They may try to take advantage of you.
Conclusion
With the above expert tips it will become easy for you to research potential contractor, check their credentials, review references and evaluate them. This will help you to take informed decisions and hire a professional that can deliver high-quality results.
Take time in selection process and believe in your instincts to hire a contractor that can meet your need.
