How to Evaluate Quotes from Gutter Contractors

The Difference Between Gutter Quotes and Estimates

The terminology used with your gutter project is important. You may receive quotes vs. estimates or bids from local contractors – and these contain different pieces of information.

An estimate on a project is roughly how much the professional believes the job will cost. A contractor will rely on their experience and expertise to create this estimate. The actual cost of the project may be more or less—within 10 to 15 percent.

Gutter quotes, or bids, become contracts once they are signed. A contract should be a detailed document that outlines all aspects of the project, including a cost breakdown. At Modernize, we pair homeowners with contractors who offer free gutter quotes for their projects. This means homeowners are able to get accurate pricing information about their gutter project after speaking with gutter contractors.

Evaluating Gutter Contractor Quotes

Once you receive multiple quotes, carefully consider each one. First, ensure you understand the general costs of gutter installation projects.

Your gutter project quote should be transparent, thorough, and possibly lengthy—depending on the scope. The quote should note every project detail, including material costs, start and finish dates, and hourly rates. It should also include factors like disposal, dumpsters, permits, and porta-potties. Lastly, the quote should cover labor costs.

Consider these numbers and how the contractor presents them. A good gutter contractor will organize and itemize the information clearly in the contract. If it isn’t, ask for a revised quote before signing.

Your Gutter Quotes May Vary

Ideally, your gutter quotes will be very similar, but sometimes bids will vary. But don’t be fooled by a significantly lower price—it may not be a good deal at all. Extremely low bids can be a sign of low-quality work or even a scam, so it’s important to understand why an estimate or quote is extremely high or low.

Modernize checks the trustworthiness of gutter professionals for homeowners before helping them make the connection. For more information on finding a reliable professional, learn how to vet gutter contractors during a phone call.

Factors That Lead to a Higher Bid

• High-end contractors: Some professionals have more equipment and overhead, which may drive up the cost. But it also typically leads to higher-quality work.
• Materials: The material that gutters are made from can have a huge influence on the cost. Gutters may be made of stainless steel, vinyl, aluminum, or copper. Copper is the most expensive material at over $20 per linear foot, and vinyl is the least expensive at approximately $4 per linear foot. The price of gutters can also be influenced by whether they are standard or seamless. We encourage homeowners to research the different types of gutters and their costs to find what works best for their home and budget.
• Warranties: Any warranties included with the new gutter system, including labor and materials, will also impact your quoted cost.
• Hidden costs: Research and be aware of hidden costs, like permits and tear-off fees. Discuss these factors with your contractors.

Factors That Lead to a Lower Bid

For both high and low bids, always check your gutter replacement quotes for errors. Gutter contractors are human and, while rare, errors can happen. Communicate all questions and concerns with your contractors.

Research Your Contractors

Vetting your professionals will ensure you find the best, most reliable gutter contractor for your project. Here are a few tips to ensure a gutter contractor’s trustworthiness:

1. Visit a contractor’s website to ensure it is professional-looking and updated.
2. Check review sites and make sure they are accredited through the Better Business Bureau.
3. Look at a gutter contractor’s content information to make sure they have a physical address and not a P.O. Box (which can be a worrisome sign).
4. If something feels off about a contractor or business — go with your gut.

To help homeowners easily vet and find a trusted gutters contractor, Modernize recently created a free contractor checklist. You can access the interactive checklist by visiting the Modernize Homeowner Portal or by downloading it here.

Other Tips For Your Gutters Project