Written by Stucco Champions — Southern California’s Authority on Exterior Plastering.

Hidden Costs in Stucco Projects: Why the Lowest Bid Is Often the Highest Cost

When reviewing bids for a stucco project, the disparity between the highest and lowest price can be shocking. It is tempting to choose the bargain option, but in the construction industry, a significantly lower price usually means something critical has been omitted.

Stucco is a multi-layered system. If a contractor skips the waterproofing to save money, the damage won't be visible for years—until the dry rot sets in. This guide exposes the hidden costs behind "cheap" stucco work and why investing in a comprehensive scope of work saves you money in the long run.

1. The "One-Coat" Switcheroo

A common tactic is quoting a "One-Coat" system when you asked for a "Three-Coat" system.
The Difference: A Three-Coat system is 7/8" solid cement (impact resistant, fire-rated). A One-Coat system is foam-backed with a thin 3/8" cement shell. While One-Coat is energy efficient, it is cheaper to install. If you are paying for Three-Coat durability but getting One-Coat, you are overpaying.

2. The Waterproofing Shortcut

The most expensive part of a stucco job isn't the cement; it's the labor to install the flashing and paper correctly.

The Cost: Water intrusion damage (mold/rot) costs an average of $5,000 - $15,000 to remediate later.

3. The Bond Failure (Surface Prep)

If you are re-stuccoing a painted home, the paint must be removed via sandblasting to ensure a mechanical bond.
The Shortcut: Low-bid contractors often skip sandblasting and just apply a cheap liquid glue over the paint.
The Result: Delamination. The heavy new stucco pulls the old paint off the wall, causing large sheets of stucco to fall off within 3-5 years.

4. Comparison Matrix: Value vs. Price

Here is what a professional bid includes vs. a bargain bid:

Item	Professional Bid	Bargain Bid
Waterproofing	2-Layer 60-Minute Grade D Paper	1-Layer or None
Lath	17-Gauge Self-Furred Wire	Generic Chicken Wire
Material	Factory Premixed Colors	Field Mixed (Inconsistent)
Prep	Sandblast & Crack Mesh	Glue & Go
Warranty	Written (Labor & Material)	Verbal or None

5. Insurance & Licensing: The Ultimate Risk

A contractor with a significantly lower bid often lacks Workers' Compensation Insurance.
The Risk: If a worker falls off scaffolding on your property, you are liable for their medical bills and lost wages. Always verify the CSLB license and ask for a certificate of insurance.

Conclusion: Pay Now or Pay Later

A high-quality stucco job protects your home for 50+ years. A cheap job begins to fail in 5. By choosing a licensed contractor who adheres to ASTM standards, you are purchasing an insurance policy for your home's envelope.