Synthetic Stucco??

[Joel Owens]

Any thoughts on Synthetic Stucco?? I know it is not as good as Hard Coat. I typically do not do residential but I am helping my brother-in-law out. They found the perfect house for layout and lot with mother-in-law suite downstairs in an excellent area with tons of space. The house is from 1990 and just found out from listing agent it is synthetic stucco.

Stucco looks in good shape except around a few small places around garage doors etc. which I read you have to keep resealing every few years. Also I read insurance companies want much more money to insure the property and to get some kind of stucco bond.

What is the life expectancy of synthetic stucco?? This house is 23 year sold. One suggestion said you can rip off all the stucco and go hardi plank or stone etc. The house is 4,000 sq ft if that helps. Trying to get an idea of cost. They can always buy now and I figure redo the outside down the road.

Thanks for any ideas or help. In their price range for what they need product is very limited and goes fast ( under 14 days ). Price on this property is really good and they want to deal.