If you are searching for a quality gutter company, here are some things to keep in mind.
Rain gutters are one of those things that for some reason, usually get put on the back burner. I know that some people think they are not necessary or just too expensive.
Local Gutter Contractors, Repair Technicians, And Installers Near Me
The truth is the average gutter installation cost around $1200.00 to $1500.00.
To me, that’s cheap insurance for something that will give you about 30 years of protection against foundation damage and wood rot.
All gutter companies are pretty much the same.
Right?
Wrong! Other than having the same gutter material and downspouts. Some gutter companies don’t install the gutter under the drip edge flashing.
Some only install gutter hangers every 4 feet instead of the recommended 2 feet. Some even install the gutter with 3/4 inch sheetrock screws instead of 1 1/2 inch gutter screws. Some still use nails.
I could go on but you get the point.
Before you sign anything, do some homework and check them out. Do they have a website? Do they have references you can call and jobs you can look at?
Do they have any BBB complaints?
There is no gutter contractor license like an electrician or a plumber has. Anyone can go put a 10,000.00 gutter machine on their credit card and be in the gutter business the very next day.
It takes a long time to learn all the tricks of the trade and it’s very difficult unless you have a good trainer.
Keep in mind that good gutter companies are usually booked up several weeks ahead. If you feel like that’s too long to wait, I’m sure you could find a not-so-good contractor to come out and get started the very same day.
Before you start scheduling meetings with gutter installers, take the time to educate yourself about the types of gutters and their installation process.
Gutters are made of a variety of materials, including aluminum, steel, copper, and vinyl. Research the different types to find out the pros and cons of each.
Acquiring some basic knowledge before you schedule a meeting will lead to a more productive discussion and help you to weed out the “not so qualified installers”.
Some Red Flags To Watch Out For:
THE COMPANY: Try to find an installer that’s been around for a while. Most companies don’t make it past their third year. Check with the local chamber of commerce, the BBB, and company references.
WARRANTIES: Ask for a copy of the product warranty and also the labor warranty.
COMPANY EMPLOYEES: Employees should be neatly dressed and considerate of your property. Reputable companies also do background checks on their workers.
SALES TECHNIQUES: Sales approaches differ widely from the high-pressure salesman to the guy that drops off the estimate at the door.
With the information you now have, you will have plenty of questions to ask your installer.
Prices will vary from high to low. Yes, you certainly can pay too much for the job, but also keep in mind that the lowest price is probably not the best value.
Higher bids usually do reflect the skill level and reputation of the installer and the low bids usually reflect the installer’s lack of experience to properly bid the job or that he the shortcuts to take to underbid professional installers.
Avoid gutter companies that will only accept cash, gives you a P.O. Box number instead of a physical address, or request the full payment upfront.
Other red flags include door-to-door soliciting, requests for a large down payment to purchase materials, and promises of a discount if you find the contractor other customers.
Be smart and go with your gut. If you do not feel comfortable talking to the contractor, do not hire him.
THE CONTRACT: Never hire a contractor without a detailed contract outlining exactly what you agreed on. It should include all of the information about the project and a payment schedule.
Avoid the word “estimate” since that leaves room for a significant price increase. Get a quote instead. This will help the project run smoothly and will provide protection for you, should there be a problem.
DOWN PAYMENTS: While it is true that a fifty percent deposit is reasonable, it’s not so the contractor can use it to go by his supplies as some say.
All reliable contractors have lines of credit and don’t pay for materials until the job is finished. The deposit simply shows your willingness to do business and also protects the installer.
Do not ever make the final payment until the job is complete and you are satisfied.
CHECK OUT THE GUTTER COMPANY
You may choose to hire a gutter contractor once you have determined that your gutters need replacement or repair. As in the case of choosing any service professional, there are several things a homeowner can do to narrow down the search.
Before making calls to companies, talk to friends and family for possible recommendations. They may have personal experience with a contractor or company that installs rain gutters.
If you don’t have a personal reference and you are calling guttering contractors on your own, find out the answers to things such as:
• What is their standing with the Better Business Bureau?
• Are they a member of any professional organizations?
• Is the contractor licensed and insured in case something goes wrong?
• Is the company stable and committed to providing excellent customer service?
Will the contractor set up a time to come to your home to check your old gutters, measure for new ones, and go over your options with you?
Some contractors will not offer this important service and will simply do a drive-by inspection and leave you a handwritten estimate in your mailbox.
Will the contractor provide you with samples of the proposed gutter so you can see the exact quality of the material you are getting?
Will the contractor provide you with a list of jobs in your area so you can see what the finished product looks like installed?
Will the contractor provide you with a detailed estimate in writing, not only for parts and labor for gutter and accessories but additional charges for replacing rotten fascia boards, building-out fascia, or other extras like drip-edge extensions or custom color choices?
A knowledgeable and forthright gutter installer will assess your current gutter configuration and make suggestions for improvements either involving a total replacement of an existing system or repairs.
If you are considering a new system, then a contractor should ask what type of rain gutters you want to have installed, whether you are thinking of a seamless gutter and whether you want a leaf protection system installed at the same time.
Each gutter job consists of a series of “runs” and downspouts. The contractor will estimate the job after determining the run length and run the height of the system.
Run Length is a straight section of gutter mounted against the fascia board. It is measured in linear feet. A gabled roof has 2 runs, front, and rear. A Hip Roof has 4 runs.