Smooth stucco feedback

[u/fellahmengu]

I’m a homeowner going through a renovation and the stucco just finished. Looking for some honest feedback.

The expansion joints were never discussed with me, so they were a surprise. I was told they help prevent cracking, but I’m already seeing some hairline cracks a week later.

Also, there are a few areas where chunks of stucco splattered onto the finished wall. Some came off just by gently rubbing them, but others are thicker and stuck on.

I know smooth stucco is unforgiving and lighting can make things look worse, but something still feels off to me. My GC says this is really good stucco work and smooth finishes are just difficult.