Many parts of the United States still finish the exterior of their houses with stucco siding because it looks good, lasts a long time, and does not catch fire. Its textured, durable façade can last decades with careful care. Like all external materials, stucco wears down with time, especially when exposed to changing weather, foundational movement, or water infiltration. Homeowners must decide whether to fix cracks, chipping, or moisture damage.
Before getting started, you must know the cost to repair stucco siding and how much stucco repair costs. Standard stucco repair expenses in the U.S. range from $1,600 to $4,910, reflecting the average cost of stucco repair, depending on the extent of damage, location, and kind of system. Fusion Estimating in this guide will show you how to make a budget, what sets prices, and what the average costs are.
How Much Does It Cost to Repair Stucco in the US?
One of the first things people who need to repair their stucco ask is, “How much will it cost?” The amount of damage, the type of stucco, labor rates, and area prices all affect how much it costs to fix stucco in the United States. However, industry data gives a good estimate that you can use for budgeting.
National Average Total Cost
Most repairs to stucco siding in the U.S. cost between $1,110 and $4,910, which represents the national cost to repair stucco siding for normal home repairs. A lot of people spend about $2,332 on skilled stucco repair work every year as part of the cost to repair stucco siding.
Small decorative fixes, like filling in small cracks or chips, can cost much less (sometimes as little as a few hundred dollars). Bigger jobs, like removing damaged stucco and putting on new layers, will cost more.
Cost Per Square Foot
Many contractors base their quotes on the square footage of damage when they fix stucco:
- Repairs to stucco on exterior walls usually cost between $8 and $50 per square foot, reflecting common stucco costs per square foot.
- Costs can go up to $60 to $120 per square foot for bigger or more complicated repairs, increasing the overall cost to repair stucco siding for water or structural issues.
These prices per square foot include both materials and labor. However, the total price may go up because of differences in regional labor costs, which are higher in some cities. Because problems with the stucco can hide bigger problems, it is always a good idea to get a professional to look at it and give you a price. This way, you can avoid any surprises and fix all the damage.
Stucco Repair Cost by Damage Type
Damage to stucco can range from small cracks on the surface to major structural problems. The type of damage affects how much it costs to fix. Here is a list of common stucco issues and how much people can expect to pay for them:
Hairline Cracks / Minor Surface Repairs
Cost: Approximately $8–$20 per square foot, depending on the cost to repair stucco siding in your area.
The settlement of stucco or change in temperature is normal and may result in the development of hairline cracks, which are fine shallow cracks appearing on a surface. For these kinds of repairs, you usually have to clean the crack, put on patching material, and blend the texture.
Most of the time, a skilled do-it-yourselfer can fix small cracks, but a seamless texture match usually needs the help of an expert. Prices stay low because the work is mostly just fixing things on the surface.
Medium Damage / Multiple Cracks
Cost: Typically $30–$50 per square foot as part of the cost to repair stucco siding for moderate damage.
It also takes longer to do the work when the cracks are big and frequent or when they appear in a wide area. Usually, there is a lot of work to be done before finishing when there are multiple cracks. The work may involve cleaning the damaged stucco, the edges, and finally applying a new coat. Costs go up because work and materials cost more. This group includes most common stucco repairs for mild damage in homes.
Water Damage & Structural Issues
Cost: Around $30–$50+ per square foot, more if framing or insulation is damaged, increasing the cost to repair stucco siding.
If water gets under the stucco, it can cause mold, rot, or the base to fail. A lot of the time, repairing water damage means taking off the stucco layers, letting the structure dry, cleaning it, and then putting the materials back on. The cost increases due to the fact that job is not only the fix of minor problems but of larger ones.
Large Holes / Complex Spots
Cost: Roughly $60–$120 per square foot due to higher cost to repair stucco siding in complex areas.
Due to prep work, scaffolding, and texture matching, chimney, corner, and foundation repairs cost more. Before applying stucco, these areas may need framing, flashing, or metal lath replacement, increasing expenses.
Labor & Material Costs for Stucco Repair
To figure out how much stucco repair will cost, you need to know that the main costs are labor and materials. Contractor prices often include these two things together, but separating them helps you see where your money goes.
Labor Costs
Labor is usually the most expensive part of stucco repair and a major factor in the cost to repair stucco siding. This is because stucco work requires a lot of skill and includes many steps, like preparing damaged areas, applying base coats, curing layers, and matching texture.
- Hourly Rates: Depending on their experience, where you live, and how difficult the project is, most stucco repair professionals charge between $40 and $75 an hour.
- Price Per Square Foot: A lot of contractors also charge for work based on a rate per square foot, which is usually between $8 and $50 per square foot. This rate includes both labor and basic materials in one fee.
- Complex Jobs Cost More: For example, fixes on upper floors, at odd angles, or with intricate architectural features that need scaffolding, special tools, or extra safety measures cost more to do.
Because you have to wait for each coat of stucco repair to dry before adding the next, the work can take days for even small jobs, which adds a lot to the total cost.
Material Costs
What you use to fix stucco depends on the type of stucco and how bad the damage is.
- Stucco Mix: Traditional cement-based stucco mix is inexpensive, ranging from about $0.05 to $0.10 per square foot for the base material. Synthetic stucco (EIFS) is a far more specialized product and costs at least $0.25 to $0.50 per square foot.
- Accessories: Mesh, metal lath, and gas barriers are often needed for repair jobs to make sure that new stucco is strong and sticks well. Some of these items may add a small amount to the total.
- Paint and Finish: If you need to match the color or paint again after the repair, it can cost an extra $1 to $3 per square foot or more.
