Stucco repair costs $8 to $50 per square foot, or $40 to $60 per hour plus materials. Homeowners spend $500 to $1,500 on average for professional stucco repairs, while DIY stucco repair kits cost about $40 to fix small cracks. Prices vary depending on the square footage of stucco needed, the number of stories, and the home's accessibility.

A stucco contractor can determine whether your stucco should be repaired or replaced based on the scope of the damage. It's difficult to detect the extent of the damage in stucco on your own, so it’s best to have a professional inspect your home and decide if it's salvageable.

Professionals can typically repair horizontal cracking or small damaged areas. However, if the stucco was installed incorrectly or if there is widespread water or mold damage, your stucco siding will need to be replaced to prevent more problems.

Minor stucco repairs like filling cracks and holes take 1 to 5 hours on average. Major repairs or total stucco remediation take 5 to 24 hours. These jobs are usually spread over 2 to 3 days.

Extensive stucco repair takes at least 24 hours because each layer of stucco needs to set and dry before any additional layers can be added on top of it.

Stucco lasts 50 years or longer on average or up to 100 years if it is properly installed and maintained. Most stucco siding contractors offer a 15-year warranty for their work. Make sure to read through the terms and conditions to see what the warranty covers.

You can repair hairline cracks or minor chips yourself with a DIY stucco repair kit. For anything more complex it's best to hire a professional. Examples of complex repairs include:

• Several large cracks
• Foundation issues
• Water damage or mold
• Structural damage

If you choose to do a DIY repair, you'll need to buy materials that you may only use once. Use caution if the damaged stucco is in a hard-to-reach place that requires a tall ladder.

When looking for stucco repair contractors near you, remember to:

• Look for installers who specialize in stucco repair.
• Compare multiple estimates from different companies.
• Study their Google and HomeGuide reviews.
• Pick a licensed, bonded, and insured company with 5+ years of experience.
• Ask for references and contact information if possible.
• Get a written, itemized contract and warranty and hold onto it.
• Follow a payment plan and avoid paying in full up front.

Ask stucco repair contractors these questions:

• How much experience do you have repairing stucco?
• Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
• Does this estimate include the repair and an inspection?
• Would you recommend a repair or a full replacement?
• How long will the repaired stucco take to dry?
• Do I need to do anything to prepare for the repair?
• How long will the repair take?
• Is this repair covered under warranty?