It's the first question almost everyone asks, and the honest answer is that it depends — but not in the evasive way that usually means "more than you'd like".
Gutter cleaning is priced on the property, not on a menu, and the factors that move the number are straightforward once someone explains them. This guide sets out what they are, what should be included in any quote you're given, and how to tell a thorough quote from a cheap one.
Why there's no single price
Two houses on the same street can be quite different jobs. One has a clear run of accessible guttering that was done last year; the other has a conservatory in the way, a rear extension at a different height, and three years of compacted moss sitting in the valley. Same postcode, very different amount of work.
That's why we quote every job individually and for free, with no obligation. A firm quote before we start is more useful to you than a low headline figure that changes once someone is on site.
What actually changes the price
These are the factors that genuinely move a gutter cleaning quote, roughly in order of how much difference they make:
- Property size and number of storeys — the total length of guttering is the single biggest factor, and a three-storey property needs different equipment reach than a bungalow
- How long since the last clean — compacted, rooted debris takes considerably longer to clear than a season's worth of loose leaves
- Access — conservatories, extensions at different heights, narrow side returns, dense planting and neighbouring boundaries all slow the work down
- Roof shape and valleys — properties with multiple valleys, dormers or complex rooflines have far more gutter run than the frontage suggests
- Downpipes and drainage — a blocked downpipe or gully is a separate job from the gutter itself and takes extra time to clear properly
- Whether anything is added — fascia and soffit cleaning, or a soft wash, are commonly booked at the same time and can be quoted together in a single visit
- Location — our normal coverage runs across ME9 and ME10 (Sittingbourne), ME14–ME17 (Maidstone), ME13 (Faversham), ME11 and ME12 (Sheerness and the Isle of Sheppey), ME1–ME8 (the Medway towns) and CT1–CT4 (Canterbury)
What should be included in any quote
Comparing quotes is only meaningful if they cover the same work. Before you compare numbers, check each quote includes:
- The whole property — front and back gutters, not just the elevation visible from the road
- Downpipes and valleys, not just the horizontal run
- Debris taken away, rather than left in a border or bagged on your drive
- Proof of the work — a camera check or before-and-after photos, so you're not taking a completed job on trust
- Public liability insurance, confirmed before anyone starts work at height on your property
A quote that covers all five is doing a different job to one that doesn't, even if the headline figures look similar.
Questions worth asking before you book
- Does the price include the rear elevation and the downpipes?
- Will ladders be leant against my gutters or fascias?
- Will you show me evidence the run is actually clear?
- Are you insured, and can I see proof before the work starts?
- Is the price fixed, or could it change once you're on site?
Any decent contractor will answer all five without hesitation. Hesitation on the last one especially is worth noticing.
Comparing quotes properly
A lower figure isn't automatically worse value, but it is worth understanding what sits behind it. Check whether the price covers the rear elevation as well as the front, whether downpipes and valleys are included, and whether debris is taken away — a quote covering half the property will always look cheaper than one covering all of it.
It's also worth asking how the work will be carried out. Where a ladder is rested directly on guttering, the load goes onto the plastic run or the fascia behind it, which on older uPVC can crack a joint or pull a bracket loose. That's the reason we work from the ground with a vacuum system rather than leaning anything against the building.
How we quote
Every quote is free, individual and no-obligation. We look at the property rather than guessing from a postcode, tell you what the job involves, and give you a figure before any work starts.
We're City & Guilds trained, Checkatrade-listed and fully insured with public liability cover, and we're happy to provide proof of insurance before a job. If you'd like to see the standard of work first, we also offer a free demonstration.
You can read more about the method on our gutter cleaning page, or see when to book in our autumn gutter guide.