Home renovations are meant to improve or upgrade a house, but another upside to renovations is all the energy-saving technology that exists in this day and age, which can save you money in the long-run.  For example, installing new windows can cut down on energy costs.  A great way for homeowners to save money is to install stucco, or the high-tech version, called Exterior Insulation and Finish System, or EIFS.  While most homeowners refer to EIFS as stucco, stucco is not the same thing as EIFS, and vice versa. 

Stucco is applied wet and dries as a very durable, dense coating.  EIFS is composed of three separate layers and while very similar aesthetically similar to stucco, it has many more energy-efficient properties than traditional stucco. 

So why choose stucco or EIFS as your next home improvement project?  Aside from the cosmetic benefits, EIFS is also a great insulation. In contrast, traditional stucco is not as effective for insulation, as it is applied right onto concrete or brick, whereas EIFS can be installed onto those as well as masonry, plywood and gypsum-based sheathings. This versatility in combination with the multiple layers is what makes EIFS so energy-efficient.  Although most contractors don't do traditional stucco any more, there are still good quality stucco contractors out there. If you think that your home has adequate insulation, and just want to update the outside of your home, stucco is the less expensive option.  Of course, alternatively, long-term savings costs associated with the added energy efficiency of EIFS might be beneficial to some homeowners. 

Applying stucco is an art that takes years to master, and installing it properly requires extensive knowledge and experience. Choosing the right contractor for the job is a minefield of fly-by-night operations and shoddy sub-contractors, and combined with the many nightmare stories you inevitably hear from friends and family, it is understandable that most homeowners view home renovations with more than a little trepidation. Which is why sites like StuccoContractors.ca exist. 

They have a team of personally hand-picked contractors that they have worked with for a minimum of 5 years. These contractors specialize in stucco and EIFS, so homeowners can be assured that the project will not just get handed off to a sub-contractor.This is a Canada-wide service, so no matter where you live in the Great White North, you can be sure that you'll be matched up with the right contractors for the project.  Homeowners who are seeking expert stucco or EIFS installation should look for a local stucco contractor who residents trust. 

And as with any major home improvement project, research into all aspects of the project is absolutely vital before beginning. There are so many options to improve the value of your home; make sure the choice is right for you and your home.