Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers about costs, timelines, permits, warranties, and how we work — from a licensed Puget Sound contractor.
Estimates & process
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes. Call or text 253-219-0782 to schedule a free on-site visit anywhere in the Tacoma, Gig Harbor, or Seattle area. You get a written, itemized estimate — not a vague lump sum.
What areas do you serve?
We're based in Gig Harbor, WA and work throughout the Puget Sound region: Tacoma, Seattle, Puyallup, Lakewood, University Place, Federal Way, Bremerton, Port Orchard, Olympia, and surrounding communities in Pierce, King, and Kitsap counties.
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
Yes. JP Building Inc. holds Washington State contractor license #JPBUIBI854NM and is bonded and insured on every job. We encourage you to verify our registration through the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries contractor lookup before hiring us — or anyone else.
How does the estimate process work?
We visit the site, measure, and talk through what you want to achieve. You then receive a written, itemized estimate covering scope, materials, and a realistic timeline. If we find something during the work that changes the scope — hidden moisture damage is the classic example — we tell you before proceeding, not after.
How soon can you start my project?
It depends on the season and the size of the job. Exterior stucco and waterproofing work books up fastest for the dry months (roughly May through September), so plan those projects a few months ahead. Interior remodels and repairs can usually start sooner. Call for current availability.
Pricing
How much does stucco installation cost in the Tacoma–Seattle area?
A full three-coat cement stucco system typically runs $9–$16 per square foot installed in the Puget Sound area, including lath, moisture barriers, and finish. Re-cladding a typical 2,000-square-foot two-story home usually lands between $25,000 and $60,000. Small repairs typically start at $500–$2,500. More detail on our stucco & stone page.
How much does veneer stone cost?
Manufactured (cultured) stone veneer generally runs $18–$35 per square foot installed in our area; natural thin-cut stone typically runs $25–$45. Accent applications — entries, chimneys, wainscots — are a cost-effective way to get the look of stone without full-coverage pricing.
How much does a kitchen or bathroom remodel cost?
Mid-range kitchen remodels in the Puget Sound market typically run $35,000–$75,000, and $80,000–$150,000+ with layout changes or custom cabinetry. Hall bathrooms usually fall between $15,000 and $40,000; primary suites commonly reach $50,000 or more. See our remodeling page for what drives these numbers.
How much does deck waterproofing cost?
Waterproof deck membrane systems typically run $10–$25 per square foot installed. A typical 200-square-foot deck lands between $2,500 and $6,000, depending on substrate condition and details like drains and door thresholds. More on our waterproofing page.
Why do bids for the same job vary so much between contractors?
Usually because the scopes aren't actually the same. Common differences: whether moisture barriers, rainscreen, and flashing details are included; material quality; whether tear-off and disposal are covered; and whether the contractor is licensed and insured at all. Compare itemized scopes line by line, not bottom-line numbers — the cheapest bid that skips the moisture details is the most expensive one five years later.
Timelines
How long does stucco installation take?
A typical repair takes 1–3 days. A full exterior on an average home takes 2–4 weeks, because a three-coat system needs proper cure time between coats. Weather windows in Western Washington can extend fall and winter schedules.
How long does a kitchen or bathroom remodel take?
Once materials are on hand and permits are issued: kitchens typically take 6–10 weeks of active construction, bathrooms 3–5 weeks. Add 4–8 weeks of lead time for cabinet and fixture orders.
How long does restoration take after a fire or flood?
Contained water damage: 3–7 days of drying plus 1–3 weeks of repairs. Structural water damage: 4–8 weeks. Localized fire damage: 2–6 weeks. Major fire rebuilds: 3–6+ months, driven largely by insurance scope approval and permits. Details on our restoration page.
Can you install stucco in the rain or during winter?
Stucco shouldn't be applied during heavy rain or near-freezing temperatures, so exterior work is scheduled around weather windows — sometimes with protective tenting. Interior remodels, repairs, and restoration work continue year-round.
Quality, warranty & insurance
Do you provide a warranty on your work?
Yes — we stand behind our workmanship, and the systems we install carry their manufacturers' warranties. Specific warranty terms depend on the system and scope, and they're spelled out in your written estimate before work begins.
Do you use subcontractors?
Stucco, stone, and finish work is performed by our own experienced crews. When a project requires licensed specialty trades — electrical, plumbing — we bring in licensed professionals we've worked with for years and coordinate their work as part of our schedule.
Will you work with my insurance company after fire or water damage?
Yes. We document the damage, prepare itemized repair scopes in the format adjusters expect, and communicate directly with your adjuster when needed — including documenting damage that only becomes visible after demolition starts.
Do you handle building permits?
Yes. Where a permit is required — structural changes, additions, new plumbing or electrical — we handle the application and inspections as part of the project, so the finished work is properly documented for insurance and resale.
How do I verify a contractor's license in Washington State?
Use the Department of Labor & Industries "Verify a Contractor" tool at lni.wa.gov. Enter the business name or license number — ours is JPBUIBI854NM — and confirm the registration is active, bonded, and insured. Every legitimate Washington contractor expects you to check.