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

The Stucco Champions Promise: No Hidden Fees and Lasting Quality

In the construction industry, "Change Orders" are the enemy of the budget. Too often, homeowners in Southern California sign a contract for a low price, only to be hit with surprise charges for scaffolding, sandblasting, or waste disposal halfway through the project. At Stucco Champions, we operate differently. We believe that a quote is a commitment, not a guess.

By combining forensic site inspections with strict adherence to ASTM C926 application standards, we eliminate the variables that cause price inflation and structural failure. This guide explains our protocol for transparent pricing and technical excellence.

1. The "No Hidden Fees" Protocol

Surprise costs usually stem from a contractor failing to identify substrate issues during the initial bid. We mitigate this risk through a rigorous pre-construction assessment.

The Forensic Walkthrough

Before we quote, we inspect:

• Delamination: We "sound" the walls to find hollow spots where the old stucco has separated from the lath. This prevents the "surprise" of discovering loose walls later.
• Weep Screeds: We check if the foundation drainage is buried. If excavation is needed, it is included in the initial bid, not added later.
• Paint Condition: We test if the existing paint is bondable or if it requires sandblasting.

2. Quality Control: Beyond the Surface

Lasting quality isn't just about looking good; it's about engineering. We follow a strict quality control checklist to ensure the building envelope remains watertight.

Phase 1: Surface Preparation

90% of failures are due to bad prep.
The Standard: We do not bond to dirt or chalky paint. We Hydro-blast or Sandblast to expose a clean, mechanical key.
Crack Repair: We don't just fill cracks; we reinforce them. We embed fiberglass mesh into a polymer-modified base coat to prevent the crack from telegraphing through the new finish.

Phase 2: Moisture Management

Stucco absorbs water. The system behind it must handle that moisture.
The Standard: We verify the integrity of the Grade D Building Paper and ensuring proper "shingle lapping" at all window flashings and weep screeds. If the paper is compromised, we replace it.

Phase 3: Curing Protocols

Cement cures by hydration. If it dries too fast, it cracks.
The Standard: We mist the base coats for 48 hours to slow down the cure, ensuring maximum compressive strength before the finish coat is applied.

3. Credentials: The Licensed Advantage

We are not a "man with a van." Stucco Champions is a fully credentialed operation.

• CSLB License #1122006: We hold a valid California contractor's license.
• Insurance: We carry General Liability and Workers' Compensation. If a worker is injured on your property, you are protected from lawsuits.
• Experience: With 15+ years of specialized experience, we understand the unique seismic and thermal challenges of the Southern California climate.

4. Scope Clarification: What ISN'T Included?

Transparency means telling you what we don't do. To avoid confusion, our contracts clearly state exclusions such as:

• Dry Rot Repair: While we can expose it, structural framing repair is a carpentry trade. We can recommend specialists, but we focus on the masonry.
• Electrical/Plumbing: Moving hose bibs or exterior outlets requires licensed MEP trades.

Conclusion: Value over Volume

We are not the cheapest bid, and we don't try to be. The "cheapest" contractor often leaves you with a 30% change order bill and a peeling wall. Stucco Champions delivers a fixed price, a code-compliant system, and a finish that lasts decades. That is the definition of value.