DIY vs. Professional Stucco Repair
| Aspect | DIY Stucco Repair | Professional Stucco Repair |
| Cost | Lower cost (materials/tools only) | Higher upfront cost ($60–$120 per square foot, or $40–$50/hour) based on the cost to repair stucco siding |
| Ideal for | Small, superficial damage (e.g., hairline cracks) | Larger damage or structural issues |
| Skill Level | Basic handyman skills required | Professional expertise and experience required |
| Materials & Tools | Stucco patch kits, basic hand tools | Special tools, materials, and equipment |
| Labor | No labor cost (DIY), but time‑consuming | Labor costs included, but faster completion |
| Outcome | May lack texture/color matching, risk of further issues | High-quality finish, texture/color match, and problem detection |
| Risks | Poor adhesion, cosmetic issues, or hidden damage | Reduced risk of recurring problems or damage |
| Warranties/Guarantees | None | Often provided, ensuring long‑term durability and reliability |
| Best for | Minor cracks or patches | Major repairs, moisture issues, structural fixes |
How to Budget & Estimate Your Stucco Repair Project
Planning ahead keeps stucco repair costs low and minimizes surprises. Measure the damaged areas to determine the square footage that needs work. Contractors usually bid on this dimension, so having your own estimate helps you compare rates.
Request detailed bids that break down labor, materials, and any additional costs. A good bid shows how much the stucco mixtures, metal lath, mesh, and matching of textures will cost in comparison with the labor aspect. This helps in establishing transparency to negotiate and pinpoint expensive items.
Always budget for surprises. Mold cleanup, moisture penetration, and weakened base can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars. If difficulties arise during repair, a 10 to 20% contingency fund, or $500 to $1,000, safeguards your budget.
Consider combining stucco repairs with painting, trim restoration, and exterior maintenance. Combining jobs reduces labor costs and improves exterior consistency, improving value.
Common Stucco Problems & Why They Occur
Despite its durability, natural movement, dampness, and impact damage can harm stucco. Understanding root causes helps homeowners prevent costly issues.
Cracks From Settling & Temperature Changes
Stucco cracking, which forms hairline cracks, is a common issue that may be due to settlement of the foundation of the home or stucco thermal expansion and contraction. While hairline cracks 1/16″ wide are common occurrences, other types of cracking or those around windows and corners indicate potential issues with the structure or its installation.
Moisture Penetration & Water Damage
Most damaging to stucco is moisture. Porous stucco lets water in if flashings, caulking, or moisture barriers fail. Once under the surface, moisture can discolor, mold, and damage the wall structure. Moisture causes major repairs like section replacement and framing repair.
Impact Damage & Other Wear
Lawn mowers, hail, fallen branches, and debris can damage stucco. The results of these physical strikes may be chipped fragments, holes or dents that appear unsightly and allow water to enter the stucco leading to deterioration. A few repairs and frequent check-ups make the minor concerns look insignificant.
Region & Location Cost Variations
Labor availability, local demand, and climate affect U.S. stucco repair costs. States with high stucco siding have a number of contractors hence low prices. In warmer, drier places like California, Florida, Arizona, and Nevada, stucco siding is popular, therefore there are more specialists and lower labor rates.
Stucco repair costs are greater in northern and colder areas like New York, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Illinois, and Hawaii because fewer contractors specialize in stucco work. A shortage of professionals can raise hourly and project expenses.
Cities that are costly to reside in and require skilled craft work have a greater price of stucco repair as compared to the rural settings where labor and materials are cheap. Stucco repairs that cost $2,000 in a warm climate can cost 30 to 45% more in areas with fewer contractors or higher living costs.
When to Repair vs. When to Replace Stucco
| Criteria | Repair | Replace |
| Best for | Small cracks, chips, or hairline damage | Large-scale damage (moisture, rot, structural issues) |
| Extent of Damage | Less than 25% of the wall area affected | More than 25% of the wall area affected |
| Cost | Typically $8 to $50 per square foot | Typically $6 to $9 per square foot (or higher) |
| Longevity | Short-term fix, may require repeat repairs | Long-term solution, new stucco lifespan (50+ years) |
| When to Consider | Minor, cosmetic damage | Major structural or moisture damage, or when stucco is old and deteriorating |
| Time Required | Faster, often a few hours to days | Takes longer, requires removal of old stucco and reinstallation |
| Suitability for DIY | Feasible for small patches | Requires professional labor and materials |
| Benefits | Quick, affordable, and minimal disruption | Restores the entire surface, ensures long-term durability |
Get Accurate Stucco Repair Costs with Fusion Estimating
Knowing how much it usually costs to fix stucco siding in the U.S. helps people make smart choices and avoid spending more than they planned. Whether you have small cracks, damage from water, or want to replace your whole stucco, knowing when to fix and when to replace can save you a lot of money in the long run. Costs vary by damage type, location, labor, and materials, so realistic estimates are better than assumptions.
This is where Fusion Estimating can become helpful. Fusion Estimating is a professional construction estimating company that provides accurate Construction Takeoff and trade-specific cost estimates for stucco repair and other exterior construction projects. Contractors, homeowners, and developers can trust our accurate estimates based on square footage, labor rates, material requirements, and regional prices. We want to help you make a trustworthy budget, lower your risk, and clearly plan your project.
Need an accurate stucco estimate for repairing stucco wall sections? Need an estimate of the cost of your next construction project in a hurry and professionally? Contact Fusion Estimating today and get a rapid and professional estimate of your construction project price. Together, let us make smarter.