How to start a gutter cleaning business

Gutter cleaning is a job that homeowners will always need, and with relatively low initial overheads, setting up a gutter cleaning business can be a really lucrative move.

Last year, the Checkatrade website alone received an average of 12,833 searches per month for gutter cleaning and clearance*.

Starting your own business rather than working for someone else, of course, gives you the freedom to choose your own working hours and the type of jobs you decide to take.

It’s not uncommon to add gutter cleaning services to an existing business, such as window cleaning or drive cleaning. Some tradespeople choose to add more services, such as gutter installation, to diversify once their gutter clearance business is more established.

Whether you’re just starting out and want to know how to start a gutter cleaning business, want to go it alone, or add an additional string to your bow, this guide will cover everything you need to know.

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First, you’ll need a gutter company business plan

Before you do anything else, the advice for any new business is to create a business plan.

This will involve competitor research, identifying opportunities, and setting goals. It will help you to stay focused and make informed decisions as your business grows.

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Gutter cleaning training and qualifications

If you’ve been in the trade for a while – perhaps working for someone else – you’ll know that arguably the best training is either ‘on-the-job’ training or an apprenticeship.

It goes without saying, a clean driving licence is essential for transporting tools and equipment between jobs.

Another thing to consider in your gutter cleaning set up is regulations.

The 2005 Working at Height Regulations imposes strict rules concerning ladder use and safety. It puts liability for accidents on the owner or occupier of a property.

Other useful skills and attributes

As well as having the experience to do a good job, there are a number of personal attributes or ‘soft skills’, that successful business owners possess.

Do you have what it takes?

• Health and safety knowledge – this is crucial as you’ll be working at height most of the time
• Attention to detail and highly organised
• Good time management – to work efficiently and manage your diary effectively
• Interpersonal skills and great customer service to communicate well and build a rapport with customers
• Patience, fairness, integrity, and self-awareness

A level of physical fitness and agility will also be required as you’ll be on your feet most of the day, reaching across guttering and moving bags of waste.

Top tips on how to become your own boss in 7 days

How to set up your gutter cleaning business – step by step

Now let’s look at the practicalities of setting up your own gutter cleaning business. In this section, we’ll cover the admin tasks you need to tick off with HMRC, how to get the right insurance, the best deals on tools and equipment, and how to get new customers.

Register your business

You’ll need to decide on a name for your new business. We’re sure you could have some fun coming up with gutter cleaning business names!

Next, you’ll need to register your business with HMRC and decide on a corporate structure. There are two options: sole trader or limited company.

Registering your business as a limited company will offer greater legal and financial security. So, if you’re looking to grow your business and number of employees, this option will probably be best for you.

If you are seeking to establish a strong reputation as an independent trader built on personal expertise, registering as a sole trader will be more appropriate.

Make sure you understand how to pay your taxes, VAT (if relevant), and national insurance. You’ll need to register your business with HMRC and complete a self-assessment tax return every year.

We recommend hiring an accountant to help with your finances.

How to find an accountant that’s right for your business

Get business insurance

Insurance for your gutter cleaning business is critically important.

You are your business, so it’s important to insure your business properly so that your income is protected if you’re unable to work. You should also consider insurance for your work vehicle and your tools and equipment.

Public Liability Insurance (PLI) is a must to cover your liabilities toward your customers, members of the public, and third-party property. All Checkatrade members are required to have PLI to become a member.

While employers’ liability insurance is a legal obligation if you plan on employing anyone else as part of your business.

How to pick the right tradesperson insurance

Finances

Take the time to work out your finances before beginning the process of starting a gutter cleaning business. You’ll need enough to cover start-up costs for your equipment, insurance, a work vehicle and marketing.

Looking to save money on business essentials? Checkatrade members receive exclusive member discounts on tools and equipment, vans, fuel, insurance, and more.

You’ll also need to be organised with your accounting and bookkeeping, keeping records of business expenses and invoices.

Bookkeeping for small business made simple

Pricing

Your business plan should also consider start-up and ongoing costs. Working out which services you offer will be directly linked to the pricing strategies you adopt. Check what competitors are charging, and then set your prices accordingly.

