EXTERIOR
How to Estimate Stucco Installation
Contractor method for estimating stucco: area, type, finish and removal.
Stucco bids fail on the finish and the removal. The flat wall is easy math; the smooth finish, the textured walls and the old-stucco tear-off are where the quote grows.
THE SHORT ANSWER
How do you estimate stucco installation?
Measure wall area, allow materials (traditional $3, EIFS $4.50, one-coat $2.50/sq ft), then add finish, installation labor and removal. The 800 sq ft example totals about $6,060.
Measure the wall area
Measure the wall area in sq ft and subtract openings. Count the corners and any curves — they add labor and material waste.
Choose the type
Traditional 3-coat runs ~$6/sq ft, EIFS ~$8/sq ft, one-coat ~$5/sq ft. EIFS adds insulation in one step but costs more and needs specific detailing around windows.
Price the finish and removal
Smooth finish adds 15%, textured 35%. Removing old stucco adds ~$2/sq ft. Use the Stucco Installation Cost Calculator to build the full quote.
Check the total
Your total should land within 10% of the calculator output before markup. Add moisture barrier and lath as a separate line if the wall is bare.