Re-stuccoing a house exterior typically costs $8-$12 per square foot of wall area, or about $16,000-$30,000 for a common-size project. The final price depends on the wall area, whether old stucco must be removed, the finish selected, access, and local labor rates.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed re-stucco | $5-$7 per sq ft | $8-$12 per sq ft | $13-$20 per sq ft | Wall surface; preparation and finish affect rate |
| Typical house project | $10,000-$16,000 | $16,000-$30,000 | $30,000-$50,000+ | About 2,000-2,500 sq ft of exterior wall |
| Old stucco removal | $1-$3 per sq ft | $3-$5 per sq ft | $6-$8 per sq ft | May be additional to new stucco installation |
What a full-house stucco recoat usually costs
For a straightforward re-stucco job, contractors commonly charge $5-$9 per square foot when the existing surface is sound and can accept a new system after preparation. Removing the old finish, replacing damaged lath, or correcting moisture problems can raise the installed rate to $10-$20 per square foot. A 2,000-square-foot wall surface could therefore cost roughly $10,000-$40,000, depending on scope.
These figures refer to exterior wall area, not the home’s interior floor area. A 2,000-square-foot one-story home may have around 1,800-2,400 square feet of stucco wall, while a two-story layout or complex footprint may have more. Assumptions: standard cement-based stucco, ordinary access, and typical U.S. contractor pricing.
A practical planning budget is $16,000-$30,000 for a typical house, with removal and repairs pushing larger projects higher.
How lath, finish, and labor shape the written quote
Quotes vary in what they include. A recoat over stable stucco may need less material and labor than a full tear-off and replacement with new water-resistive layers and metal lath. The table shows common line-item ranges; overlapping items should be checked so removal, disposal, and surface preparation are not charged twice.
| Quote item | Typical price | What it covers | Cost note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface preparation | $1-$3 per sq ft | Cleaning, bonding, patching, and masking | More for loose or uneven surfaces |
| New stucco materials | $1.50-$4 per sq ft | Base coat, finish coat, and color materials | Finish and system type affect price |
| Installation labor | $3-$8 per sq ft | Application, detailing, and cleanup | Complex elevations require more time |
| Removal and disposal | $2-$8 per sq ft | Demolition, hauling, and dump fees | Depends on thickness and disposal rates |
| Lath or moisture repairs | $3-$10 per sq ft of repair | Localized sheathing, flashing, or lath work | Extensive damage may require separate pricing |
Ask for labor, materials, demolition, disposal, and repairs to be itemized rather than grouped as one square-foot rate.
Wall area, old-coat removal, and finish change the price
Measured wall area is the strongest baseline: each additional 100 square feet can add roughly $500-$2,000, depending on whether the job is a simple recoat or full replacement. Windows and doors reduce net coverage, but detailed trim and returns can add labor, so a quote should explain how the contractor measured the exterior.
The condition of the existing wall matters. If less than about 10% of the surface has isolated cracks or hollow spots, patching may be sufficient; widespread detachment, soft sheathing, or recurring moisture often calls for removal and investigation. Changing from a smooth finish to a heavily textured finish can also increase application time and material use.
Confirm whether the quote assumes a recoat or a complete tear-off; those are materially different scopes, not minor price variations.
Labor time and regional rates for exterior stucco crews
A three- or four-person crew may spend about 5-10 working days on a 2,000-square-foot wall project, excluding major repairs and weather delays. Demolition and drying or curing intervals can extend the calendar schedule. Crew labor commonly works out to approximately $50-$100 per worker-hour, though contractors usually bid the full project rather than bill homeowners hourly.
Prices in high-cost coastal metros and dense cities can run 15%-30% above a typical national estimate because of wages, access, parking, and disposal expenses. Smaller towns or lower-cost regions may come in 10%-20% below that baseline, but fewer available stucco crews can offset savings. Compare local quotes using the same wall-area measurement and written scope, not a national rate alone.
Three house sizes show how total estimates add up
These examples use approximate exterior wall surface and include typical preparation. They assume ordinary access and no extensive concealed water damage.
| Example | Wall area | Scope and rate | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small ranch | 1,400 sq ft | Recoat at $7-$10 per sq ft | $9,800-$14,000 |
| Two-story home | 2,300 sq ft | Removal and replacement at $11-$16 per sq ft | $25,300-$36,800 |
| Large, detailed home | 3,200 sq ft | Replacement with repairs at $14-$20 per sq ft | $44,800-$64,000 |
For a usable comparison, have each contractor list the measured wall area, rate per square foot, and excluded repairs.
Removal, windows, and moisture repairs add separate charges
Taking off existing stucco often adds $2-$8 per square foot for labor, hauling, and disposal. Multiple layers, thick cement stucco, difficult access, or limited space for a dumpster can put the cost toward the upper end. Window protection and masking are sometimes included, but replacement flashing, trim, or damaged sill details may be extra.
Moisture damage is difficult to price accurately before the wall is opened. Local sheathing or lath replacement may add a few hundred dollars to several thousand; broad rot or failed flashing can add $5,000-$15,000 or more. Ask the contractor to document hidden damage and obtain approval before expanding the work. Keep a 10%-15% contingency for concealed repairs on a tear-off project.
How to lower the re-stucco bill without cutting corners
Keep the existing stucco if a qualified inspection finds it firmly bonded, dry, and suitable for recoating. Repairing a limited area can cost far less than removing every wall, but applying a new finish over loose or moisture-damaged material risks paying twice. Choose a standard texture and color when custom pigments or specialty finishes are not important.
Get at least three itemized bids with matching assumptions for removal, lath, flashing, finish coats, cleanup, and warranty. Schedule during a period when local contractors are less booked, while allowing for temperature and rain conditions required for proper curing. Handle simple access clearing or movable-item removal yourself only when the contractor approves it. Scope alignment and a sound repair-versus-replacement decision usually save more than negotiating a small discount per square foot.