Starting a Gutter Cleaning Business

Gutters are key to preserving any home’s structural integrity. By moving water safely away from the home, gutters prevent pooling that can cause foundation damage or pest infestations. Keeping them clear of the clogs that can cause failures or breakdowns is essential. Communities count on trustworthy gutter cleaning businesses to keep their homes safe.

Gutter cleaning is a great business opportunity, but is it the right choice for you? Learn more about what it takes to open a gutter cleaning business.

A Look at the Gutter Cleaning Market

Gutter cleaning is part of the $12.5 billion building exterior cleaning market. With a continuous annual growth rate of 1.4% over the past five years, exterior building cleaning remains on a steady, stable growth trajectory. The services these businesses provide are considered to be recession-resilient, which means that consumers need them regardless of how the economy is doing.

Although gutter cleaning is often a seasonal service, returning customers provide a source of recurring revenue. If you live in an area prone to heavy rainfall or leaf fall, you may have more business opportunities throughout the year.

How much money can I make?

The average gutter service costs about $100 to $300, but revenue is only part of the picture. As with any business, predicting your gutter cleaning business profit is impossible. Having said that, gutter cleaning franchise owners have access to data that independent business owners don’t. During the franchise process, you’ll receive a franchise disclosure document (FDD) that lays out your initial investment, ongoing royalties and fees, and the average sales of other businesses within the system. This useful information not only helps with financial planning but also gives you an idea of what you can earn.

Preparing to Open Your Gutter Cleaning Business

(1) Perform market research: Before you get started, you need to be sure that your community will support a gutter cleaning business. If there are already multiple businesses in the area performing those services, it might not be the right time to move forward.

(2) Develop a business plan: Launching a successful business requires a lot of homework. Among other things, your business plan must include financial information and funding sources, a marketing plan, your organizational structure, and your goals.

(3) Determine which services you will perform: Not all gutter cleaning businesses provide the same services. Some also offer gutter replacements, gutter guard installation, or other exterior cleaning services, which creates multiple revenue streams. If it doesn’t make sense now, you can always add additional services throughout the life of your business.

(4) Get the proper training: If you’re not already knowledgeable about gutter cleaning, you will need to spend time learning the ins and outs of your new trade. You may wish to see if an experienced local gutter cleaner will let you train with them. Remember, gutter cleaning involves a lot of manual labor and time spent up on a ladder. It can be dangerous work, so adhering to safety standards is necessary.

(5) Obtain permits and licenses: Be sure that you comply with any regulations your state or locality set for home services businesses. First and foremost, you’ll need insurance. There are risks involved in gutter cleaning, and you’ll want to protect yourself in the event of an accident. You will also need to obtain and register your business license, as well as a contractor license if your location requires it.

(6) Purchase equipment: You will need to get all the necessary equipment, including:

• ladders
• buckets and scoops
• hoses or power washers
• safety harnesses and goggles
• non-slip shoes

Keep a close eye on the condition of your equipment. Safety and efficiency are paramount for gutter cleaning businesses, and it’s important to replace any equipment that is beginning to wear out.

Franchise with FISH Window Cleaning

Choosing to open a gutter cleaning franchise instead of an independent business simplifies getting your business up and running . At FISH Window Cleaning, we’re innovators in the home services franchise space, and we know exactly what it takes to help you build a successful business. FISH franchise owners benefit from a proven business model, best-in-class training, and ongoing support that give business owners the tools they need to thrive.

Make your mark in the gutter cleaning industry with FISH Window Cleaning. Request more information to get started.