Ready to get that old stucco off your house? Maybe it is cracked up, looks old, or you just want a new look for your Hemet home. Taking off stucco can really make your home look better. It can also sometimes show problems that were hidden. We have seen many homeowners make some mistakes that are easy to avoid. We will talk about what to watch out for so you do not end up wishing you had done things differently.
Forgetting What Is Hiding Underneath
This is a big one. People focus on just getting the Stucco off. They forget to think about what is actually under it. Years ago, especially on some older homes in Hemet neighborhoods like Four Seasons or Sierra Dawn North, Stucco often went straight over wood siding. This could be old redwood or cedar. Other times, it is just over sheathing. You need to know what you are going to expose before you start tearing into things.
If you plan to put new siding on, that is good. But if you hope to bring back the original wood, you will need to save money for repairs. That wood might be damaged, rotted, or full of many nail holes. Do not assume it is perfect. Get a professional to open up a small section first. Or, at least do some serious digging yourself. It will save you a big headache later.
No Clear Plan for the New Exterior? That Is a Big Mistake.
You have decided the Stucco has to go. What is the next step? We have seen homeowners rip off all their Stucco without a solid plan for what comes next. This leaves your house completely open to the weather. Here in Hemet, we get wet winters and hot, dry summers. You do not want your home sitting there for weeks or months with its insides open to moisture or harsh UV rays. You need a detailed plan. This includes material choices, a timeline, and a clear budget for the new siding. Do not just make it up as you go. Have your materials ordered and ready to go. Make sure your next contractor is lined up. This is not the kind of project you want to stop halfway through.
Ignoring the Mess, Noise, and Logistics
Stucco removal is not a quiet or clean job. It is dirty, dusty, and loud. You are literally chipping off a hardened material from your house. Expect a lot of debris, dust, and noise. If you have close neighbors, especially in some of our more packed areas of Hemet, you need to tell them what is happening. Cover your landscaping. Protect your windows. Plan for dust to get everywhere. Think about where all that debris will go. Is the contractor bringing a dumpster? Hemet Stucco & Plastering always plans for this. Not every company does. Make sure you ask these questions.
Skipping a Full Moisture Inspection
Removing Stucco without first finding moisture penetration is like treating symptoms without knowing the problem. A professional contractor should use tools to find water damage behind the walls. This is important especially around windows, high-impact areas, and rooflines. Without this step, you risk covering up unseen structural damage. You could also repeat the same mistakes. Our climate here in Hemet, with its intense sun and occasional heavy rains, can really affect Stucco. This leads to cracks that let moisture in. An inspection can show problems like mold growth, wood rot, or interior water damage. These issues need to be fixed before any new siding goes up.
Hiring the Wrong Contractor or Thinking You Can Do It All Yourself
We understand. Saving money is tempting. But Stucco removal is not a do-it-yourself job for someone who is not experienced. It is a multi-layered system. Improper removal can cause serious problems. This includes moisture trapped between layers or the new material falling off because of poor fastening. You also need to watch out for red flags when hiring. An unlicensed contractor is a big red flag. In California, any work over $500 needs a valid CSLB license. Always check their license at cslb.ca.gov. Check its status, classification, and history. Do not just take their word for it.
Other red flags include demanding a large deposit upfront. California law limits deposits to 10% or $1,000, whichever is less. A bid that is much lower than others is usually a trap. It is not a good deal. If they ask you to get the permit yourself, you should not hire them. That means they are trying to avoid being responsible. You will be responsible for any code violations. Hemet Stucco & Plastering will discuss permits. We also have proper insurance. We provide a clear, written contract. We also have a clear cleanup process and a warranty. Taking the time to look at your options carefully helps make sure your project is done right the first time.
Ignoring Permits
Depending on how big your project is, you might need a permit from the City of Hemet. If you are just taking off Stucco and immediately putting on new siding that does not change the structure or size, you might not need one. But if you are doing any structural work, changing window sizes, or altering the building a lot, you probably will. Do not just guess. Check with the city's planning department. Or, have your contractor do it. Ignoring permits can lead to fines, stop-work orders, and even having to redo work. That is a hassle you want to avoid. A good contractor will walk you through the permit process. Or, they will at least tell you when one is necessary.
Stucco removal is a big job. It is easy to get overwhelmed. But by avoiding these common mistakes, you will set yourself up for a much smoother project. You will also get a result you will be happy with for many years.