The average cost for a stucco inspection is $850, with most U.S. homeowners paying between $500 and $1,500 depending on home size and location.
Stucco gives your house a smooth look, and inspections keep it in impeccable shape. You can expect stucco inspection costs to be between $395 and $1,950, but in return, you can find and address any hidden repair needs before they become major issues. Learn how to adhere to stucco inspections and their associated costs with this guide.
A stucco inspection can range between $500 and $1,500, but a few factors affect the final cost. These factors generally include the type of stucco inspection, the size of the home, and
the location of the home. As with most home inspections, you’ll generally pay a flat fee for a stucco inspection, so the cost includes labor and materials.
Most stucco inspection companies perform three levels of stucco inspections, with some being more invasive than others. For the most accurate assessment of the home’s stucco, you’ll need all three.
The three types of inspections are:
Visual inspection: Provides a basic overview of the condition of the stucco
Interior moisture mapping: Uses infrared thermography to detect water or leak issues with the stucco
Exterior inspection: Takes moisture readings and invasive core samples to provide an accurate assessment
| Type of Inspection | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Visual inspection | $395–$600 |
| Moisture mapping | $450–$950 |
| Exterior inspection | $850–$1950 |
The size of your home is one of the main factors in determining the cost of your stucco inspection. Home inspectors take into account not just the home’s square footage but also the number of stories and the type of home, such as a town house or single-family dwelling. They also consider the number of walls they need to inspect.
| Stories | Square Footage | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| One | Under 1,000 | $550 |
| Two | Over 1,000 | $750 |
Stucco inspection costs may vary based on the type of stucco your home has. Traditional stucco, which is made from lime, sand, and cement, may be more difficult and more expensive to inspect than synthetic or acrylic stucco, which are more flexible and durable. Ask your inspector if you aren’t sure what type of stucco you have.
Location can play a part in your final stucco inspection cost for a few reasons. Stucco inspectors are specialists who you can’t necessarily find in every town. If they need to travel farther to reach your home and perform the inspection, they may consider that in their final fee calculation.
If your home is located in a climate that experiences more rain or humidity, your stucco inspection fee may also be higher. Homes in these areas are more prone to water damage—a thorough inspection is often necessary to verify the condition of the stucco.
Stucco inspectors often charge per job, either working alone or in pairs, so you won’t incur extra labor costs on top of the inspection fee. Inspectors with more experience may charge a higher fee, but you’ll receive an expert inspection in return.
Even after an initial inspection, stucco walls carry a few ongoing costs that help keep them in good shape.
A clean stucco inspection doesn’t eliminate the risk that your walls may have issues later on, especially if you live in an area more prone to water damage. Regular inspections, about once per year, may be required to help keep your stucco in good shape.
If you perform repairs on your stucco following the initial inspection, follow-up inspections are also important to verify the repair was effective and no other issues are found.
Stucco walls are durable, but they require the proper care and maintenance. Maintenance generally requires cleaning with a garden hose and fixing minor discolorations, small cracks, and sealant gaps. Cleaning equipment and stucco repair kits for minor damage are useful investments to keep your stucco clean and strong.
Even if an inspector determines that your stucco is in good shape, having stucco at all can bump up your home insurance rates since it’s considered a higher risk for water damage issues. Even so, your home insurance policy may not cover all stucco repairs depending on when the damage was found and if poor professional or DIY installation is at fault. If you’re purchasing a house, you may even choose to walk away after an inspection finds stucco is in poor shape, as the insurance costs may prove prohibitive.
You can perform a DIY stucco inspection, but it’ll be much more limited than a professional one. Although you can look for visual signs, such as discolorations and cracks, only stucco inspectors have the tools and expertise to perform a thorough inspection.
Stucco repairs can be costly, and you may miss out on insurance compensation if damage occurs and an insured professional didn’t perform your inspections and repairs. It’s best to trust a stucco inspector near you to avoid major surprise costs down the road.
If you hire a stucco inspector, they may offer a few additional or follow-up services. Your inspector can also likely direct you to professional stucco repair services.
If your stucco inspector does find damage, getting your walls repaired is crucial to avoid or fix issues such as mold, sagging, and crumbling walls. Stucco siding repair costs depend on the extent of the damage and which levels of the home are affected, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $8 to $120 per square foot.
| Repair Type | Cost (per sq. ft.) |
|---|---|
| Small crack or hole | $8–$30 |
| Multiple big cracks | $30–$50 |
| Chimney/foundation | $30–$50 |
| Water damage | $60–$120 |
Although stucco inspections come at a cost, they can also save you thousands in repair expenses later on, meaning that hiring a pro can actually save you money in the long run.
Other ways you can save money on stucco inspections include:
Get quotes from multiple companies
Address underlying issues, such as ongoing leaks or foundation cracks
Perform regular repairs and maintenance to prevent small issues from turning into big problems
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Stucco should be inspected yearly or every few years, depending on where you live. Stucco homes in wet or humid climates are at higher risk for damage and should be inspected once per year. Homes in drier climates can wait longer between inspections, and get one every three years or so.
If it is applied properly, stucco is a durable material that can last between 50 and 80 years, especially with regular repair and maintenance. Things like painting the stucco every 10 years or so will help it last longer. The location of your home plays a big part in the life span of your stucco, too.
Several clues suggest that your stucco is damaged or has underlying issues. Visual clues include discoloration, cracks, indentations, broken caulking, or visible mold. If you touch your stucco and feel any soft spots, that could also indicate a problem. If you notice any of these concerns, call in an inspector who can confirm your suspicions and help provide solutions.
