How to Vet a Potential Gutter Contractor on a Call

Use the guide below and adjust it to your circumstances to ensure you get everything you need from your gutter contractor vetting phone call.

How to Prepare for the Call With A Gutter Contractor

Before the call, take these steps to find the best professional for your roofing project:

• Verify the contractor’s contact information: This helps you avoid potential scams. Ask for the company’s legal business name and physical address if needed.
• Check their website: A professional, updated website is a good sign.
• Explore customer reviews: Modernize offers verified reviews. Pay attention to both positive and negative feedback, as well as how the company responds.

How to Assess a Gutter Contractor’s Experience

The contractor’s experience is key to good work. Years of experience bring local expertise and technical knowledge, improving your gutter installation or repair. While less experience doesn’t always mean poor quality, it should result in lower rates and warranties, giving you room to negotiate pricing.

Understanding a Project Estimate

Once you have an estimate of the project’s tentative costs and duration in your hands, you need to understand the process behind creating it and therefore what would happen if anything in it changes. Be sure to get clarity on these details and don’t be shy to ask for an explanation if you feel you don’t fully understand something.

Agree that any unexpected project expenses will be presented in writing. Surprises, in other words, shouldn’t surprise you or your contractor, and they should not surprise your investment.

Experience with Incentives or Rebates

You want your gutters to protect your home, but some communities offer incentives and rebates. When hiring a contractor for gutter work, ask if they know about any available financial incentives. A trustworthy contractor will be knowledgeable about both the technical aspects and available incentives.

Can the Gutter Contractor Provide References?

Provide Proof of Insurance Coverage

When home improvement projects result in accidents, you want to rest assured that your contractor is fully insured for personal liability, worker’s compensation, and property damage coverage. Even with a clean slate of past accidents, it only takes one to harm your project’s outcome and, more importantly, your savings — especially since gutter projects require workers to be on ladders.

Warranties will also impact your quoted cost. Most installers offer manufacturer’s warranties that protect you from faulty equipment. Some might offer additional guarantees for the installation, as well, as covering potential damage to your house. Be sure the quoted warranty is clear in what it covers—and in what it doesn’t.

The Modernize Contractor Checklist will help you vet a trusted contractor, so you can relax knowing your gutter project is in good hands. You can access the interactive checklist by visiting the Modernize Resource Center or by Modernize Contractor Checklist.