Because this was a highly complex, big-ticket undertaking for us, we solicited estimates from five stucco contractors. We selected Brendan Davoren based on a combination of price (not the lowest, but close), approach, and availability. From the start, he was thorough and accommodating . Before submitting his initial proposal, he came by the house at least twice to note details. He provided useful references. He was amenable to scaling back the proposed work to meet our budgetary restrictions. He first provided samples of the stock colors offered by the stucco manufacturer, but when none of these worked out he offered to prepare several more samples to match Benjamin Moore colors. These were done on large-format boards that we could to move around to gauge the effect under different light conditions--a huge help. After we accepted the proposal and provided a deposit, work started almost immediately. Brendan does not do the actual stucco work himself, but his crew has an English-speaking foreman who was able to coordinate with the remodeling crew that was also working on the house. Brendan made frequent site visits and was always easily reachable by email or phone. The job was completed more quickly and with less mess than we had expected, given the inherently messy nature of stucco work. Missed spots were quickly taken care of after we brought them to Brendan's attention. After completion, Brendan made sure we had enough leftover materials for any touch-up work the remodelers might have to do, and he provided instructions for applying them. The only negative experience was some accidental damage to shrubs, one of which will have to be replaced. However, Brendan offered to credit us the cost of the replacement and to provide the planting services. And before I forget: the house looks great!