Especially in today’s economy, we’re always looking for ways we can save money. But home repairs and home improvement projects can be costly. Whether you need to buy new or you already have gutters, use these suggestions to help save you money.
If You Need New Gutters
Do some research. Knowing in advance what kind of gutter material will suit your home might give you a better idea how to budget for your home improvement project.
Decide if you will do-it-yourself (DIY) or if you will hire an exterior finishing company or gutters contractor to install the new gutters for you.
If you go the DIY route, shop around. Vinyl gutters are generally the least expensive; aluminum gutters are cost-effective; while copper and galvanized steel gutters are high-end.
Many home improvement stores offer different types of gutter installation kits in a variety of price ranges – make sure the one you select has everything you will need, while allowing you to stay within your budget.
Whether you hire a gutter professional or install them yourself, choose a gutter material that is both cost-effective and requires minimal upkeep.
When hiring an exterior finishing company to install your new gutters, get at least three estimates from three different companies.
Before signing a contact, read the document carefully – if you’re not sure exactly what is included, don’t be afraid to ask. You don’t want to have to deal with hidden costs or additional fees.
If You Already Have Gutters
Clean your gutters regularly to keep them free from debris that can build up and clog the gutters, eventually causing them to overflow. Hiring someone sounds like you will spend more money than you’ll save. But it could spare you the expense of costly repairs or having to replace the gutters.
Get into the habit of visually inspecting your gutter system. Don’t forget to include the downspouts. Sagging gutter sections or downpipes that are no longer flush against the wall are often signs nails, fasteners or brackets have become loose. Do minor repairs in a timely manner to keep them from becoming worse.
Install some kind of gutter guard or leaf screen to cut down the amount of debris that enters the gutter system.
