A stucco inspection costs between $600 and $1,200 depending on a number of factors including the size of your home, accessibility, the extent of the inspection, and more.

If you’ve dreamt about living in the Spanish Riviera or the rolling hills of Tuscany but are tethered to the United States, you’ve probably considered purchasing a stucco home if you haven’t already. However, stucco is a highly porous material that requires regular maintenance and inspections to keep moisture problems at bay. An annual stucco can help you spot holes, cracks, or separations before they become a major problem.

While a stucco inspection can be expensive, it’s much cheaper than repairing water damage. The

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How much does a stucco inspection cost?

The average cost of a stucco inspection can range between $600 and $1,200 but how much you end up paying could be less or more than that depending on a number of factors. Here’s what will affect the cost of your stucco inspection:

Size of your home: The higher the square footage, the higher the inspection cost. Larger homes have more surface area which requires more moisture probe sites, readings, and time to inspect.

The type of inspection: Stucco inspections are usually performed in three phases ranging from visual inspections to destructive testing. The more invasive the inspection, the more you’ll pay.

Location climate: If you live somewhere it rains frequently like the Pacific Northwest, your stucco inspection will cost more than one in Southern California.

Regular home inspections don’t usually include a stucco inspection, so be ready to add the cost of a stucco inspection to your overall real estate transaction costs.

Getting a stucco inspection can save you money by preventing major repairs or increasing the value of your home in the sale!

Do I need a stucco inspection?

It’s always a good idea to get a stucco inspection for regular maintenance and before any real estate transaction, some lenders require it before finalizing a home sale.

Your mortgage lender should be able to walk you through your specific loan agreement, but we’ll cover national guidelines for VA and FHA loans.

MORE: FHA vs. VA loans

Roof inspection for VA and FHA loan

If you’re purchasing a home using a VA or FHA loan, you’ll need a stucco inspection if there is a problem with the stucco siding or if the lender requires it.

You’ll be required to get a stucco inspection if the appraiser notices:

Large or hairline cracks

Visibly damp or discolored stucco

Crumbling stucco

Soft spots or indents

Cracking and bubbling along the foundation

Water stains

The mortgage lender may not approve your loan and you will receive increased home insurance premiums if your stucco inspection reveals severe water damage that affects the structural integrity.

MORE: When to walk away after a home inspection

Signs of stucco damage

Getting a stucco inspection can help you spot signs of damage before they become a serious problem and result in costly repairs. It’s recommended you get a stucco inspection once a year for regular maintenance or whenever you notice these early signs of damage:

Missing chunks of stucco: Damage to your stucco surface or stucco that easily tears off can be a sign of water damage underneath.

Obvious cracks: As one of the most common indicators of moisture problems, it’s important to keep an eye out for hairline cracks or cracks larger than 1/4 inch.

Bubbling along the bottom edge of your home: If you see this, you’re likely dealing with a poor drainage system that is causing water to seep through the stucco walls.

Indents or soft spots: Visible indents in your stucco or soft stucco could be indicative of long-term water damage that has caused rot.

You should schedule a stucco inspection sooner rather than later when you notice the above signs to avoid water damage and costly repairs.

MORE:

How to make a successful water leak insurance claim

Stucco repair costs

Stucco repairs typically range between $477 and $1,510 but depending on the extent of damage, significant repairs could cost you $4,000! Smaller stucco repairs like filling cracks, fixing chips, or patching holes won’t break the bank but repairs that involve water damage will come with a much higher price tag. That’s why preventative measures like annual stucco inspections and regular maintenance are so important.

Here’s how to maintain your stucco to prevent damage:

Wash your stucco two to three times a year

Repair cracks, patch holes, and fix chips

Seal the stucco with masonry sealant every five years

Repaint your home

While maintaining your stucco can be tedious and sometimes expensive, inspection fees and maintenance costs are well worth your while to prevent costly water damage and repairs.

How to hire a stucco inspector

Whether you’re having your stucco inspected for regular maintenance, in preparation to sell your home, or buying a new one, you’ll need a trained stucco inspector you can trust.

Here are a few tips to help you find the right stucco inspector for the job:

Ask your real estate agent, friends, and family for stucco inspector recommendations.

Make sure they are qualified. Certified stucco inspectors have been trained to visually inspect and evaluate different types of stucco to accurately pinpoint areas of concern. While there are no stucco certification requirements, an EIFS and IACHI certification is an added bonus.

Read reviews. Checking customer reviews is one of the best ways to weed out an unreliable inspector.

Call and get a quote. After you’ve narrowed down your list to three companies, request a quote from each to make your final decision.

Hiring a certified stucco inspector guarantees you’re getting a comprehensive report from a trained professional you can rely on. It can also provide you with key insights to help negotiate stucco repair services or make an offer on a home.

MORE: How to make a counteroffer after a home inspection

How to save on homeowners insurance

Stucco inspections can be expensive but they are absolutely necessary when you own a home with stucco siding. If your stucco inspection resulted in costly repairs, there is no better time than right now to shop around for

home insurance

with Jerry to start saving!

Jerry

is the easiest way to save on a home insurance policy that is customized for your stucco home. You can even bundle your policy with your car insurance for the most savings.

After providing you with a comprehensive cross-analysis of the best policies across providers, Jerry will handle the phone calls, paperwork, and renewals for your top pick so that you don’t have to. They even help cancel your old policy!