No, with a good inspection company you'll be safe if you choose a stucco home regardless of the application and an inspector that specializes in stucco will be able to point out any flaws, etc. Make sure the inspection company specializes in stucco, there are number of good one's in town. I've sold numerous stucco homes over the years and live in one with EIFS. If I can be of further assistance you can contact me through my website at http://www.come2colorado.com

The type of stucco that has a bad reputation is EIFS. It isn't a true stucco but more of a skin that is applied to a frame construction building. True stucco if appled properly has not been known to create too much trouble; however, this is a question best answered by a licensed inspector. If oyu are working with a realtor ask your realtor to give you soem referrals to inspectors that they work with so that you can call them and get a more definitive answer. If you are not working with a realtor give me a shout and I will provide you with soem inspector referrals wha you can contact.
Best of Luck in your search for a new home!
Carole

Hi Neena,

There have been some problems with stucco exteriors but would certainly not eliminate them for your home search. No matter what type of exterior your new home has the most important thing is to have it inspected by a qualified home inspector, preferrably one that is a member of ASHI. Get recommendations from your Realtor. Don't just pick someone randomly. There are inspectors who have special training in identifying problems related to stucco and advising you as to remedies available. Good luck with your search.

Greetings,Neena

I was a general contractor for 15 years building all types of homes with all types of exterior finishes. First and foremost don't discount any property for what you may have heard from the media or other sources. A reputable inspector should be able to alert you to any issues any property may have. Make sure your inspector is familiar with building methods. Almost all litigation and problems arose from inproper instalation not the material itself. In my humble opinion and from experience I like the real Concrete stucco with the elstomeric paint on as this application allows the structure to breath easy instead of the EFIS you have heard about from other comments. Your biggest concern should be. Will your chosen insurance company insure the home you choose with what ever methods were used for the stucco finish. Many exclude such Items and if you don't want to risk it then buy a home without it.

Neena,

Stucco is not all bad, you should not eliminate looking at all stucco homes, however if it is done poorly then it can cause issues down the road. I am currently selling a Buyer a Stucco home in Denver Country Club and it was built in 1910. The exterior of the home is in Great Shape, there are some minor areas that need to be fixed but nothing to major. I am not a stucco expert but I have been told that if you can fit a nickle inside a crack on stucco it needs to be fixed but smaller than that crack can be dealt with. You can also have Stucco fixed by many different companys around town. It is just another form of siding and if you find a Stucco home that you like, dont let the stucco hold you back unless you find a major issue with it. I hope this Helps!

Mark Kinslow II
Coldwell Banker

You are probably referring to EFS which has had issues. There is stucco which is fine. A thorough search on EFS and how to identify would be a good idea if you like the look of stucco. Of course, get an inspection by someone familiar with the difference for added safety.

Happy hunting.
Alan Strange http://www.itsaSTRANGEmarket.com

Neena,

You are correct in questioning any form of exterior based on outdoor weather conditions. Each location has it issues from, humidity and moisture to scorching sun and extreme cold.

One of the factors we see with stucco is its difficulty to maintain. It is not a surface that lends itself to painting easily and is probably best spray painted....which is another challenge.