How Much Does It Cost to Remove Stucco Siding? [2025 Data]
The average cost to remove stucco siding is $7,000, with most homeowners paying between $3,000 and $14,000. Main cost factors include home size, stucco type, labor, and disposal.
Stucco siding removal costs an average of $7,000, with prices ranging from $1,200 to $21,000.
Removing stucco siding prepares your home for new exterior finishes, allowing for upgrades or repairs.
Project costs depend on the home's size, stucco thickness, and labor rates, with prices often calculated on a per-square-foot basis.
Disposal fees and repairs for hidden damage, such as water intrusion or rot, may increase your total bill.
Professional removal ensures safety and protects underlying structures from accidental damage during the process.
This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by an Angi Editor in accordance with our AI policy.
The cost to remove stucco siding averages $3,000 to $14,000, with an average price of $7,000. Most homeowners pay between $3 and $10 per square foot, depending on the area size, stucco type, and labor rates. Larger homes or complex projects can exceed $21,000.
Stucco removal is a significant project that can reveal hidden issues and pave the way for new siding or exterior repairs. By understanding the key cost factors, you can effectively plan your budget and avoid unexpected expenses. Labor often accounts for a large portion of the cost, with rates averaging $40 to $80 per hour.
Stucco Siding Removal Cost Factors
Removing stucco siding involves several cost factors that affect your total investment. Let’s break down the key elements that impact what you’ll pay.
Types
The type of stucco on your home plays a big role in removal costs. Traditional cement-based stucco is heavier and more labor-intensive to remove than synthetic stucco (EIFS), which often comes off in larger panels. The thickness of your stucco and the number of layers also influence the difficulty and price. Homes with wood-frame construction may require extra care to avoid damaging the underlying sheathing, while masonry homes can make removal simpler or more complex depending on the application.
| Stucco Type | Average Removal Cost per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|
| Cement-based | $5–$10 |
| Synthetic (EIFS) | $3–$7 |
Size
The total square footage of stucco siding directly affects your overall removal cost. Smaller homes cost less, while larger or multi-story homes require more time and labor. Single-story homes are easier and less expensive to work on than multi-story structures, which need additional safety equipment and access solutions.
| Home Size (Sq. Ft.) | Average Total Removal Cost |
|---|---|
| 1,000 | $3,000–$7,000 |
| 2,000 | $6,000–$14,000 |
| 3,000 | $9,000–$21,000 |
Materials
What’s underneath your stucco can add to the complexity and cost of removal. If your home has wood sheathing, insulation, or house wrap, extra care is needed to protect these materials. If hazardous materials, such as asbestos, are present, specialized removal increases costs significantly. Disposal costs for stucco debris also add between $300 and $1,200 to your total, especially if large dumpsters or special handling are required.
Labor
General contractors or local stucco siding specialists handle removal. Labor costs depend on your region, contractor experience, and the complexity of your project. Hourly rates range from $40 to $80, or $3 to $10 per square foot for most jobs. Multi-story homes, intricate architectural details, and difficult site access can all increase labor costs. Standard projects take 20 to 40 labor hours.
Prep
Before removal begins, crews must prepare the site. This includes setting up scaffolding or protective barriers, disconnecting utilities, and protecting landscaping or adjacent surfaces. These prep steps add $300 to $1,000 to your bill, depending on the project’s scope and site conditions.
Tipping
Tipping is not required, but is appreciated for hard-working stucco removal crews. If you choose to tip, a standard range is $20 to $50 per worker, often given at the end of the project. Alternatively, providing water, snacks, or lunch is a thoughtful way to show appreciation.
Additional Cost Factors
Several other expenses can influence your final cost to remove stucco siding, including:
Demolition and disposal fees for hauling away stucco debris.
Post-removal cleanup to clear dust and small debris.
Permit and inspection fees required by local authorities.
Repair costs for underlying damage, such as rot, mold, or water issues, are discovered during removal.
Foundation or framing repairs if structural problems are found.
Temporary weatherproofing to protect your home if removal leaves areas exposed.
Additional fees for removing stucco in hard-to-reach regions or around windows and doors.
Decorative add-ons, such as custom trim or architectural features, that increase the removal complexity.
DIY Stucco Siding Removal vs. Hiring a Pro
Some homeowners consider removing stucco siding themselves to save on labor. Let’s compare DIY and professional approaches.
DIY removal costs include tools, equipment rental (such as scaffolding and dumpsters), disposal fees, and safety gear. You’ll spend $800 to $2,500 on basic DIY supplies, but the risk of damaging your home or injuring yourself is much higher without experience. DIY removal requires skill, strength, and patience—plan for 40 to 80 hours for an average home.
Hiring a professional costs more upfront, but it ensures safe and code-compliant removal. Pros have the right tools, knowledge, and insurance to handle surprises like hidden damage or hazardous materials. For most homeowners, the peace of mind and quality of work justify the additional expense.
We recommend hiring a professional for multi-story homes, homes with suspected damage, or if you lack the proper tools and experience.
Cost of Common Stucco Siding Removal Add-Ons
When removing stucco siding, many homeowners choose to add upgrades or repairs for a more complete exterior renovation. Popular add-ons include:
Installing new siding (vinyl, fiber cement, wood, or engineered wood)
Upgrading insulation after stucco removal for improved energy efficiency
Repairing or replacing damaged sheathing or framing discovered during removal
Adding house wrap or moisture barriers to protect against future water intrusion
Window and door trim replacement for a finished look
Exterior painting fees or finishing for new siding or trim
Decorative architectural enhancements such as custom trim, cornices, or columns
Each of these add-ons increases your total project cost but can boost curb appeal and long-term value.
Ways to Save While Removing Stucco Siding
You can control costs and avoid surprises by planning ahead and making smart choices. Consider these tips to lower your stucco removal expenses:
Get multiple quotes from licensed contractors to compare pricing and services.
Schedule removal during off-peak seasons, such as late fall or early spring, for better rates.
Prepare the site yourself by clearing landscaping and removing outdoor fixtures.
Bundle stucco removal with new siding installation for package discounts.
Address minor repairs yourself if you have the skills and tools.
Focus on necessary repairs to avoid scope creep.
Salvage materials where possible to reduce disposal costs.
Ask contractors for itemized disposal costs and negotiate if possible.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
The time required to remove stucco siding depends on the size of the home, the thickness of the stucco, and the complexity of the project. Most projects take between two and seven days, but larger or multi-story homes may require more time, especially if repairs are needed after removal is complete.
In many areas, a permit is required to remove stucco siding, especially if structural repairs or new siding installation are involved. Check with your local building department for specific requirements and associated permit fees before starting your project. Permit fees range from $100 to $500.
If contractors discover water damage, rot, or mold beneath the stucco, additional repairs will be necessary. These repairs can increase your total project cost and timeline, but addressing them promptly is essential for your home’s structural integrity. Ignoring hidden damage can lead to more severe issues and higher costs in the future.
Most homeowners can remain in their homes during stucco removal, but expect noise, dust, and limited access to certain areas. For extensive projects or if hazardous materials are present, temporary relocation may be recommended for safety and comfort. Before removal begins, seal off the work areas and use air purifiers to minimize the spread of dust.
When hiring for your project, look for licensed, insured contractors with experience in stucco removal. Ask them for references, review their past stucco removal projects, and request detailed, written estimates. A reputable stucco removal contractor will explain the entire process, outline all costs, and ensure proper disposal and compliance with local codes.
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