Question 1

Are You Licensed and Insured?

Accepted Answer

Texas does not require a statewide stucco license, but reputable contractors carry a general contractor license, liability insurance of at least $500,000, and workers' compensation coverage. Ask to see current certificates of insurance — not just a card, but the actual certificate naming the policy limits and expiration date. Call the insurance company to verify the policy is active. A contractor who hesitates to provide proof of insurance is not someone you want on your property.

Question 2

How Long Have You Been Doing Stucco Work Specifically?

Accepted Answer

General construction experience is not the same as stucco expertise. Stucco application is a specialized trade that requires understanding of mix ratios, curing times, moisture management, and lath installation. Ask how many years they have been doing stucco specifically, not just general contracting. Request a portfolio of completed stucco projects — ideally homes in the San Antonio area that you can drive by and see for yourself. A contractor with a decade of stucco-specific experience will approach a project very differently than one who primarily does drywall or siding and occasionally takes on stucco jobs.

Question 3

Do You Understand San Antonio's Climate Requirements?

Accepted Answer

This question matters more than most homeowners realize. San Antonio's combination of extreme heat, high humidity, UV exposure, and occasional severe storms creates specific demands on stucco systems. A local contractor should be able to explain how they adjust their approach for our climate — from the materials they specify to how they manage curing during a July installation when temperatures exceed 100 degrees. They should mention moisture barriers, weep screeds, expansion joints, and UV-resistant finishes without being prompted. A contractor who has only worked in dry climates or cooler regions may not understand the moisture dynamics that cause stucco failures in South Texas. Learn more about our local experience serving the San Antonio market.

Question 4

Do You Use a Three-Coat or One-Coat System?

Accepted Answer

Traditional three-coat stucco — scratch coat, brown coat, and finish coat — remains the gold standard for durability and longevity. One-coat systems use a single base coat with a finish coat and are faster to install but generally less durable. Neither is inherently wrong, but you should understand which system is being proposed and why. Ask what base materials they use, what thickness each coat will be applied to, and how long they allow between coats for curing. A professional contractor will explain the trade-offs clearly and recommend the system that best fits your home and budget.

Question 5

How Do You Handle the Moisture Barrier?

Accepted Answer

The moisture barrier behind stucco is arguably more important than the stucco itself. Ask what type of weather-resistant barrier they install, whether they use two layers as many building codes now require, and how they integrate it with window and door flashings. Ask about weep screeds at the base of walls — these are critical drainage points that allow any moisture behind the stucco to escape. A contractor who glosses over moisture management or seems unfamiliar with current best practices is a risk you should not take.

Question 6

What Warranty Do You Offer?

Accepted Answer

Get the warranty details in writing before work begins. Ask what the warranty covers — just the finish coat, or the full system including the substrate and moisture barrier? How long does the warranty last? What voids the warranty? A quality stucco contractor should offer a minimum two-year workmanship warranty, with many offering five years or more. Be wary of lifetime warranties with extensive fine print that effectively voids coverage for common issues.

Question 7

Can I Get a Detailed Written Estimate?

Accepted Answer

A professional estimate should itemize materials, labor, preparation work, cleanup, and any additional costs. It should specify the stucco system, number of coats, finish texture and color, and project timeline. Vague estimates that list a single lump sum without detail make it impossible to compare bids fairly and leave room for unexpected charges. Get at least three written estimates before making a decision, and be cautious of any bid that comes in dramatically lower than the others — it usually means corners will be cut.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Stucco Contractor