When replacing the gutters on your home, you’ll quickly realize that some gutter brands are better than others—and not surprisingly, the same goes for gutter installers, too.
Fortunately, it’s pretty easy to spot “red flags” with untrustworthy gutter installers, so you can part ways with these contractors before you have any skin in the game (like a deposit). These are the most common signs of an inexperienced or unreliable gutter installer.
Red Flags to Spot in Gutter Installers
Red Flag #1: Low Better Business Bureau Rating
Before hiring any contractor, you should visit the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website to check the company’s rating and accreditation. You can also see if the company has had any customer complaints filed against them.
Ideally, you want to work with an accredited business with an “A+” rating and no customer complaints. If the contractor you’re about to go into business with has a low BBB rating and tons of complaints—look for another company instead.
Red Flag #2: Bad Reviews (& Negative Resolution)
Another great way to check for red flags when working with a gutter installer is to read through the company’s Google Reviews.
While you can just look at the overall star rating (usually, contractors with four to five stars are a safe bet!), looking at how the company responds to negative reviews is crucial. The truth is that mistakes happen, and even the best gutter installer might not get it right 100% of the time. However, the ability to respond to critical feedback gracefully instead of taking the defense shows that a company is willing to own up to and fix its mistakes.
Steer clear of contractors who take a combative approach when confronted with negative feedback and reviews.
Red Flag #3: High-Pressure Sales Tactics
High-pressure sales tactics are always a red flag when working with gutter installers. If you feel pressured by a salesperson to make an immediate or quick purchase decision, it’s safe to say the installer is operating with their best interests in mind—not yours.
Choose to work with a company willing to work within your timeline, budget, and specific needs instead of a company that’s only out to improve its bottom line.
Red Flag #4: Inadequate Insurance Coverage
All gutter installers should be insured. If a contractor does not carry liability and workman’s compensation insurance — this is a major red flag.
Insurance confirms you won’t be held liable for damage that occurs to your property or injuries that happen on your property during a project. Your contractor needs to have it—no questions asked.
Red Flag #5: Poor Communication Skills
Though it might not be as much of a red flag as a lack of insurance or a bad rating on the BBB, poor communication skills are still a bad sign when choosing a gutter installer.
If an installer is difficult to reach or doesn’t return calls when you’re trying to request a proposal or schedule an installation, this is a likely sign they’ll do a poor job at keeping you “in the loop” during your project. Instead, choose a contractor who is an excellent communicator and initiates conversations with you, the client—not the other way around.
Red Flag #6: Lowball Rates
You may be super excited to receive a screaming deal on your gutters. But sometimes, good deals are too good to be true.
Getting quotes and estimates from a few companies is wise before deciding on one installer for your gutter replacement. If one quote comes in significantly lower than the rest—this is a red flag. Low rates are often a sign of inexperience and might indicate a lack of insurance, training, tools, and high-quality materials. Choose a gutter installer that provides the best value for your investment, not necessarily the lowest rates.
Trust LeafCo Gutters for Reliable Gutter Installation in Chicago
If you’re looking for a company you can count on for long-lasting gutter installation—look no further than LeafCo Gutters.
Our reviews from past clients are a testament to our commitment to customer service, a non-pushy sales process, high-quality installation, ongoing training, and other “green flags” that will give you peace of mind about working with us!
