Popular throughout the American Southwest, stucco siding can be utilized in many climates and areas. This is considering stucco is a cement-based plaster that is applied over a galvanized wire mesh called lathe, which helps the plaster adhere to the wall surface and adds strength. Stucco is usually applied in at least three coats, with the top or finish coat, including any color or special finishing techniques.
Whereas the strength and durability of stucco are one of the biggest benefits, there are different other reasons why stucco might be the right decision for you.
- Stucco is tinted, not painted, which means that it can withstand fading for decades.
- Stucco can be textured for a unique and decorative look.
- With the right maintenance, stucco can last a very long time, which means that you will not need to budget for its replacement anytime soon.
- Stucco offers exceptional protection against inclement weather.
- The cost of stucco itself is relatively low when compared to other types of siding, making it an economical option.
Of course, accompanied by the benefits that stucco has to offer, there are a few disadvantages too.
- Stucco requires professional installation which can significantly increase the cost.
- Applying stucco can be a time-intensive project, with most professional stucco companies requiring several days to finish the job.
- Stucco can be damaged easily, requiring professional repairs.
One other concern is whether you can afford to depreciate the cost of your stucco finish throughout several years. According to the IRS, a large improvement like adding stucco to your rental property’s exterior cannot be deducted as an expense but rather depreciated over time. This means that you will be allowed to deduct the full cost of the stucco siding, but not all at once. This makes a careful assessment of your cash flows and tax situation an important part of your decision-making process.
If you make the decision that stucco is still the best possible choice for your properties, the next step is to get yourself a quality stucco company that will perform the job correctly and at a fair price. It can be quite a challenge to find a reputable service provider without spending a lot of time on research, time that may be more better off spent on your investing activities.
The great news is that Real Property Management Albuquerque can help. Our Albuquerque property managers can offer suggestions and advice about exterior siding options, as well as promote quality stucco professionals dedicated to providing the highest customer service. To learn more, contact us today.