The U.S. gutter cleaning industry has a growing market size of more than USD 745 million. With over 131 million households in America, the need for professional gutter cleaning services continues to grow. According to IBIS World, the gutter cleaning industry has seen steady growth over the past five years.
Homeowners want to protect their most valuable asset—their homes. Clogged and overflowing gutters can cause water damage and foundation issues. Cleaning gutters is a dangerous and dirty job most homeowners loathe. This creates a huge opportunity for entrepreneurs interested in starting a gutter cleaning business.
Offering professional gutter cleaning services allows you to help homeowners maintain their property while turning a nice profit. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to start a gutter cleaning business.
1. Conduct Gutter Cleaning Market Research
Learning how to start a gutter cleaning business means doing a little leg work. Market research offers insight into the gutter cleaning industry, including services, price points, and competitors. There are two types of market research, primary and secondary.
Primary research is research you do on your own. This is first-person research that includes:
- Visiting other local gutter cleaning businesses
- Creating consumer polls on favored gutter cleaning services, including window washing and skylight cleaning services
Secondary research is third-party research and includes:
- Government website data
- Local homeowner statistics
Home Advisor reports the average cost for gutter cleaning is $119 to $228. The price fluctuates depending on the size of your home and where you live. According to Architectural Digest, gutter prices are calculated by the foot. The height of each gutter also plays a role. For example:
- First-story gutters: Up to $1.31 per foot
- Second-story gutters: Up to $1.79 per foot
- Third-story gutters: Up to $263 per foot
The opportunity lies in the fact that cleaning gutters is a dangerous and dirty job most homeowners dislike doing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 100 deaths occur annually due to ladder falls. Thousands are injured. Many of these falls happen during gutter cleaning.
Demand is highest in regions with frequent rain and snow. The East Coast, Pacific Northwest, upper Midwest, and South are particularly lucrative markets. Targeting affluent neighborhoods is wise, as higher-income homeowners are more likely to hire professionals than DIY.
With low barriers to entry and minimal regulatory compliance, gutter cleaning is an accessible industry for aspiring entrepreneurs to tap into. Success comes down to effective marketing, developing a solid reputation, and providing quality workmanship. The market outlook remains positive for those able to establish themselves as a leading provider.
2. Analyze the Competition
To understand your competition as a gutter cleaning business, identify other gutter cleaners in your geographic area. Search online directories like Yelp, Angi, and HomeAdvisor to find local gutter cleaners.
The gutter cleaning industry is highly fragmented. You will find many small independents and sole proprietors, along with large big box chains. Look up each competitor’s website and social media presence. Note things such as:
- Service offerings (window washing, gutter cleaning, gutter repair, gutter guards, etc.)
- Pricing
- Certifications
- Reviews
- Service areas
Drive around town looking for gutter cleaning company signage and vehicle branding. Search Google Maps for local results. Visit competitors’ brick-and-mortar offices if applicable to gather brochures and materials.
Evaluate direct competitors in terms of years in business, staff size, professional affiliations, and online reputation. Read through customer reviews on various sites to identify common complaints and areas you can improve upon. Identify service gaps not being filled locally that present an opportunity.
Examine the SEO health of competitors’ sites using tools like SEMrush and Ahrefs for online competitive analysis. This will reveal keywords/phrases they rank for, opportunities not yet optimized for, and sites linking to them as reference points.
Set up Google Alerts and social media monitoring for competitors to stay atop emerging promotions and service offerings. Sign up for their email list to analyze their marketing messaging.
By thoroughly analyzing local competitors across both digital and physical spaces, you can craft a strategic positioning for your gutter cleaning business. Build upon competitors’ weaknesses and differentiate with better processes, pricing, and customer service. Ongoing competitive analysis ensures you continue adapting and improving over time as market conditions evolve.
3. Costs to Start a Gutter Cleaning Business
When starting a gutter cleaning business, there are various one-time start-up costs to consider in addition to ongoing operational expenses. Properly estimating these costs is crucial for securing business financing and operating profitably.
Start-Up Costs:
As you learn how to start a gutter cleaning business, you’ll encounter costs for initial setup. Some of the common gutter cleaning start-up costs include the following.
- Registering your business: To register with state/local government you’ll spend $50-$150 depending on your location and business structure. Any necessary business licenses will cost around $50-$100 annually.
- Basic business insurance: Insurance products like general liability will cost between $500-$2,000 annually depending on your coverage limits. Higher-risk services may require additional bonding or specialized insurance.
- Commercial vehicle: A reliable used truck or van to transport your tools and ladder will run $8,000-$15,000. Outfitting it with proper signage and branding will cost around $1,000 more.
- Equipment: Professional gutter cleaning tools like industrial vacuums, long-reach extensions, large ladders, buckets, and debris nets can cost $500-$1,500 or more. Quality cleaning solutions and sealants will be an additional $300-$500 upfront investment.
- Website: A basic website with online scheduling and payment processing capabilities will be $3,000-$5,000. Ongoing web hosting, domain registration, and site maintenance will cost $500-$1,000 annually.
- Marketing: Printed marketing materials like flyers, door hangers, and business cards can be produced for an estimated $500. Digital advertising and initial paid search engine marketing campaigns will require a minimum budget of $2,000.
- Additional costs: Optional costs like a brick-and-mortar office or warehouse space can add overhead expenses of $1,000-$2,000 monthly for rent. Hiring 1-2 employees instead of subcontracting will increase payroll and HR costs substantially.
In total, budget $15,000-$25,000 in start-up costs when launching a professional gutter cleaning operation. Keep in mind that the costs may increase if you offer additional services that tie in well with gutter cleaning, such as snow removal. People looking for house or AirBnB cleaning may also require gutter cleaning services so always keep an open mind on what services you offer and what others may request you to do.
Ongoing Monthly and Annual Costs:
Along with start-up costs, you’ll encounter ongoing expenses as you build your own gutter cleaning business. Some ongoing costs include:
- Vehicle upkeep: Fuel and vehicle maintenance will run approximately $150-$300 monthly depending on your service area size and the jobs completed.
- Equipment upkeep: Equipment maintenance and replacement of damaged tools/supplies will cost around $100 to $250 each month.
- Loan payments: Business loan payments for start-up financing, if applicable, will be a fixed monthly cost depending on the amount borrowed.
- Insurance: Liability insurance premiums are due annually or semi-annually. Workers’ compensation is also required if bringing on W-2 employees.
- Marketing: Marketing costs will be recurring monthly and seasonal expenses. Continued SEO and PPC ad campaigns, direct mailers, sponsorships, etc. will cost around $500 to $2,000 monthly.
- Web maintenance: Website hosting fees, email services, software subscriptions, and other IT expenses will be $100 to $300 per month.
- Taxes: Self-employment taxes will need to be accounted for at tax time if operating as a sole proprietorship. Expect to set aside 15 to 30% of net business income for federal and state taxes owed.
- Professional fees: Accounting, legal and professional services retainers can cost $200 to $500 monthly depending on needs.
A contingency fund equal to 2-6 months of operating expenses should be maintained for emergencies and unforeseen costs. Ongoing costs generally range from approximately $2,000-$5,000 monthly. Careful financial planning and cash flow management will keep the business profitable.
4. Form a Legal Business Entity
When learning how to start a gutter cleaning business, it’s important to decide on an entity type. The legal structure you choose impacts taxes, liability, and ease of expansion. Let’s compare the pros and cons of each for this industry:
Sole Proprietorship
A sole proprietorship is a simple and common structure for new cleaning businesses. You operate as an individual providing services under your name and SSN.
- Pros: Easy and inexpensive to set up. No formal business registration is required in most states. The owner maintains complete control and retains all profits. Less paperwork than other structures.
- Cons: No legal separation between business and personal assets. The owner is personally liable for all debts and lawsuits against the business. Difficult to raise investment capital. Limited ability to take on partners or employees.
Partnership
A partnership involves two or more owners carrying out a business together. A formal partnership agreement outlines ownership stake, responsibilities, profit-sharing, etc.
- Pros: Easy to establish with minimal registration requirements. Owners split startup costs and share management duties. More ability to raise funds than sole proprietorship.
- Cons: Partners are personally liable for business debts and legal issues. Disagreements between partners can turn complicated without clear rules. Harder to dissolve or change ownership than a sole proprietorship. Profits are passed through and taxed at the individual level.
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
This is the most common entity to form as you start your own gutter cleaning business. An LLC combines the benefits of partnerships with the liability protection of a corporation. Owners are called members. Your assets are shielded from business lawsuits and debt.
- Pros: Owners’ liability is limited to their investment in the company. Profits pass through and are taxed only at the personal level. Flexible management options and ownership transferability. Easy to create in any state. Your assets are protected and separate from business assets.
- Cons: More complex formation and operating requirements than a sole proprietorship. Must create and maintain valid LLC operating agreement. Self-employment taxes still apply.
Corporation
A corporation is a separate legal entity from its owners. It requires filing articles of incorporation and formal company bylaws. While a corporation will protect personal assets the same way an LLC does, it is expensive to form, and complicated to apply for.
- Pros: Owners (shareholders) have limited liability. Can more easily raise investment capital through the sale of company stock. Unlimited business life.
- Cons: Most complex and expensive entity to set up and maintain. Requires regular shareholder and director meetings, record-keeping, and reporting to the state. Subject to “double taxation” on both corporate and personal returns.
Overall, an LLC offers the best blend of liability protection and tax flexibility for most gutter cleaning businesses as you look to grow. Work with an attorney to ensure you fulfill all operating requirements in your state.
5. Register Your Business For Taxes
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique 9-digit number the IRS assigns to businesses for tax filing and reporting purposes. An EIN is required when starting any type of legal business entity other than a sole proprietorship operated under your SSN.
Applying for an EIN is free and can be done online via the IRS website in minutes:
Apply for an Employer Identification Number Online
To obtain your gutter cleaning business’ EIN, simply:
- Navigate to the IRS EIN Assistant tool and select Apply Online Now
- Choose View Additional Types, then select View Additional Types at the bottom
- Select Sole Proprietorship, LLC, Partnership, or Corporation based on your business structure
- Enter your personal information and details about your new business
- Provide your mailing address, phone number, and SSN
- Specify if you will hire employees within the next 12 months
- Review your application information and hit Submit
- You will receive an EIN confirmation notice via email containing your new EIN
Print or save this notice for your gutter cleaning business records. You will need your EIN for opening business bank accounts, applying for licenses, hiring employees for your gutter cleaning business later on, and filing taxes.
Most states also require registering for sales tax collection authority when you start a gutter cleaning business. Visit your state government website to complete any business license or sales tax permit applications applicable to service providers in your industry.
The EIN and sales tax registration process is quick, easy, and free. Following proper legal setup steps keeps your gutter cleaning business compliant as you get up and running.
6. Setup Your Accounting
Proper accounting right from the start is crucial for any gutter cleaning business. Accurate bookkeeping and financial records prevent headaches at tax time and keep your new venture compliant. Some ways to get the accounting process started include:
Business Bank Account
Begin by opening a dedicated business bank account to separate all gutter cleaning income and expenses from personal finances. This simplifies recording transactions and required reporting to the IRS.
Accounting Software
Leverage small business accounting software like QuickBooks to automate tracking income, expenses, account balances, and generating financial statements. Connect your business bank/credit accounts so transactions automatically sync. Run payroll through integrated services as you begin hiring employees.
Hire an Accountant
Consider retaining an accountant to handle bookkeeping, payroll, quarterly taxes, reconciling accounts, and producing clean financials. Expect to invest around $200 to $500 monthly for these professional services.
Come tax season, your accountant can prepare and file annual business returns. Expect to pay $500 to $2,000 for tax prep and filing assistance. If audited, having an accountant who helped prepare your taxes is invaluable.
Recording all business mileage, supplies, equipment, marketing costs, and subcontractor payments is mandatory. An accountant will classify expenditures properly so you maximize write-offs and deductions.
Business Credit Card
Applying for a small business credit card establishes a record of on-time payments, allowing you to qualify for higher limits over time. Lenders base approvals on your personal credit score and business financials.
With solid accounting practices in place from the start, you will avoid unnecessary tax liabilities and have the financial clarity to make smart decisions as your gutter-cleaning venture grows.
7. Obtain Licenses and Permits
When starting a gutter cleaning business, it is crucial to ensure you have secured all required federal, state, and local licenses before opening. Operating without proper credentials can lead to hefty fines or force you to shut down.
Research permits are needed based on your city and county. Most require a basic local business license before providing services in their jurisdiction. Fees are typically under $100 annually.
For example, Los Angeles mandates a Business Tax Registration Certificate. Philadelphia requires a Commercial Activity License. Chicago has a Home Repair License for residential service providers.
States may also require specific trade licensing. California necessitates contractors carry a state-issued C-39 Roofing license for gutter installation and repairs.
Review Contractor’s License requirements by state to ensure proper credentials for services offered. Many states exempt routine gutter cleaning from licensing if not altering the structure. Always verify based on the scope of your offerings.
The Environmental Protection Agency mandates Lead-Safe Certification to perform gutter replacement on pre-1978 homes due to lead exposure risks. Consider promoting this specialized credential to offer elderly clients added peace of mind.
Check municipal regulations regarding the disposal of debris collected. Many states require permitting to transport and dump certain construction waste. Dumping illegally carries sizable penalties.
Proof of General Liability Insurance coverage for property damage is also non-negotiable before starting work. Policy minimums often range from $500k to $1 million for service contractors.
By proactively obtaining all obligatory licensing for your region and services, your new gutter cleaning business will avoid preventable legal troubles and be positioned for success.
8. Get Business Insurance
Carrying proper business insurance is crucial to protect your gutter cleaning business from financial ruin. The right policies safeguard against liability claims and other losses that could otherwise sink your new business.
Without adequate coverage, a single accident on a client’s property can spell disaster. Imagine you damage a vintage car parked below with a leaking cleaner, an elderly customer slips on a wet lawn you failed to cordon off, or a falling ladder cracks their slate roof tiles. Just one large claim can often exceed the company’s net worth.
Another risk is a work truck accident while driving between job sites. A major wreck resulting in property damage, injuries, or death can lead to six- or seven-figure lawsuit judgments. Without business auto insurance, you are personally liable.
Natural disasters like hail or tornadoes can also destroy uninsured work vehicles, equipment, and tools critical for operations. The expenses to replace these outright would cripple most new cleaning companies.
The good news is obtaining affordable protection is straightforward:
- Research policy types that adequately cover your risks like General Liability, Commercial Auto, and Commercial Property insurance.
- Shop independent agents and online providers like Hiscox and Progressive to compare rates.
- Choose required coverage levels and account for business vehicles, staff, tools, and projected revenue.
- Pay premiums monthly or annually to maintain active policies.
With the proper business insurance coverage amounts tailored to your gutter cleaning business, you can rest assured unforeseen risks will not derail your entrepreneurial aspirations.
9. Create an Office Space
Securing office space can provide a gutter cleaning business with a professional home base for:
- Meeting clients
- Storing supplies
- Handling administrative tasks
- Dealing with employees
The right option depends on your budget and needs. here are a few common choices for gutter cleaning business offices.
Home Office
A home office is the most affordable and convenient option in the early stages. Expect to invest around $500 to $2,000 in converting a spare room or basement into a functional workspace. Deduct a portion of household utilities, internet, and renovation costs at tax time. The IRS breaks down the deduction allowances on its website.
The downsides of a home office are a lack of a professional atmosphere for client meetings and distraction risks.
Coworking Office
Coworking spaces like WeWork provide an instant professional office environment for around $300 to $800 monthly. They offer turnkey amenities like:
- Meeting rooms
- Mail handling
- High-speed internet
- Free coffee
- Community networking
No long-term commitment is required, and coworking spaces are easy to scale as your company grows.
