First Impressions are Important
Inviting a gutter contractor to your home can be a nerve-racking experience. Sometimes a recommendation from a friend, family member or co-worker can solve the problem, but there are other ways to find a good gutter cleaning or guttering company.

First impressions can be a tell-tale sign of a handyman's trustworthiness. Obviously blue jeans and work boots are appropriate attire for a gutter cleaning or gutter installation job, however the overall appearance MIGHT tell you something important. A gutter contractor who arrives to your home wearing a torn shirt, jeans with holes or otherwise inappropriate clothing is not interested enough to make a good first impression. It makes you wonder if they will give much attention to the guttering details on your home. Also, have a look at the vehicle their drove: ask yourself if it meets your expectations. A gutter company truck is a work vehicle, but again, if it looks terribly unkept you MIGHT want to reconsider. Nobody wants to be judged too quickly on a first impression, but these issues can be important when your home and your money is at stake.

Gutter Cleaning Contractor Insurance, License and Bonding in Raleigh-Durham NC
In North Carolina a home improvement or gutter contractor should have a business license and be able to show it to you. Ask for proof of liability insurance and bonding - a credible contractor will be happy to prove his credibility - it shows integrity and sets his company above the rest. Climbing on ladders and onto the roof is a dangerous job. You need to make sure the gutter cleaning or installation company you select has the necessary insurance against injury, Workman's Compensation. You do not want to be held liable for an injury to a gutter company employee if they fall.

Raleigh-Durham Guttering Reviews, a Reputation for being Fair
You should not hesitate to ask a for reviews or recommendations - ask to see photos for similar guttering jobs like the one on your house. Before hiring a gutter contractor, look up the gutter company's information using a search engine on the internet. Read online reviews. A good gutter cleaning contractor will gladly give you customer recommendations. Search for the company on Angie's List or Google. If you cannot find any online reviews, and the gutter contractor cannot satisfy you with reviews, you might want to reconsider.

An experienced gutter cleaning or installation company will be able to provide you with examples of past projects he has completed, and may even have photos or a portfolio so you can see the quality of work.

A Price that You can Trust - Guttering in Raleigh-Durham NC
A reputable gutter contractor will give you a price that you can trust. Most contractor estimates give a 5-10% margin to cover the unexpected, but after that you need the confidence that your price is not going to change dramatically. Every now and then a gutter contractor might find rotted wood or structural problems that were impossible to foresee - no contractor can guarantee against this and this is where the homeowner can feel some security IF they have already done the steps above to ensure the reliability of the gutter company working on their house.

Finally, make sure the gutter company/contractor gives you a good summary of the work you have contracted. This will help you at the end of the project to make sure ALL of the work has been accomplished to your satisfaction.