Found 3 blog entries tagged as stucco.

Appraising and being involved in real estate sales for over 30 years allows me to see epic "renovation" nightmares. The unfortunate side of this are the buyers who often expect their agent to flag issues. Will your agent spot renovation disasters? Well, that depends on if you properly qualified them, if they have the capacity to spot issues and whether they are more concerned with a commission or keeping you out of trouble.

This home was noted as "completely updated" and buyers of mine wanted to see it. The usual flags popped just off the desktop review but a base of knowledge is critical for buyers, looking at homes and seeing issues helps to better understand the process. This home however, was a graduate course in renovation disasters - and…

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The problems with stucco homes couldn't be better demonstrated than with this real world listing. This is "hardcoat" stucco; not EFIS (synthetic) which has the universal bad rap. As with any siding, but especially stucco; moisture, mold and termites are just waiting for a chance; and that is evidenced here. Many agents have no idea about the potential disaster behind those walls, every stucco home should have a dedicated stucco inspection

It starts where is almost always does - control of surface water. Water MUST be moved out and away from every home, having a downspout empty onto a slab under the deck that sags toward the stucco home...not good. Being in a bowl and the low point of the lot or community, not good. Water always wins and water is…

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Should you buy a stucco home in Atlanta? A better question might be should you buy a home clad with synthetic stucco or EIFS (Exterior Insulated Finish System)?  This cladding was very popular around Atlanta during the 80’s to early 00’s because of the ease and low cost to install. The foam board installed behind the stucco provides synthetic stuccoadded insulation and the product is very easy for architects to use in design.  Synthetic stucco was meant to be a barrier system that kept water out, but poor installation (mainly flashing issues) can allow water to penetrate and remain unable to escape. Over time, the trapped moisture will eventually eat away sheathing, structural framing, and even interior finishes. Mold, fungal growth and rot are common. Termites are a…

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