Are Stucco Homes More Expensive?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

Are stucco homes more expensive? So,

stucco is typically less expensive

. There are several stages in the stucco installation process, and many differences exist depending on what the stucco is being applied over.

Does stucco increase home value?

Whether you’re building a new home or simply renovating your existing one, stucco installation is something you should consider in your plans.

Stucco is a durable and reliable siding material that can increase the value of your home

.

Is stucco more expensive than siding?

You’ll be Paying Way More with Stucco Siding

Stucco costs about $6-$9/square foot which is the most expensive home cladding option available. While vinyl siding prices range greatly, even the most expensive option doesn’t cost nearly that much money. So,

stucco is way more expensive

.

Is stucco homes cheaper to build than brick homes?


Brick is less costly than stucco

, and natural stone is more expensive than both. You may want to do a combination of stucco and natural stone for a less costly, but beautifully designed exterior.

Are stucco houses expensive?

Stucco siding costs

between $5 to $9.58 per square foot on average to install

. If you were to apply stucco siding to the average size 1,500 square foot home, you could expect to pay around $10,935 in total installation costs at an average of about $7 per square foot.

Is it a risk to buy stucco house?


Water entry behind the stucco can cause deterioration (rot) of the underlying wood

, allowing water to wet the insulation, framing members, and drywall in our homes. This type of damage goes undetected until an inspection is performed, and consequently is all having a negative impact on the resale value of these homes.

What are the disadvantages of stucco siding?

CONS.

Due to its brittle nature, stucco siding will crack if a house foundation settles

. It simply isn’t the best choice in regions where soil is high in clay, notorious for swelling and causing foundations to shift. Over time, even stucco on homes with firm foundations can develop hairline cracks.

How much does it cost to stucco a $3000 square foot house?

Home Size Average Cost Typical Range 1,000 square feet $4,500

$3,000-$6,000
1,500 square feet $6,750 $4,500-$9,000

What are the problems with stucco houses?


Stucco tears and other discoloration around windows, doors, electrical boxes, pipes, meters, and spotlights

. Pervasive scent of wood rot. Water leaking into the house, damaging the ceiling, walls, and flooring. Dry rot around windows.

How long does stucco last on a house?

Stucco is a very durable finish material with a typical life span of

50-80 years or more

. Although it is one of the most durable surfaces available, it also features the lowest annual maintenance cost when compared to other siding materials. Stucco is a natural material consisting of an aggregate, a binder, and water.

Why are houses in Florida made of stucco?

Houses in Florida are made of stucco because

stucco is fairly inexpensive, creates a great finished look, and is easy to apply to homes constructed with concrete blocks

. It is less popular in some regions because it can be damaged as a house shifts and settles over time.

Are stucco homes sturdy?

Pro:

Stucco Is Durable

Stucco is a cement, sand, and water mixture, so it stays rigid, even in strong winds. Many folks may even prefer buying a stucco home over, for example, a brick structure. Additionally, stucco is fire- and pest-resistant, making it one of the most ideal residential building materials.

What’s better stucco or siding?


If you want durability, value, and style options, then siding is the best option for you

. But, if you are not as concerned with budget and prefer a more natural seamless design look, go for stucco.

Why you should not paint stucco?

Stucco needs to breath – One of the main reasons you shouldn’t coat your stucco with paint is because

stucco is porous

. This allows moisture that hits the surface to easily evaporate away. A coat of paint can harm that breathability.

Does stucco insulate your house?

Because of the application and the material,

stucco is an incredible insulator of both warm and cool air

. With stucco on the exterior, it is cheap and easy to maintain a constant temperature in your home, no matter what the mercury reads outdoors.

Can you change stucco to siding?

The short answer is yes. Just as you can change siding to stone or stone veneer to stucco on a home,

you can absolutely change stucco to siding

. The real challenge comes into play if there is water or some other underlying damage that needs to be addressed before any other work is done.

Why do builders use stucco?

Durability – the biggest advantage of Stucco is that it is

resistant to fire, rot, mold, impact, and termite infestation

. The finish on stucco homes has the capability to last up to 100 years depending on local climate conditions.

Are stucco homes hard to maintain?

Stucco isn’t delicate. Whether applied as exterior siding or as a finish for interior walls,

the age-old material requires little in the way of ongoing maintenance

. Occasional cleaning or patching may be necessary, but with the right combination of products and tools, any homeowner can get the job done.

