Shopping for professional installation for your new or existing gutters is intimidating. Whether you need a repair, replacement, or full installation of new gutters, the number of options can be overwhelming. It’s tricky to know where to begin in vetting potential contractors. This guide will walk you through what to look for in a gutter installation company and how to choose the best one for work on your home.
Key Takeaways:
- Get 2-3 quotes from local gutter professionals and compare rates, warranties, and experience.
- Avoid hiring contractors who aren’t gutter specialists, don’t provide itemized quotes, or exhibit other red flags.
- Read customer reviews on sites like Better Business Bureau, Yelp, and Google Reviews to hear from their previous clients.
- Trust your gut and avoid pushy companies who won’t let you sleep on your decision or can’t explain their process or costs clearly.
What Are Their Credentials?
What makes this company qualified to install your new gutter system? Independent contractors may say they can install gutters, but do they have a track record of successful gutter installation? Have they worked with a gutter guard system, aluminum gutters, or copper gutters? Sussing out if they’ve performed quality gutter work in the past is step one. Skip contractors who claim to be Jack-of-all-trades but don’t bring gutter expertise to the table.
How Many Years of Experience Do They Have?
The right gutter installation company will have years of experience. Look for quality work across a decade and you’ll likely find a seasoned expert company who has dealt with many gutter challenges over the years and understands how to fix them properly. They’ll likely also bring expertise in helping you choose the right type of gutters for your home and area. You’ll have peace of mind that you’ve received expert advice and have chosen the right gutter for your home.
Read Through Customer Reviews
Explore reviews from previous customers and see what they have to say. People often give their honest opinions on sites like Better Business Bureau, Yelp, Google Reviews, and more. Homeowners review their experience working with the company and you can decide if they seem like a good fit for your project.
Explore Aerotech’s Reviews:
- Better Business Bureau
- Yelp
- Google Reviews
What Kind of Warranty Should Gutter Installers Offer?
Professional gutter companies should guarantee their work. Ask about warranties on labor and if your gutters will have their own warranty. Working with novice or amateur installers can lead to your product warranty being void. A professional company should have no problem providing their certifications and warranty information to you.
Look for Pricing Transparency And Compare Quotes
Most gutter pros will provide a free quote or consultation before starting work. Do not allow a contractor to start work without a quote in hand for their services and a contract in place for their work. Quotes should include a breakdown of costs, including gutter materials, labor, and any service fees as individual line items. The cost of your installation may vary based on the linear feet of gutters your home needs, the difficulty for crews to reach your gutters (multiple floors, difficult configurations, etc), and your area’s cost of living.
You should get quotes from 2-3 companies to get a sense of what is normal in your area and what company is best for your gutter replacement or installation.
Use This Gutter Contractor Selection Guide Checklist To Organize Your Search
| Company Name | Quote Amount | Licensed & Insured? | Positive Reviews? | Provides Warranty? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Company A | $1,200 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Example notes here |
| Company B | $950 | No | Yes | No | Example notes here |
Most Importantly, Trust Your Gut
At the end of the day, you should feel good about your decision on what gutter company to hire. Make sure all of your questions and concerns have been addressed, that you feel the quote is fair and reasonable, and that you’re getting the gutters your home needs. Choose the right gutter installation contractor and you’ll have peace of mind that the work is going to be handled well and your home’s value will increase.
Questions Homeowners Should Ask a Gutter Contractor Before, During, and After Their Project
Before installation during the quote phase, you should come prepared with questions to ask each contractor. Try to ask each company the same questions to compare answers. Asking about how the gutters will send water flow away from your home, if they recommend a certain gutter type for extreme weather conditions in your area, or if they offer ongoing gutter maintenance services. These are all great ways to feel out the expertise and get insights into the best gutters for your home.
During installation, be sure to ask for a timeline, address any visual concerns, and confirm your pros are meeting the contractual terms you agreed upon.
After the project, confirm what kind of maintenance schedule you need to guarantee a warranty and get a copy of the warranty for your records. During the first rainfall, be sure to go out and make sure downspouts are working properly and that no leaks or overflow are present.
What Are Red Flags to Look Out For from Gutter Contractors?
Avoid these red flags when hiring a gutter contractor:
- Beginning work without a quote or contract
- Hiring gutter contractors who do not provide a warranty
- Hiring a “Jack-of-all-trades” who isn’t a gutter expert
- Non-itemized quotes from contractors
- Gutter contractors who rush paperwork or pressure you into agreeing on the spot
The Benefits of Working With a Professional Gutter Installation Contractor
When you hire a true professional, you benefit from their years of experience. Each job they’ve worked and the problems they’ve spent time troubleshooting over the years puts time and money back in YOUR pocket. Hiring a professional means you’ll get expert advice, faster installation, and quality warranties.
Get Expert Help Selecting the Right Gutters for Your Home
Professionals will know what gutter type is best for your area, home style, and budget. Ask them for their advice on whether or not things like seamless gutters, steel gutters, or gutter guard installation are right for your home and budget.
Benefit From Their Years of Experience
With decades of experience, the professionals at Aerotech know how to install gutters correctly the first time and how to navigate hard-to-reach or tricky areas for a seamless installation. You benefit from over 35 years in business because there’s nothing we haven’t seen. Hiring a professional who has been around the block for decades means you’ll have peace of mind that it’s been done properly.
The Right People and Tools for the Job
Showing up with the right tools, enough staff, and the right attitude makes all the difference. After decades in business, true professionals won’t be making rookie mistakes that lead to corrosion, rust, or other issues down the road.
Improve Your Home With Gutters Installed by Aerotech
If you’re looking for gutter professionals in the Metro DC Area, Northern Virginia, St. Louis, or Maryland areas — give us a call to get a FREE quote for your home’s gutter installation, replacement, or repair. We guarantee the quality of our work and provide ongoing maintenance services to ensure your gutters have increased longevity and you have peace of mind for years ahead.
We’re Here to Serve!
Aerotech brings over 35 years of gutter expertise to every job. We’re fully insured, so you will have peace of mind that the job will be completed safely and efficiently every time.
Aerotech proudly services: