You’re finally getting around to that home improvement project you’ve been planning for a while – new gutters. But where do you start? Buying gutters and getting them installed is a major expense, so you want to find the best deal you can. Most exterior finishing companies and roofing contractors will give you a free consultation so you will know what you will need and how much it will cost. Get at least three gutter estimates; it will give you a good idea what each company is offering.
Type of Gutter Installation
The type of gutter installation will also influence the total cost listed in the estimate. Regardless of the gutter materials chosen for your installation – aluminum gutters, copper gutters or galvanized steel – seamless gutters will cost slightly more to manufacture and install than a sectional gutter system.
Gutter Materials
Gutter systems are manufactured from a variety of materials, giving homeowners a wide range of options to customize their home’s exterior. The type of gutter material you select will affect the total cost. Vinyl gutters are the most budget-friendly. Aluminum gutters, the most popular choice for residential gutter systems, are economical and lightweight. Copper gutters, typically selected for their high-end curb appeal and the patina they develop over time, are more expensive.
Roof Size
The larger the house, the larger the roof. When the drainage area includes multiple levels, varying roof pitches, or architectural features such as skylights or dormer windows, more materials and labour are required for the gutter installation.
Gutter Size
Common gutter sizes for residential buildings are 5-inch gutters and 6-inch gutters. The wider the gutter, the higher the cost. Large houses and mansions in the lower mainland, because of our temperate, rainy climate, might need 7-inch gutters to efficiently handle the runoff.
Installation Process
Other key factors that can cause estimates to differ from one another are labour costs and the number of gutter components.
Labour: Labour costs vary from company to company. You will pay more for licensed, bonded and insured gutter technicians. The total labour cost of your project will also depend on how many the company sends to get the job done in the time-frame decided upon.
Components: A gutter estimate will list each item used in the installation process, from the number of hangers to how many downspouts to the required number of end caps. Estimates for aluminum gutters, for example, might vary from other contractors because the gutter system uses a fastening system requiring fewer pieces of hardware.
Additional Costs
Gutter estimates might be higher because of additional costs.
Accessories: Any gutter system can be customized to reflect your home’s personality, improve functionality, and boost curb appeal. Decorative or high-end brackets, splash blocks, downspout extensions, rain diverters, or gutter guards will increase the total cost of an estimate.
When: When you are having the gutters installed could make a difference in pricing. During a contractor’s busy season, usually spring and fall, the cost could be higher due to availability. Rates for gutter installations are typically lower in the summer and winter months.
Colour: Standard colours for gutters include white, off-white, grey, and black. Bold colours such as rich blue, bright red, and deep burgundy will up the cost, as will metallic finishes, due to additional steps in the manufacturing process.
