Top Tips On Selecting A Gutter Cleaning Company
By Porter Vac|January 12, 2019
Australian businesses tend to be honest and well-regulated on the whole.
The trades, however, are a different kettle of fish. Unfortunately, there are a whole host of dodgy fly-by-night operators out there earning big bucks from ripping their customers off. And even a relatively straightforward job such as gutter cleaning is by no means, risk-free.
With that in mind, it’s essential to choose a reputable operator. Here are 7 tips on selecting a gutter company to guide you along the way.
Research Their Reputation
Ideally, you’ll want to look for a gutter company that’s been in the business for ten years or more. Such longevity is a reliable indication that they at least know what they’re doing.
On top of that, you want to make sure it is a legitimate and established business by looking at their physical address. Is their address indexed on Google maps? Jump onto Street View to double check it’s a real office rather than a random home. If not, that’s a massive red flag.
Another good way to gauge reputation is to ask friends and family about their experience or check out a few online reviews.
Suss Out Their Website
A serious roofing company should have a well-designed and user-friendly webpage which includes all the necessary information on their services. Extras such as blogs, staff info, and photo galleries also add to their credibility.
Ensure They’re Insured
Guttering is a dangerous business without the proper training or equipment. One little slip could result in a serious injury or even, death. And if the tradesman in question isn’t insured, you could be liable because the incident occurred on your property.
When requesting a quote, remember to ask who they’re insured with. That way, you know you’re in the clear.
Insist on a Free and Instant Quote
There’s no real reason for a roofer to justify charging for a quote on a gutter cleaning service. Therefore, those that do are probably taking you for a ride.
A sensible company will have a quick questionnaire on their website which you can fill out and wait for them to get back with a free quote.
Ask a Few Questions
By finding out how the guttering business operates, you can determine whether or not they’ll do a good job. For example, companies that use robots or extendable grabbers are far less effective than those who put a real worker on the roof. Of course, you’ll want to check they’ll be properly harnessed in.
The best method is using a custom-built vacuuming system which can reach deep down into places such as drain pipes to clean up all that pesky debris. Most companies don’t have this technology, however.
Evaluate Their Customer Service
If their customer service team is friendly, professional, knowledgeable and responsive, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with an honest and reputable company.
Ask About Onsite Roof Inspections
An experienced roofer will be able to quickly assess your roof on the fly while cleaning your gutters, later conveying valuable information about any issues that may have arisen.
If your guttering service includes this as a free added extra, then you’re looking at a saving of several hundred dollars.
By following these simple tips, you will be able to find a gutter cleaning service that suits your needs. Once you’ve settled on a reputable operator, there’s no reason not to keep using the same service for the life of your home.
The trades, however, are a different kettle of fish. Unfortunately, there are a whole host of dodgy fly-by-night operators out there earning big bucks from ripping their customers off. And even a relatively straightforward job such as gutter cleaning is by no means, risk-free.
With that in mind, it’s essential to choose a reputable operator. Here are 7 tips on selecting a gutter company to guide you along the way.
Research Their Reputation
Ideally, you’ll want to look for a gutter company that’s been in the business for ten years or more. Such longevity is a reliable indication that they at least know what they’re doing.
On top of that, you want to make sure it is a legitimate and established business by looking at their physical address. Is their address indexed on Google maps? Jump onto Street View to double check it’s a real office rather than a random home. If not, that’s a massive red flag.
Another good way to gauge reputation is to ask friends and family about their experience or check out a few online reviews.
Suss Out Their Website
A serious roofing company should have a well-designed and user-friendly webpage which includes all the necessary information on their services. Extras such as blogs, staff info, and photo galleries also add to their credibility.
Ensure They’re Insured
Guttering is a dangerous business without the proper training or equipment. One little slip could result in a serious injury or even, death. And if the tradesman in question isn’t insured, you could be liable because the incident occurred on your property.
When requesting a quote, remember to ask who they’re insured with. That way, you know you’re in the clear.
Insist on a Free and Instant Quote
There’s no real reason for a roofer to justify charging for a quote on a gutter cleaning service. Therefore, those that do are probably taking you for a ride.
A sensible company will have a quick questionnaire on their website which you can fill out and wait for them to get back with a free quote.
Ask a Few Questions
By finding out how the guttering business operates, you can determine whether or not they’ll do a good job. For example, companies that use robots or extendable grabbers are far less effective than those who put a real worker on the roof. Of course, you’ll want to check they’ll be properly harnessed in.
The best method is using a custom-built vacuuming system which can reach deep down into places such as drain pipes to clean up all that pesky debris. Most companies don’t have this technology, however.
Evaluate Their Customer Service
If their customer service team is friendly, professional, knowledgeable and responsive, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with an honest and reputable company.
Ask About Onsite Roof Inspections
An experienced roofer will be able to quickly assess your roof on the fly while cleaning your gutters, later conveying valuable information about any issues that may have arisen.
If your guttering service includes this as a free added extra, then you’re looking at a saving of several hundred dollars.
By following these simple tips, you will be able to find a gutter cleaning service that suits your needs. Once you’ve settled on a reputable operator, there’s no reason not to keep using the same service for the life of your home.