What equipment do I need to start a gutter-cleaning business?

You need to invest in the right equipment to deliver a professional service and keep customers satisfied. It’s always better to buy the best you can afford rather than having to fork out again because cheaper tools and equipment have let you down.

These are the essentials you’ll need for your gutter cleaning business:

• A work vehicle
• Leaf blower
• Scoop
• Extension pole
• Refuse bags
• Buckets and tarps
• Gloves and boots
• Safety helmet
• Protective overalls

You’ll need to make a decision on whether you’ll use a traditional ladder or opt for a vacuum-based system that allows you to clear leaves without working at height.

If you opt for a traditional ladder, you’ll need to invest in:

• Safety ropes
• Harnesses
• Long extension ladder (24 or 32-feet options are sufficient for most jobs)
• Ladder stabiliser

How to grow your gutter cleaning business

Now you have chosen your services and pricing strategies, it’s time to consider who your target market will be.

The majority of your customers will either be homeowners or commercial properties in need of gutter cleaning. How you pitch your business to these groups will vary, so consider if there’s more opportunity for one or the other in your local area.

Once you’re established, you could also develop a specialist service to help you stand out from the competition. For example, offering to make minor gutter repairs while working, or offering some gutter guards. It’s also not uncommon for gutter cleaners to offer leaf removal, window washing, and skylight cleaning services.

Whether you decide to offer a broad spectrum of services or solely focus on gutter clearing, the emphasis should always be on providing a good quality service and keeping customers happy.

Check out how the Gutter Busters Bristol made and grew their successful business

Start-up success stories: The Gutter Busters

Print marketing

Print marketing is one way to market your new business. It’s especially effective at targeting local areas. Just remember to check for signs saying no cold calling.

Don’t forget word-of-mouth recommendations either – encourage your existing clients to spread the word by offering discounts for referrals or by leaving you a review on Checkatrade or your social media.

Checkatrade members have the opportunity to feature in our leading trade directory, which is delivered to homeowners around the country.

Digital marketing

Digital marketing is key for businesses. This can be achieved in a number of ways:

• Create a company website
• Use social media. It’s free and can help you reach a range of prospective customers
• PPC and SEO
• Join a dedicated trade directory such as Checkatrade

For more help marketing your business to help reach its full potential, check out our Grow Your Business Guide:

Save money and time marketing your business

If you want to boost your digital presence even further, then it’s a no-brainer to join Checkatrade.

With our digital marketing strategy and strong online presence, we make it easier for customers to find your new business.

As long as you pass our 12 checks, you’ll instantly be seen as a trusted and guaranteed business to your potential customers.

As a member, you can display customer reviews, testimonials, and examples of your work on your profile page.

And with the Checkatrade tick by your name, it makes your marketing just that little bit easier, as 8/10 people would choose a trade endorsed by Checkatrade, compared to one which isn’t**.

We’ll also help you with free marketing materials and help to increase your business’s visibility on Google.

Become your own boss

You could get your business started with the help of our Become the Boss series:

To get trade business insider secrets sent to your pocket, put your email address in the form below so we can help you to get started.

FAQs

Is a gutter business profitable?

Gutter business profit margins are generally quite good as there aren’t many overheads when starting up. You can also generate a decent stream of income during peak months when there’s more debris and leaves.

How much should I charge to clean gutters?

How much you decide to charge for cleaning gutters will depend on a few factors. You’ll need to know the height at which you will be working, the type of building, and whether there are any hazards that will make the process more difficult and dangerous. Most gutter cleaners charge a fixed rate for the time it takes, with an hourly rate of £18 – £25.

Do you need a professional to clean gutters?

Gutter cleaning can be done by homeowners, but it’s a job that often gets pushed down the to-do list, despite being important for maintaining the integrity of the building. It’s also dangerous, so owners prefer to pay a professional to do it for them.

Can you make money gutter cleaning?

Given the essential nature of guttering, you can be sure that this industry will never go out of demand. You can earn good a good living, especially when you’ve built up a good portfolio of clients and won over plenty of locals.

*Checkatrade search data 1st January – 31st December 2021
**Deep Blue Thinking 2021 Trade Perception Survey