Cleaning Gutters Business

A Great Seasonal Or Teen Business Idea

If you're looking for a small business ideas that don't cost a lot of money to start (or maybe good for a teenager to do), think about a cleaning gutters business. Most people dread cleaning gutters, yet it is an essential part of home maintenance. Gutters are channels that collect rainwater from the roof, preventing water from just falling off of the roof, or worse running leaking into the attic, or doing damaging to the foundation or outside walls of the home.

During the year, especially in fall, leaves and other debris collect in the gutters and can block drainage. When this happens, water can build up in the gutter causing roof damage. That standing water can also be a breeding ground for mosquitoes, weeds or grass growth. With some very inexpensive tools and a simple marketing plan, you can start a cleaning gutters business targeting people who can't or don't want to clean their gutters, but still want to take care of their home.

Gutter Cleaning Tools

With a ladder, a garden hose, garbage bags and a sturdy pair of gloves, and possibly a small trowel, you can be on your way to starting your cleaning gutters business. Depending on your finances, you could buy a pressure washer to use instead of the garden hose. You'll also need some reliable transportation that can transport you and your equipment.

The cleaning process is simple. Securely rest the ladder against the house (avoiding any downspouts.) Climb up and inspect the gutter for damage. Remove larger debris by hand, then use the garden hose connected to a water spigot, and rinse out the gutter. Put all debris in the garbage bag and dispose of it, or compost it and sell it next year to home gardeners.

Downspout Cleaning

As the water flows through the gutter, make sure it also flows freely down the downspouts, which are the pipes that bring the water to the ground. If there is any blockage, use the same process to clean the downspouts. Check the location of the downspouts to make sure the water that runs out is directed away from the foundation of the home. If you notice any damage to the gutter, roof or downspouts, be sure to inform the homeowner and, if you can, make a recommendation for remedy.

Additional Services You Can Offer

If you have any additional skills that you can offer the homeowner, you have more opportunity to expand your business. Being knowledgeable of roof repair you can offer to inspect and repair any roof damage you see while you're cleaning gutters. You can also sell a service to install gutter screening that will help keep debris from collecting in the gutter.

Or, if you have a basic knowledge of landscaping, you can suggest how to construct a rain garden that captures the water from the downspouts. Or, you can also offer a window cleaning service. As mentioned earlier, all that debris can be composted into a soil amendment and sold to home gardeners.

Marketing Your Business

Create professional looking flyers and business cards and put them on mailboxes in neighborhoods. Contact homeowner associations and offer a neighborhood special. Be accessible by phone, and offer free estimates for jobs. Once you've completed the job, suggest a regular schedule for cleaning. Also ask if your customer can recommend anyone else in the neighborhood who can use your help.

The service you give will be your greatest marketing tool. By being on time, friendly, helpful and effective, you'll get both repeat business and referral business.

For business success with low-tech tools, skills and marketing, get your mind in the gutter and start cleaning out gutters today.

Helpful Resources

Rain Gutter Repair and Cleaning Company

Best Home Businesses for People 50+

Small Business Ideas: 400 Latest & Greatest Small Business Ideas

Small Business Start-Up Kit

The Small Business Start-Up Guide: A Surefire Blueprint to Successfully Launch Your Own Business

Adams Streetwise Small Business Start-Up: Your Comprehensive Guide to Starting and Managing a Business (Adams Streetwise Series)

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