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Spring is a great time to clean out the debris collected in your gutters during the winter and ensure they’re ready to handle April showers. Failing to do so could result in water damage to your home.
While people often clean their own gutters, many prefer to hire a skilled gutter company or contractor.
When you hire a contractor, you trust that company to treat your home well and provide great service. Researching with BBB can help you narrow down the options for a gutter company with a good track record.
How to hire a gutter company you can count on:
- Research with BBB. You can search BBB.org for BBB Business Profiles for trusted gutter companies near you. From there, you can see businesses’ ratings and whether they are BBB Accredited, read reviews, and see if customers have filed complaints to get an idea of the business’s track record.
- Get multiple quotes. Ask at least three companies for quotes based on the same requirements – BBB’s Get a Quote service can help you get quotes from BBB Accredited Businesses. Discuss pricing, timing, and materials in detail with each contractor. The lowest bid might not be best; extra-low prices could mean the contractor is cutting corners or doesn't fully understand your needs.
- Ask about licenses, insurance, and permits. Verify that the company is licensed for the kind of work you need, and check with local authorities to find out whether you need any permits. Request proof of insurance.
- Ask about safety measures. A responsible gutter company should take intentional safety measures to prevent injuries and property damage while working on your home.
- Review warranty coverage. Some gutter companies may offer a warranty or guarantee for certain products or services. If so, ensure you understand the terms before paying for their services.
- Get it in writing. Ensure you get a written contract covering all job details, including the expected start and completion dates. Read the contract carefully before signing or paying any money. Keep your contract for future reference and ask the contractor to provide a lien waiver – a statement that all suppliers and contractors have been paid for materials and labor – when the job is completed.
- Don’t pay in full before work is done. BBB frequently receives reports from customers who paid a large deposit or full upfront, only for the company to disappear. In some cases, a company may need a down payment to cover materials, but the bulk of the money should not be due until the work is completed.
For more information
See BBB's seasonal home maintenance checklist for more tips.
Check out BBB's tips on hiring a contractor for home maintenance.
Learn more at BBB's home maintenance HQ.
BBB St. Louis contributed this article.