Before you open that browser to start an online search for a gutter cleaning service, you should be aware of a few key questions to ask each company you consider for the job. Research (due diligence) is very important when considering a gutter cleaning service.
The key to choosing the right gutter cleaning service is in knowing which questions to ask. Asking the right questions will go a long way toward providing the information you need to make an informed decision about whom to entrust your gutters. Here are four integral questions to ask each gutter cleaning candidate:
Question 1: Do you carry a license and insurance?
Licensure and insurance are important protocols for ensuring safety. Your gutter cleaning service should be both licensed and insured. This important detail should be a precursor to any physical labor performed at a private residence. Ensure that your gutter cleaning service is both licensed and covered by insurance before you hire them.
Be sure to also ask about workers’ compensation coverage, should an unexpected accident occur on your property and a worker is injured. These types of accidents are rare when hiring a competent, experienced company. However, it gives peace of mind to know this type of occurrence would be covered in the rare insistence it might occur.
Question 2: How many years have you been in business?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the gutter cleaning candidate’s level of experience. This can include the amount of gutter cleaning jobs they perform each week and the types of gutters they can proficiently clean.
Additionally, inquire whether the gutter cleaning service also handles servicing, maintenance, and installation of gutters. When a gutter cleaning service handles all types of gutter projects, they are likely more highly qualified and more experienced than a service that simply cleans gutters.
Most importantly, of course, find out the number of years the candidates have been in the gutter business. Longevity and depth of experience are helpful indicators of a qualified company. Also, look up the gutter cleaning service’s rating and accreditation with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and read their reviews on Google and Yelp.
Question 3: Do you offer a service guarantee?
Looking at worse-case scenarios is important when hiring any company, and a gutter cleaning service is no different. Check that your candidates offer a service guarantee to back up their job performance. A service guarantee ensures the success of a job so that in the rare event something should happen to your gutters during or immediately following the job, the gutter cleaning service will repair it at no cost to you.
Ultimately, a good gutter cleaning service will have a stellar gutter cleaning history, eliminating the concern for such an unlikely scenario. But having a service guarantee in place is important for peace of mind.
Question 4: How do you work?
Ask your candidates specific questions about their gutter cleaning process. How do they work and how does their service differ from other gutter cleaning companies? Ask them about the safety precautions they have in place and the types of tools and equipment they use to do the job. Your candidates should be knowledgeable and enthusiastic when talking to you about their services, and they should be willing to answer any questions you have without rushing you off the call.
Asking the four questions above will be a big help in determining the right fit when it comes to choosing a competent gutter cleaning service. And remember that you can ask these four questions when hiring any contractor to do physical labor on your property, so keep them handy for future reference.
