When to hire a Gutter Company vs Handyman

Maintaining your home’s gutters is crucial for protecting your property from water damage, especially in regions like Alameda County and Contra Costa County, where seasonal rains can significantly impact home maintenance. When it comes to cleaning, installing, and fitting gutter guards, specialized gutter companies are the best choice. For simpler tasks and smaller projects under 50 feet, handymen can be a practical solution. This post explores why gutter companies are ideal for comprehensive gutter services and how handymen can complement these specialized services for homeowners, HOAs, and property managers in Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

When to Use a Gutter Company

Let’s Talk Comprehensive Gutter Cleaning for the Bay Area

Gutter companies offer thorough cleaning services that go beyond what a handyman can provide. They use specialized equipment to remove all debris, preventing clogs and ensuring water flows properly through the system. Regular professional cleaning helps extend the lifespan of your gutters and protects your home from water damage. Additionally, they can assess your gutters' overall condition and recommend a full replacement when necessary to avoid more expensive repairs in the future.

Global Gutter Systems does not offer Gutter Cleaning. Instead, we offer a 20-year warranty gutter guard that eliminates the need for Gutter Cleaning. If you spend $250-$300 per gutter cleaning per year for 20 years, you spend $5,000 or more, plus you have to coordinate the annual or bi-annual cleanings. For roughly the same price, choose gutter guards and avoid the consistent calls and having to be home while someone throws leaves and debris all over your yard.

Cost-Effective Gutter Guards

Gutter guards are a valuable addition to any gutter system, reducing the frequency of cleaning and preventing clogs. Gutter companies are well-versed in the various types of gutter guards and can recommend and install the best option for your home. Their experience ensures that the guards are installed correctly and function as intended, providing peace of mind during heavy rains.

Precision Gutter Installation

Installing gutters requires precision and expertise. Gutter companies have trained technicians who can install gutters correctly, ensuring they are aligned, securely fastened, and able to handle the flow of rainwater. This level of expertise is essential for preventing future issues such as leaks or improper drainage, which can lead to costly repairs down the line. Our gutter team comes with gutter-cutting machines for both gutters and we can create downspouts up to 18 feet long (the only one in the Bay Area). A handyman won’t have access to these types of machines causing delays, or they’ll have to rent one increasing your overall costs. 

Lower Material Costs

Gutter companies often have access to a wide range of gutter materials at lower prices due to bulk purchasing. This means they can offer a variety of options, such as different colors, K-style, round gutters, and box gutters, at more competitive rates. At Global Gutters we have up to 4-6 months of all styles of gutters, materials, and color schemes, to fit any Alameda or Contra Costa home’s style. This in-house inventory means that there are less delays and perfect matches of durability and style for years to come.

When to Use a Handyman

Minor Gutter Repairs

Handymen are skilled in performing simple gutter repairs, such as fixing leaks, reattaching loose gutters, and sealing minor cracks. These repairs are crucial for maintaining the integrity of your gutter system and preventing small issues from becoming major problems. However, repairs usually tell you that the gutter system itself is about to fail. If you find more than a single leak or your gutters are over 15 years old, it’s time to call us and get a complete gutter system that will last for 20 or more years. 

Shed Gutter Installation

Handymen are best for “shed gutter projects.” The only warning is that the handyman doesn’t have gutters and downspouts in stock so beware of the up-charge for materials. Lastly, make sure that he/she matches the gutter color to the home to remain compliant with HOA rules. 

Smaller Gutter Installations

If you’re just looking for a 25-50 foot gutter installation job, a handyman will have the fastest turnaround schedules. Most gutter companies need 100 linear feet of gutters to install, or they need you to agree to gutters, downspouts, and gutter guards under 100 feet to ensure they turn a profit. 

Cost-Effectiveness

Competitive Rates vs Long-Term Investments

Handymen typically charge lower rates compared to specialized gutter companies, making them an attractive option for simpler tasks. Homeowners, HOAs, and property managers can get quality work done without incurring the higher costs associated with specialized services. However, if you’re looking for long-term investments, it’s always best to replace a broken gutter system than to simply continue to repair it. 

Value for Larger Projects

For larger gutter installations and comprehensive cleaning or gutter guard installations, the investment in a specialized gutter company is worthwhile. Their expertise and use of professional-grade materials ensure a durable, long-lasting solution, providing value for the cost.

Summary of Gutter Companies vs Local Handyman

In conclusion, gutter companies are the ideal choice for comprehensive gutter services, including cleaning, installation, and gutter guard installation, especially for homeowners, HOAs, and property managers in Alameda County and Contra Costa County. Their specialized expertise ensures that your gutter system is installed and maintained correctly, protecting your home from water damage. For simpler repairs and smaller projects under 50 feet, handymen offer a cost-effective and flexible solution. By understanding the strengths of both gutter companies and handymen, property owners can ensure their gutters receive the appropriate care, maintaining the integrity of their home’s drainage system.