People Thought This Business Was in the Gutter, but It's Actually All About the Gutters

Some business ideas may seem small or even too seasonal at first. They seem like quick, one-time jobs or services with such a short seasonal window that they’re not worth the effort.

But, when you look a little closer, some of these businesses are making steady income; Good money even, by solving simple, repeat problems.
Gutter cleaning is one of those businesses.

Most homeowners don’t clean their gutters. Some are too busy. Many homeowners are in their retirement years and may not be able to look after the gutters. Others don’t want to climb a ladder. A lot just don’t think about it until there’s a problem. That’s where this business fits in.

Why It Works

Gutter cleaning is one of those things that needs to be done, but most people avoid it. The work is simple. You clean out debris, flush downspouts, and check for any clogs or leaks. It’s fast, repeatable, and needed more often than you think.

• Fall and spring are the busiest times

• Homeowners with trees nearby are your best customers

• Many people want it done two to four times a year

What About the Off-Season?

Winter and summer can be slower depending on where you live. But that doesn’t mean the money stops. Some companies do all their work in the busy seasons, then take the slow months as planned time off. Others offer extra services that fill the gaps.

Services That Go Well With Gutter Cleaning

If you want to stay active year-round, here are a few things you can add:

• Gutter guard installation. Find an anti-clogging guard system you can offer customers to help prevent clogged gutters in the future.

• Downspout repair or flushing. Neglected and clogged downspouts can freeze and burst in the winter. These need to be replaced to function correctly.

• Pressure washing. Clogged gutters cause them to spill over when it rains, leaving ugly, black mold and staining of the gutters, soffits, and the walls and walkways below. Once the gutters are clean, you can offer to clean these problem areas as an upsell.

• Small repairs for fascia and trim

Even offering a basic inspection while you’re up there can lead to more work.

Where This Business Thrives

It works best in areas with lots of trees and rain. Think the Midwest, Northeast, and Pacific Northwest. Older neighborhoods are great too, since many of those homes don’t have guards or maintenance plans in place.

Dry regions or new subdivisions may not be as strong, but the demand is still there if you find the right angle.

A Simple Way to Start

To start a gutter cleaning business, you don’t need a storefront, you don't need a crew, and you don’t even need a lot of tools. A ladder, a leaf blower, a good bucket, and even a tool like a telescopic water-fed pole could get you started.

You could add a video service as a pre-work inspection to show the customer the debris that may be in the gutters. Using a tool like the Telescoping Cameras/CCTV Pole Cameras, attached to an extending pole, could make recording the work safely from the ground easy.

Add to that a clear service offer and start with flat-rate pricing for one and two-story homes.

Don’t forget to take before-and-after photos for social media proof and build trust. Then offer a twice-a-year plan.

This is not flashy work. But it’s honest, repeatable, and in demand.

If you’re looking for a service business that doesn’t cost much to start, has low overhead, and solves a clear problem, this could be the one.

Tim

For more on these businesses and many others, visit FullThrottleStartUp.com

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