Ask how they reach the gutters, whether they can show you before and after, whether they check the downpipes, whether they are insured and will show you the certificate, what the price includes, and what happens to the debris. Clear, straight answers to those six questions tell you most of what you need to know.
In this guide
- 1. How will you reach the gutters?
- 2. Can you show me the gutters before and after?
- 3. Do you check or clear the downpipes?
- 4. Are you insured, and can I see the certificate?
- 5. What exactly does the price include?
- 6. What happens to the debris?
- 7. What if you find damage?
- 8. What about birds, bats or asbestos?
- 9. When will you come, and do I need to be in?
- 10. How do I pay?
- What are the warning signs?
- Quick questions
1. How will you reach the gutters?
You want to know whether they work from the ground or a ladder, and how they handle conservatories, extensions and awkward spots.
Working from the ground with a gutter vacuum avoids leaning ladders on your gutters. If they use ladders, ask how they protect the gutter (the ladder safety guidance written with the HSE says not to rest a ladder on plastic gutters) and how they handle a conservatory below. Neither method is automatically wrong, but you should get a clear answer.
2. Can you show me the gutters before and after?
A camera inspection lets you see the inside of the gutter from the ground. Photos or video are the simplest proof the job is done.
Without a camera, you can’t see inside your gutters, so you’re relying on trust. With one, you can watch. If you won’t be at home, ask for photos of each gutter. See how inspection cameras work.
3. Do you check or clear the downpipes?
Many blockages are at the outlet or in the downpipe. Ask whether that is included, priced separately or not done.
Clearing the gutter but leaving a blocked downpipe means the gutter overflows again in the next rain. Agree in advance what happens if a downpipe is blocked.
4. Are you insured, and can I see the certificate?
Any tradesperson working at your home should have public liability insurance. Asking to see it is normal.
A certificate shows the name of the insured, the insurer, the policy period and the type of cover. Check the name matches the person or business you are booking. More detail in checking a gutter cleaner’s insurance.
5. What exactly does the price include?
Ask whether it covers every gutter (house, extension, porch, garage), the downpipes, waste removal and any extras.
Prices are often set by house type, but a garage, conservatory roof gutter or long extension can change it. Get the price confirmed in writing, by text or email, before the visit. Our guide to what affects the price explains the usual factors.
6. What happens to the debris?
It might be taken away in the vacuum, bagged for your garden waste, or left. Ask.
Gutter debris is wet, heavy and stains paving if it is left on it. Agree what happens to it before the day.
7. What if you find damage?
A good cleaner tells you and shows you, then asks before doing anything that isn’t in the price.
Cracked sections, dropped joints, loose brackets or slipped tiles near the edge are common finds. You should hear about them, see them on camera if possible, and decide what to do. Be wary of anyone who finds an urgent, expensive problem and wants to fix it on the spot.
8. What about birds, bats or asbestos?
If you know of nesting birds, bats or possible asbestos cement, ask how they handle it. A responsible cleaner will want to know.
Active birds’ nests are protected by law, and so are bat roosts. Asbestos cement gutters shouldn’t be scraped or broken. See birds and bats and asbestos cement gutters.
9. When will you come, and do I need to be in?
Ask for a date and a rough time window, what access they need, and whether they need power or water.
Most gutter cleans from the ground only need access round the house. Side gates unlocked and things moved away from the walls is usually enough.
10. How do I pay?
Ask how and when you pay, and whether you’ll get a receipt.
Paying after the work is done and you have seen the result is usual for a small domestic job. Be cautious about large upfront payments for a gutter clean.
What are the warning signs?
Being vague about how they will reach the gutters, not wanting to show insurance, pressure to decide on the spot, or finding urgent and expensive repairs once they are up there.
Most people who clear gutters are straightforward tradespeople, and these questions are normal. Someone who is happy to answer them, gives you a clear price before the visit and shows you the result afterwards is usually a safe bet. If you feel rushed, it is fine to say no and take time to think it over. Citizens Advice has general guidance on dealing with traders who call at the door.
Key points
- Ask how they reach the gutters.
- Ask to see the gutters before and after.
- Ask whether downpipes are included.
- Ask to see their insurance certificate.
- Get the price and what it includes in writing.
Quick questions
Should I get more than one quote?
For a small job, one clear quote from someone local you trust is often enough. For a bigger job, comparing two or three helps.
Is a cheap quote a red flag?
Not on its own. Check what it includes and how they will do the job.
Do you work outside Essex?
No. Full View Window Cleaning only works in Essex. These questions will help you choose a gutter cleaner wherever you are.
