Understanding stucco prices:
All forms of stucco, to be properly applied, require that the applicator follow a system specific to the desired finish. Within the system there are fixed prices for material – EIF system acrylic is around $4.50 per foot (increases may occur as much as twice a year), and fluctuating prices for labor – which can change simply because of worksite conditions. Height, terrain, location and time of year can all have significant ramifications to a contractor. An abundance of corners and custom profiles, chosen by the owner or designer, will also add cost to a project.
When measuring a structure for purposes of pricing the exterior cladding you must measure the exterior wall surface to get the square footage, (the interior square footage will provide only the barest understanding of scope of work to a contractor). As windows and doors require so much attention their area is not removed, (with the exception of garage doors or window walls). Though there are variations in the 3 systems specified within this web site that will affect pricing you can expect my price range for:
- California stucco to range from $6 to $7 per square foot.
- Acrylic stucco to range from $9.50 to $11 per square foot.
- EIFS acrylic to range from $10 to $12 per square foot.
- The higher you go the more expensive it gets even beyond $12
These prices are based upon performance that meets the Alberta Wall & Ceiling Bureau recommendations, Alberta’s code compliance, and specific system manufactures specifications.
Warning: Something to think about in regards to EIFS, other stucco systems and all other wall system applications – be it vinyl siding or brick: The Government of Alberta has code requirements in place for all approved forms of wall claddings but no enforcement arm to insure compliance. There are no governmentally required inspections performed on any exterior wall cladding system! You, as the customer, are somewhat protected when it comes to the inside of your home with inspections at every major stage; framing, electrical, plumbing and insulation. For exterior wall cladding systems you are solely dependent upon the integrity of the system applicator! System manufacturers provide limited warranties of 5-15 years that are voided if not properly installed. For your own protection my recommendations for accepting an EIF system quote are:
- Insure the head of the company has at least 15 years of EIFS experience, like me.
- View the system specification that can be found on the Internet.
- Get in writing that the company will perform to the system specifications and that the product used is approved for use in Canada.
- Armor mesh is a heavy reinforcing mesh designed to add impact resistance to the EIF system and is typically applied to the lower portion of walls most subjected to abuse, (such as entry ways). Because of its expense companies do not typically include it as part of their quote, but ask the question and if they say yes make sure they apply it.
- Insure that you understand system requirements for window and door penetrations.
- Use caution when paying the contractor. Our company requires and expects no payments of any kind until we meet two criteria: 1) I’ve shown up and begun work and 2) the majority of my supplies are on site.
- Be aware that in EIFS the base coat, or “Primus” is a proprietary glue that has Portland cement added to it and is sold in five gallon pails, (or dry in bags-add water only). Primus is used to adhesively apply the foam board to the wall and to apply the outer mesh to the foam board. To be compliant with system specifications you are supposed to divide a pail in two and add an equal measure of cement to the glue by weight. This should result in two pails of base coat that are about ¾ full. It is not uncommon for some to add additional cement and water to “stretch” the glue content, (into as many as three full pails), to reduce their cost. This is the most common – but not only – form of “cheating”.
Contact us for more information 780-818-8350