Short-Term Retail Spaces
Short-term retail spaces can be rented affordably from companies like Regus. A small office with a storefront presence in a busy area allows surrounding homeowners to conveniently drop in to discuss services and pricing. Rates average $600 to $1,500 monthly.
Commercial Office
Leasing traditional office space in a commercial building costs considerably more, from $1,500 to $4,000 monthly. While ideal for established operations, the overhead is likely prohibitive for a new gutter cleaning business. Begin working from home or in a coworking space instead.
Consider how often you will need to meet with clients or subcontractors when weighing options. Storage needs for tools, ladders, supplies, and trucks are also a factor. Weigh productivity and professionalism against costs to choose a workspace aligned with your business’s current needs and stage.
10. Source Your Equipment
A gutter cleaning business requires specialized tools and equipment to perform work efficiently. Equipment can be obtained through buying new, buying used, renting, or leasing.
Buying New
Purchasing brand-new gutter cleaning equipment from retailers allows you to acquire industry-leading tools built to last. Invest in:
- Commercial-grade pressure washer
- Industrial wet/dry vac
- 50 ft gutter cleaning wand
- Tubing
- High ladder
- 5-gallon buckets
- Debris nets
Expect to spend $2,000 to $4,000 buying everything new.
Top suppliers include Home Depot, Lowes, Northern Tool, and commercial cleaning retailers. Compare selection and pricing.
Buying Used
Gently used equipment delivers huge savings over new ones while still getting the job done. Shop classifieds like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace for nearby sellers. Auction sites like eBay provide access to deals nationally.
Expect to pay 40% to 60% less for good condition used tools. Closely inspect wear and specifications before purchasing. Arrange to test equipment before paying.
Renting
Renting equipment as needed allows new cleaning businesses to keep startup costs low. No need to invest upfront or store tools long-term.
National rental chains like United Rentals, Sunbelt Rentals, and Herc Rentals offer daily and weekly gutter cleaning tool rentals for reasonable rates. Delivery and pickup options are available.
Leasing
Leasing gutter cleaning equipment through a financing company is another option to acquire equipment without huge upfront costs.
Expect monthly payments comparable to rental rates but with the benefit of keeping the equipment long-term across a 1 to 5-year lease term. Leases often include maintenance coverage too.
Carefully project costs across these four equipment acquisition methods to choose the right strategy based on your business stage, capital, and cash flow.
11. Establish Your Brand Assets
Developing recognizable brand assets is key for making your new gutter cleaning company stand out locally. Consistent branding builds familiarity and trust with potential customers.
Getting a Business Phone Number
A dedicated business phone number lends legitimacy and a professional presence. Options like RingCentral make it easy to set up a local or toll-free number with call routing, voicemail, and texting under one plan. You can also get a Google Voice for $10 a month.
Creating a Logo and Brand Assets
A logo symbolizes your brand and drives recognition. Consider a simple, memorable icon like a gutter shaped into a checkmark to signify verified quality and reliability.
Use the logo across your:
- Fleet vehicles
- Uniforms
- Website
- Business cards
- Signage
- Mock-up templates for flyers
A great resource for logos is Looka. Looka uses advanced AI to design your logo based on your own preferences for color, font, and theme.
Creating Business Cards and Signage
Well-designed business cards containing your logo, tagline, phone, email, and website establish credibility. Expect to exchange cards with prospective clients, networking leads, and suppliers.
Bold vehicle signage like door magnets make your contact information visible at job sites. Yard signs can be placed while working. Order professional materials from Vistaprint.
Purchasing a Domain Name
Secure a domain name that matches your company name or branding if available. Make it short and easy to remember. Services like Namecheap make registering and managing domains affordable. Renew for multiple years to avoid losing rights.
Building a Website
Every business needs a professional website. Self-service sites like Wix allow customization without coding. You can also hire a freelancer on sites like Fiverr to build a custom WordPress site.
Highlight your services, before and after photos, FAQs, and online booking. This digital presence establishes legitimacy and allows customers to learn about your business anytime.
