DIY vs. Hiring Costs

The decision of whether to tackle stucco repair on your own or hire a professional to do the job depends on several factors. For instance, if the crack is a hairline crack or a small chip, you may feel comfortable using a stucco repair kit to do the job yourself. Or, if you have extensive masonry experience, you may decide to handle larger cracks and holes.

If you have the expertise needed, repairing as a DIY project can save you significant money, since contractors typically charge between $40 to $50 per hour, or $60 to $120 per square foot, depending on whether they provide estimates based on square footage or time required to complete the job.

Another determining factor in your decision about whether to handle the job yourself may be where the crack or hole is located. Cracks in hard- to-reach areas or around structures like windows, doorways, or gables complicate the repair process, making it likely that a professional may be needed to adequately handle the job.

Labor, Materials, and Installation

Because of the skill level required to repair and match the repaired material to the existing stucco, many contractors consider stucco repair to be a virtual art form. Labor costs are generally figured in one of two ways, either by the hour or by the square foot.

Labor Costs

Nationally, contractors charge anywhere from $40 to $50 per hour to repair stucco, or from $60 to $120 per square foot. The two main reasons for these costs are the complexity of the repair and the fact that it takes time, as it involves waiting for each coat to cure before proceeding to the next step.

Material Costs

Material costs vary according to the type used. Traditional stucco costs $10 to $15 per 80-90 lb. bag. One bag can cover approximately 100-180 square feet, making the cost for traditional stucco $0.05 to $0.10 per square foot.

Synthetic stucco is another matter, however. Synthetic stucco costs $40 to $50 per 5 gallon bucket. One bucket covers approximately 100-250 square feet, making the cost $0.25 to $0.50 per square foot.

Finishing materials cost around $22, depending on the thickness and quality of the mix. Since a new vapor barrier and new metal lath are often needed when repairing a hole or wide crack in stucco, it is a good idea to budget an additional $40 to $50 for these supplies as well.

If paint is needed to match the repaired patches of stucco to the existing structure, it may be necessary to paint the entire house. For a 1,500 square foot home, the cost of painting the exterior may be anywhere from $300 to $500.

Additionally, contractors typically charge more for repairs to homes with architectural details like multiple stories, non-standard window shapes, shutters, and porches. These features can add to labor costs significantly, especially if your contractor charges by the hour instead of by the square foot.