So, you're looking at your stucco. Maybe it's got some hairline cracks, a few dings, or it just looks tired after years of that Arizona sun beating down on it. Redashing is a fantastic way to give your home a fresh face, boost its curb appeal, and protect it for years to come. But what does that really mean for you, the homeowner? Let's break down what you need to know to plan your Tempe stucco redashing project.
Understanding the Timeline: It's More Than Just a Few Days
When you're thinking about a redashing project, don't just picture the crew showing up, spraying some stucco, and then disappearing. There's a real process involved, and it takes time. Typically, from our first chat to the final cleanup, you're looking at a few weeks — sometimes even a month or more, depending on your home's size and the work's scope. The actual on-site work usually takes anywhere from 3 to 7 days for an average single-story home, but that's just for the application itself.
- Initial Consult & Quote: This is where everything kicks off. We'll come out, check your existing stucco, chat about what you're hoping for, and then give you a detailed quote. Getting this scheduled and finalized usually takes a few days.
- Scheduling: Good contractors stay busy, especially during our milder seasons. You might wait a few weeks for your project to get on the calendar, so plan ahead!
- Prep Work: Before any new stucco goes on, there's a lot of preparation. This means pressure washing, fixing any major damage to the old stucco, patching things up, and masking off windows, doors, and landscaping. This part can easily take a day or two.
- Stucco Application: This is the main event. Depending on the finish you pick (smooth, sand, dash, etc.) and how many coats are needed, this could be 2-4 days of active work. Each coat needs time to cure properly, especially with our dry Tempe air.
- Curing & Drying: People often overlook this step. Stucco needs time to fully cure and harden. While it might look dry, it's still gaining strength, so you'll want to avoid anything hitting it hard for at least a week or two.
- Cleanup & Final Walkthrough: We'll clean up the site, take down all the masking, and then do a final inspection with you to make sure everything looks perfect.
What to Expect During the Process
Your home is going to be a construction zone for a bit, no sugar coating it. It'll be dusty, there will be noise, and getting around your house might be a little tricky. Here's what you can expect:
- Noise: Power washers, mixers, and general construction sounds. It won't be constant, but it'll definitely be there.
- Dust: Even with careful masking, some dust is just unavoidable, especially during the prep phase.
- Limited Access: We'll need clear access all around your home. That might mean moving patio furniture, grills, or even your car if it's parked too close.
- Windows & Doors Masked: For a few days, your windows and doors will be covered to protect them from overspray. This means less natural light inside, which can be a bit of a bummer.
- Landscaping Protection: We'll do our best to protect your plants and shrubs with tarps, but it's a good idea to trim back anything too close to the house beforehand.
- Water Usage: We'll need access to your outdoor water spigots for mixing and cleaning.
How to Prepare Your Home for Redashing
A little preparation on your part goes a long way toward making the project smoother and keeping your belongings safe. Seriously, don't wait until the crew shows up to do these things.
- Clear the Perimeter: Move all furniture, potted plants, grills, toys, and anything else away from your house's exterior walls. Give us at least 3-4 feet of clear space.
- Trim Landscaping: Trim back any bushes, trees, or vines that are touching your house. This helps us protect them and gives us the room we need to work.
- Secure Pets: Keep your pets indoors or in a secure area away from the work zone. The noise and activity can stress them out, and it's safer for everyone involved.
- Inform Neighbors: Give your neighbors a heads-up that you'll have a construction crew working for a few days. They'll definitely appreciate knowing about the noise and activity beforehand.
- Remove Wall Hangings: Take down any heavy pictures or mirrors from interior walls that back up to exterior walls we're working on. The vibration can sometimes cause them to fall.
- Clean Your Yard: Pick up any small items that could get buried under tarps or become trip hazards.
Crucial Questions to Ask Before Signing a Contract
You're investing a good chunk of change into your home, so make sure you're comfortable with who you're hiring. Don't be afraid to ask tough questions — at Tempe Stucco & Plastering, we expect them!
- Are you licensed and insured? This is non-negotiable. Ask for proof. A contractor should have a ROC license (Registrar of Contractors) for Arizona and carry general liability insurance.
- What's included in the quote? Make sure the quote is detailed. Does it cover all prep work, materials, labor, and cleanup? Are there any hidden fees?
- What type of stucco material will you use? There are different types and brands out there. Ask about the specific product and why they recommend it for your home.
- What's your warranty? Ask about the warranty on both materials and labor. Get it in writing, always.
- How do you handle unexpected issues? Sometimes, once the old stucco is prepped, we find underlying damage. How will they communicate this, and what's the process for approving additional work and costs?
- Can I see references or past projects? A reputable contractor should be happy to provide these. Even better, ask if you can drive by a few of their completed redashing jobs.
- What's the payment schedule? A fair payment schedule usually involves a deposit, progress payments, and a final payment once the job is done and you're satisfied. Be wary of contractors asking for a huge upfront payment.
- Who will be supervising the project? You want to know who your main point of contact will be, and that there's someone experienced overseeing the work.
- How will you protect my property and landscaping? Get specifics on their masking and protection methods.
Redashing your home is a big project, no doubt, but with the right planning and the right team, it can be a smooth process that adds tremendous value and protection to your property. If you've got more questions or are ready to get a quote, give us a call at Tempe Stucco & Plastering. We're here to help you through it.