Consistent branding across your assets helps get your gutter cleaning business noticed and remembered.
12. Join Associations and Groups
Joining local groups and associations is a smart move when starting a gutter cleaning business. Surrounding yourself with others in the field provides community, insights, and new customer leads.
Local Associations
Look into your regional chapter of the major gutter trade group, the Gutter Cleaning Association. Associations like these host training events and networking meetups. Some handyman groups also cover gutter services. Membership fees are generally under $500 annually.
Local Meetups
Attend local small business networking events and tradeshows to connect face-to-face with fellow entrepreneurs and potential partners/suppliers.
Sites like Meetup simplify finding regular meetups relevant to your interests and location. Search for construction, contractor, or cleaning industry groups nearby.
Facebook Groups
Join industry-specific Facebook Groups to tap into the collective knowledge of gutter pros nationwide. Try Facebook groups such as:
Leverage these online communities to learn cleaning tips, marketing advice, safety best practices, and more from fellow contractors.
Surrounding yourself with others in the gutter cleaning space helps avoid reinventing the wheel while building a professional support network. Use these groups to learn, find mentors, and win new business.
13. How to Market a Gutter Cleaning Business
Implementing an effective marketing strategy is imperative for gaining visibility and attracting clients when launching a gutter cleaning business. Leverage digital and traditional channels to get the word out locally. Here’s a closer look at common strategies for a gutter cleaning service.
Digital Marketing
Digital marketing is important as so many businesses operate online. Local consumers will see ads and links in emails and social media. Here are some ways to market your gutter cleaning service in the digital landscape.
- Run Google/Bing pay-per-click ads focused on gutter cleaning keywords in your geographic target area. Only pay when users click your ad.
- Create social media business pages to promote content and special offers. Facebook is ideal for consumer engagement.
- Launch Google My Business and Bing Places profiles to improve local SEO and generate free map listings.
- Produce DIY gutter cleaning tutorial videos for YouTube and embed them on your website.
- Write educational blog content about gutter maintenance to boost website traffic and conversions.
- Email past clients with seasonal maintenance tips and promotions to book repeat business.
Traditional Marketing
Traditional marketing is a tangible method of marketing including a wide range of mediums. Some common traditional marketing methods include:
- Design professional flyers and distribute them door-to-door throughout neighborhoods.
- Mail coupons.
- Sponsor local events, charity drives, and sports teams to get community exposure.
- Run radio spots on local stations describing your services and special offers.
- Send direct mail postcards with cleaning promotions to households just before peak seasons.
- Print vehicle magnets, yard signs, and billboards if the budget allows. Focus on high-traffic areas.
Blend digital and traditional channels to effectively reach local homeowners most in need of your services. Track results to determine the best avenues for delivering new customers and optimize accordingly.
14. Focus on the Customer
Providing exceptional customer service is crucial for any new gutter cleaning company to retain clients and gain referrals. Homeowners have many options when hiring, so ensuring each client feels genuinely cared for creates loyalty.
Here are some ideas:
- Referral rewards: Make an effort to wow every client so they spread the word about your exemplary service. Offering $10 referral rewards or discounts incentivizes sharing.
- Engagement: Reply promptly to all inquiries with customized quotes based on their unique needs. Be available by phone/email throughout the process to answer questions.
- Transparency: Explain your cleaning process in detail upfront so customers know what to expect. Ask if they have gutter issues you should pay special attention to.
- Punctuality: Arrive on time and introduce yourself/your techs. Be friendly and personable. Keep the property neat and clean while working.
- Thorough Inspections: Walk the perimeter upon completion to inspect the gutters and roof. Point out any minor issues noticed that may need future attention.
- High-Quality Customer Service: Listen attentively to any concerns or feedback. Go above and beyond to make each customer satisfied before leaving. Follow up the next day to confirm they are happy.
Providing this level of attentive service earns 5-star reviews. Happy clients then eagerly refer family and neighbors for years to come. Focusing on exceptional customer care, not just average work, is what fuels growth through word-of-mouth. All these things come together to create the framework for a successful gutter cleaning business.