How do you maintain a stucco house?


Stucco walls can be washed and should be washed two to three times a year

in order to maintain the finish coat’s ability to shine and function the way it should. You can do this one of two different ways: using a garden hose or a pressure washer.

How strong is stucco in a hurricane?

It

can withstand hurricane winds

and up to 125mph water penetration.

Is stucco good in cold climates?

The good news is that stucco is quite weather resistant, which means it can be a great choice no matter what type of climate you’re in.

Stucco can actually be quite beneficial for homes that see a lot of cold weather throughout the winter

.

Is stucco long lasting?

Most newer homes with exterior stucco have an acrylic-polymer finish, which will expand and contract with the weather. This keeps cracks to a minimum and means

the stucco can easily last up to 50 years

before needing to be repaired.

Can you paint stucco?

The short answer is

yes, you can paint stucco

! You can paint any type of finish coat, whether it is a traditional (cement based) finish or when using an acrylic type of finish. I have even seen some people paint the brown coat (the base coat) of their stucco and skip applying the finish coat altogether!

Can you replace stucco with brick?


Yes, it’s possible to replace your stucco with brick

.

Can you apply stucco over brick?


Builders and homeowners often apply stucco over brick or masonry walls to cover ugly or damaged surfaces

. Because brick is so porous, the surface must be carefully prepared to ensure the stucco application will be successful. Loose brick and mortar should be replaced before stucco is applied.

Is stucco more expensive to insure?

Here’s a tip to keep in mind that may help you make a decision:

brick, stucco, and concrete are preferred by most insurers

because they tend to be flame-retardant so the risk of losing the whole building decreases.

Why are California houses stucco?

In the West and Southwest, where

brick and stone were too scarce and too pricey to use as building materials

, stucco became the siding of choice. Hundreds of thousands of affordable homes were slathered with the stuff.

How often do you paint a stucco house?

Stucco is a popular exterior choice due to its durability. However, a stucco home will still need exterior maintenance. It is often recommended that stucco be painted

every 5-10 years

depending on its current condition.

Can you pressure wash stucco?


Yes, you can use a power washer or pressure washer to clean stucco

. Just make sure to maintain a good distance between the nozzle and the surface, use the 1,500 PSI, and a 25- or 40-degree nozzle. Although, given the intensity of a power washer, seeking the help of a professional is always best.

Does stucco absorb water?

Poorly Made Stucco — Building materials are meant to repel moisture, but

if it’s made poorly, stucco absorbs the water instead

.

Does stucco need to be replaced?

The only situation in which stucco pros will really wash their hands of the job and suggest replacement is

if there is significant crumbling of the surface

. For more information about repairing or replacing stucco, contact a stucco contractor in Bluffton, SC at Spring Construction.

Is stucco good in humid weather?

While stucco offers a cheaper alternative to brick and stone and provides adequate fire protection,

wet and humid climates can cause stucco to struggle

.

Why is stucco so popular?

It is composed of a mixture of sand, lime, cement, and water. These materials are abundant in this area so

it’s inexpensive and readily available to make

. A hot, dry, and desert-like climate creates a perfect environment for stucco since stucco does not do well with ongoing heavy precipitation or excessive moisture.

Why are houses in Arizona made of stucco?


Because of the shell-like exterior, stucco homes require much less energy during hot or cold months

. Stucco is designed to do well in desert climates, like found here in Las Cruces and Southern New Mexico, where there is little moisture.

What add the most value to a home?

  1. Kitchen Improvements. If adding value to your home is the goal, the kitchen is likely the place to start. …
  2. Bathrooms Improvements. Updated bathrooms are key for adding value to your home. …
  3. Lighting Improvements. …
  4. Energy Efficiency Improvements. …
  5. Curb Appeal Improvements.

What increases a property value?

Bigger projects which add value to your home

Big projects like

loft conversions, adding a conservatory or converting a garage

are big projects with big rewards. In fact, 22 per cent of homes sold in 2019 had an extension added; increasing a property’s value and making them more appealing to buyers.

Emily Lee
Author
Emily Lee
Emily Lee is a freelance writer and artist based in New York City. She’s an accomplished writer with a deep passion for the arts, and brings a unique perspective to the world of entertainment. Emily has written about art, entertainment, and pop culture.