How to Charge for Gutter Service

Debris like tree leaves and dirt cause clogging of the rain gutter, leading to rainwater overflow, which can damage property. Gutter cleaning is a specialized and potentially hazardous service that most property owners cannot perform themselves. Being a seasonal activity, gutter cleaning is generally provided as an add-on to usual window cleaning services. The rates charged for this service vary greatly depending on the viewpoint of the service provider. If you're looking at providing this service, it's important to arrive at specific rates before you begin.

Instructions

1. List the factors that influence the amount of time spent on the job. Typically, this will include the house dimensions, the number of stories and accessibility of the roof. Include aspects like length of the gutters and gutter condition -- the degree of clogging and condition of the downspouts. Take your traveling distance into consideration -- this will be a major expense if you're located far away from the target area.

2. Fix a figure. Study the going prices in your area and decide how you want to price your service in comparison to what other gutter services charge. If you're new to the area, pegging your rates a little lower than the area average can help to generate initial interest. Ensure you have the capability to handle a large number of orders -- this will help to make a profit from sheer volume. If, however, you don't have sufficient resources to reach a greater number of premises, it's best to price your service on par with other gutter cleaning services in the area.

3. Prepare estimates. Study average house dimensions in your area and find out what is the usual gutter length for these dimensions. Don't worry about houses that are different from the norm -- what you need to start with is just an approximate value. Use this data to put together packages that combine common house dimensions with length of gutter and the generally observed extent of gutter clogging for particular lengths. Factor in the cost of clearing downspouts and transportation of debris from the gutter if the homeowner so desires. Decide how you're going to price houses bigger than the average.

4. Carry out physical inspections. Don't commit to a price without first verifying the actual status of the gutter. Specify that the price you charge is dependent on a physical inspection of the premises. After completing an assessment, determine if any additional service is required such as pressure cleaning, for instance. Add the cost of this to your usual pricing structure to arrive at the final quote.

Tips & Warnings

• Never quote a single, fixed figure. If the job is a minor one, the person hiring your service will feel he's being taken for a ride. In the event that the job turns out to be more extensive than what you expected, you'll end up being underpaid.

• Gutter service charges are highly variable from one area to another. Starting at a basic rate of $60 per hour, it can go up to $150 for a challenging location. In metropolitan areas, gutter-cleaning charges may even work out to around $900 per house.

• If you need to rent any gutter cleaning equipment from a local store, let the homeowner know about it and specify that the rental value will figure in your final charge.

References

• Free Window Cleaning Tips: Rain Gutter Cleaning -- Learn How To Clean Gutters Professionally For No-Less-Than $60 Per Hour
• Image Makers Window Cleaning: Gutter Cleaning
• Associated Window Cleaning: Frequently Asked Questions
• Sunshine Window Cleaning
• A Touch Of Business: How To Start A Gutter Cleaning Business
• Gutter Cleaning Tips