Spotting Red Signals While Hiring Gutter Cleaning Service
Gutter cleaning is time-consuming and exhausting but very necessary to keep your home in tip- top shape. And when it comes to your gutters, you want to ensure that they are cleaned regularly, at least twice per year. Yet, hiring a gutter cleaning service can also be overwhelming with all the options on the market.
So, how do you choose the right one? Well, you find a gutter cleaning service that’s professional, reliable, and experienced. The best way to find the right company for you is to ask the right questions. Keep reading; the following information will explain everything you need to know about finding the best gutter cleaning service.
Hire a Well-established Gutter Cleaning Service
There’s a fallacy that gutters cleaning involves labor but no actual skills, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Hiring a gutter cleaning service that is not experienced can result in damages to your gutters, soffit, fascia, and downspouts.
To protect yourself and your home, be sure to look for a gutter cleaning service that has been in business for at least two years and has a physical location. Be very wary of those offering these services from their van or basement.
Is the Company Insured?
The next thing to ask about is insurance. Always request a certificate of insurance proving they have liability and workers comp coverage for working on ladders, etc. Imagine if an uninsured worker is injured on your property for example in Maryland– you could end up with a legal nightmare.
Similarly, if a wall is damaged or tile breaks, you’ll have to cover the cost of the damages if the company is uninsured. Another thing worth noting is that if you hire a gutter cleaning service that uses subcontractors, you’ll also want to obtain a copy of their insurance.
Check for Proper Licenses and Registration
Next, be sure that the gutter cleaning service you hire has all the proper licenses and registrations. This information can be checked with your state regulatory authority. This is crucial because it’s a great way to know that the company takes its name and reputation seriously. Hence, this should always be at the top of your list of questions to ask.
What Methods and Equipment does the Company Use?
Before hiring a gutter cleaning service, be sure to understand their processes. Though it’s not all that common, some contractors will cut corners. Yet, asking lots of questions about the methods will give you a better understanding of if they are experienced or not.
Examples of standard gutter cleaning equipment include a ladder, gloves, leaf blower, garden hose, gutter scoops, gutter cleaning spoons, and a pressure washer. An experienced gutter cleaner will know exactly what your job requires, so go ahead and ask what they use.
Seek References
You can go about collecting references in a few different ways. First, you can ask friends, neighbors, co-workers, or even your lawn company. If you have no one to ask, check online reviews or contact the company directly and request some from them. It’s a definite red flag if you’re speaking with a company that cannot provide any references or reviews from past customers.
Ask About a Warranty or Guarantee
The company you choose should stand behind its work. Sure, an unprotected gutter will reclog after so long, but reputable gutter cleaning services sometimes offer a 60-day guarantee. Much the same, if you have new gutters installed, they should come with a warranty.
If the company cannot provide a warranty for their work, move on and find another gutter cleaning service. The main thing to remember when hiring contractors for your home is to be careful. You want to ask lots of questions to ensure they are licensed, insured, reliable, and experienced.
But you don’t have to go through the hassle of calling a bunch of companies – our professionals at Ned Stevens have you and your gutter cleaning needs covered! We can provide you with a free quote and answer any questions you may have, so call us today!