On a new build, stucco is one of the last big exterior phases, and it has a property that makes schedulers nervous: real cure times that do not compress. Here is how the phase actually flows and where the schedule risk lives.
The sequence
Stucco starts after windows, doors, and rough trades are in and inspected: first paper and wire (the waterproofing that decides whether the wall survives), then the lath inspection, then scratch coat, brown coat, and finally finish. Each layer has a job, and each needs its moisture window respected.
The cure times you cannot rush
Scratch and brown coats want days between them, and the brown coat traditionally cures for a week or more before finish. Rushing cure is how new walls crack in year one. A good crew builds these windows into your schedule up front instead of surprising you.
What we need from the schedule
Sequenced access to full elevations beats patchwork availability: continuous walls mean continuous finishes with no cold joints. Tell us your inspection cadence and weather windows and we will map the phase to your critical path, usually keeping stucco entirely off it.
The finish decision deadline
Color and texture need sign-off before finish week, and physical samples beat chips. We produce sample boards on site so the owner approves the actual material in actual light.
Building in Orange County or LA? Send plans and we will return a scope, schedule, and number within days.