Most regular home inspections do not typically include a stucco inspection. However, that doesn’t discredit the importance of having your stucco inspected occasionally.  

Undertaking periodic stucco inspections is a proactive way to avoid costly repairs. It also helps to maintain your property’s structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.  

But as you might expect, stucco inspections come with cost implications. And while you may not predict the exact figures a standard stucco inspection will cost, it’s paramount to understand the factors that influence the pricing.  

Read below as we provide a comprehensive overview of stucco inspection cost and the factors that affect it. 

Do I Need a Stucco Inspection? 

One of the nagging questions regarding stucco inspections is usually the cost implications. As you shall find, stucco inspection cost may vary significantly from one property to another, depending on various factors.  

But even before delving into the costs involved, it’s essential to appreciate the importance of having your stucco inspected in the first place.  

Stucco inspections are critical in maintaining the structural integrity of your house. Damaged stuccos can gradually weaken the walls if not fixed urgently.  

Regular stucco inspections can also boost your home’s curb appeal. The fact that stuccos form the outermost layer of your property’s walling system underscores the significance of maintaining their visual appeal. That’s especially if you’re planning to list your property for sale.  

Note that many real estate agents will require your property to be up to date on stucco inspections before they can market it to potential buyers. Some mortgage lenders impose the same requirement before finalizing a home sale. Such lenders may not approve your loan if the appraiser reports the following signs on your stucco; 

• Large or hairline cracks 
• Crumbling stucco 
• Visibly damp stuccos 
• Water stains and discolored stucco 
• Soft spots or indents 
• Cracking and bubbling, especially along the house’s foundation

How Much Does A Stucco Inspection Cost? 

Stucco inspections cost anywhere from $600 to $1,200. But as already mentioned, the actual cost will depend on several factors.  

Below are some of those aspects; 

• Size of Your Home 

This is perhaps the biggest factor that affects the amount you’ll need to pay for stucco inspection.  

The larger your property, the costlier the inspection will be.  

That’s because larger homes have more surface area. And a higher surface area means more probe sites, consequently translating to more inspection time.  

• Number of Sides and Elevations of Stucco 

The size of your home may be the biggest factor influencing stucco inspection costs. However, it’s important to note that not all homes have stucco on all their sides. Some properties only have their front faces clad in stucco.  

Remember that stuccos are mainly prized for their aesthetic appeal. So, it makes perfect sense why many homeowners would want to have them only on the front sides of their property.  

The number of sides clad in stucco will affect the inspection cost. Fewer sides to inspect automatically means you’ll pay less.  

The same rule applies to elevations.  

Most properties with two elevations would have stucco on at least their front-facing sides. When dealing with three elevations upwards, the focus shifts from the sides covered by stucco to the property’s size. 

• Type of Inspections 

Stucco inspections can vary significantly depending on the type.  

For instance, some tests may focus solely on moisture damage. Such procedures will typically check the extent of damage caused by natural moisture or leaks in the plumbing system.  

Other stucco inspections may check for damages caused by physical stress. For instance, properties around mining sites may have their stuccos checked for damage caused by blasts.  

• Scope of Inspections 

The number of times and invasiveness of stucco inspections may also determine the overall cost.  

Stucco inspections are typically undertaken in three different stages. These phases range from visual inspections to more in-depth analyses.  

Visible flaws, such as cracks, may necessitate deeper inspections. In this case, you’ll need to pay more for the process.  

Conversely, the cost of having your stucco inspected would reduce unless there are visual justifications to undertake more in-depth checks. 

• Location of Your Property 

How far is your property from the nearest stucco testing specialist?  

If the inspector has to travel several miles to get to your property, then the cost of transportation may form part of their inspection quotes. That underscores the importance of working with residential stucco testing specialists.  

Besides sheer distance, the location may also relate to accessibility. Accessibility issues due to poor roads, bad weather, or tiny spaces around the inspection areas will have you pay more. 

• Number of Windows 

Although one of the most overlooked aspects, the number of windows on your property is a crucial factor to consider when planning a stucco inspection.  

It’s intuitive to imagine that more windows translate to a smaller area to probe, hence lower inspection costs. But the reality is quite the opposite.  

Homes with more windows will typically incur higher stucco inspection costs. That’s because inspectors usually test two points underneath each window for a more accurate analysis. 

Wrap Up 

The significance of having your stucco inspected occasionally cannot be overemphasized. Regular stucco testing can improve your property’s structural integrity and curb appeal. And while these inspections don’t come cheap, it’s great to know that multiple factors determine the final price.