How Much Does It Cost to Remove Stucco Siding in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

The average cost to remove stucco siding is $7,000, though averages range from $3,000 to $14,000. Factors like the square footage, project complexity, and essential tools can impact your total expenses, and bigger jobs can cost up to $21,000. Setting your budget early lets you hire a pro and finish the job safely and on schedule.

Stucco Siding Removal Cost Factors

Several key factors affect the total price of stucco siding removal. Understanding these helps you estimate costs more accurately and plan for possible add-ons.

Size

Size drives cost. More square footage means more labor hours—and a higher bill. Expect to pay a local siding professional $3 to $10 per square foot to remove stucco siding.

Complexity

Simple one-story homes with straightforward wall lines are less expensive to work on than homes with multiple stories, dormers, or complex architectural features. Scaffolding, lifts, or special safety measures increase time and costs.

Stucco Type

The type of stucco determines how challenging the removal will be. Traditional stucco is cement-based and heavy, making it harder to break apart and more expensive to dispose of. Synthetic EIFS is lighter and easier to detach, but it often hides moisture damage that can lead to extra repair costs. Hybrids or textured finishes fall in between these costs.

Cost of Common Project Add-Ons

In addition to removing the stucco itself, many projects require extra steps that affect the total cost. These include:

• Demolition

• Clean-up

• Permits/inspects

• Structural repairs

• Asbestos remediation

DIY Stucco Siding Removal vs. Hiring a Pro

Some homeowners consider removing stucco siding themselves to save on labor. 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, and it may take many hours or even days to get the job done.

Removing stucco is strenuous and can be dangerous without experience. If you don’t know what lies beneath the stucco, attempting removal with power tools can lead to further damage. A stucco contractor will ensure the removal is conducted safely without harming underlying structures. If you’re adding new siding afterward, hiring a professional installer is almost always the smarter move. The cost to stucco a house is $5,000 on average.

Budgeting for Stucco Siding Removal

Planning ahead helps you manage costs, avoid surprises, and make the most of your siding project. Keep these tips in mind when setting your budget for stucco removal:

• Get multiple quotes: Collect at least three estimates from contractors to find the best local rate and avoid overpaying.

• Ask about bundled services: If you’re installing new siding right after removal, see if your contractor offers package pricing. Bundling removal and installation is more cost-effective than hiring separate crews.

• Build in a contingency fund: Stucco can hide damage beneath the surface. Set aside 10% to 20% of your budget for unexpected repairs.

• Check for hazardous materials: Homes built before the 1980s may have stucco that contains asbestos. Testing before removal helps you budget for abatement and ensures safe handling.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from 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.