How To Start A Gutter Cleaning Business

 

Every autumn you clean out your own gutters and help your neighbours but have you ever wondered if you can make real money out of this service? Start your own Gutter Cleaning Business and you could be running a very lucrative venture in a short space of time. 

1: Pros and Cons
2: Qualifications
4. Choose your business structure and registering your business
5: How much can I earn? And startup costs
6: Create your business plan
7. Marketing and Branding
8. Red tape
9. Conclusion

 

The UK’s weather can be fairly predictable. Every year we will get plenty of wind, heavy rain and snow so starting a gutter cleaning business is a fairly safe bet!️️☔

Not looking after guttering can be a costly mistake, causing expensive damage to walls and foundations and even roof collapse. This is where your invaluable services come in on an annual basis AND we can help you do this quickly so you´ll start earning money before the next autumnal leaf falls!

 

• Potential Annual Revenue: £35-45,000
• Startup Cost: £300-£2,500
• Time To Revenue: 2-3+ months 
• Annual Market Growth Rate:  %
• Best for: Outdoorsy, physically active, independent entrepreneurs who don’t mind rolling up their sleeves!
  

 

Gutter cleaning can be a messy and hazardous job, which is why many people would rather hire someone else to do it than do it themselves. Many of the country’s top home improvement retail companies have lamented the fall of DIY and the growth of the do-it-for-me generation and this is where you, as a gutter cleaning entrepreneur steps in.

The gutter cleaning industry in the UK is worth approximately £200 million and is expected to grow by 3% annually. This is mainly due to a steadily aging population not wanting to do it themselves and the demand for more housing in the UK.

Educating potential customers is a must in your marketing. Make crystal clear the benefits of hiring you and the potential risks and huge expense of neglecting gutter maintenance.

 

Sounding good so far? Before you pop on your gloves or plug in your gutter vacuum, here are some pros and cons to keep in mind:

7 Great Reasons to Start a Gutter Cleaning Business 

1. High Demand: Gutter cleaning is a necessary task for property maintenance and many homeowners and businesses don’t have the time, expertise or desire to do it themselves. This creates a consistent demand for your services. 
2. Recurring Business: Gutters need to be cleaned regularly, typically at least once or twice a year. 
3. Low Start up Costs: Compared to many other businesses, the start up costs can be relatively low. You’ll need some basic equipment such as ladders, safety gear and cleaning tools, making it accessible for entrepreneurs with limited capital.
4. Seasonal Opportunities: While gutter cleaning is typically a year-round service, there may be an increased demand during certain seasons, such as autumn when leaves are falling and spring as the weather improves. This allows for strategic marketing and pricing adjustments based on seasonal demand.
5. Easy to Learn: Gutter cleaning is a skill that can be relatively easy to learn, especially with proper training and safety measures. 
6. Scalability: As your business grows, you can scale up by hiring employees or expanding your services to include related offerings such as roof cleaning, pressure washing or gutter repairs. This allows for business expansion and increased revenue.
7. Flexibility: As a business owner, you have the flexibility to set your own schedule and work hours. This can be particularly appealing for those looking for a business that allows for work-life balance.

 

5 Common Challenges when Starting a Gutter Cleaning Business

1. Safety Concerns: Working at heights and handling equipment can pose safety risks. Ensuring that you and your employees are properly trained in safety procedures and have the right equipment is crucial.
2. Weather Dependency: Gutter cleaning is often weather dependent. Rain, extreme cold or adverse weather conditions can impact your ability to work. This can lead to scheduling difficulties and income fluctuations.
3. Seasonal Fluctuations: Managing cash flow during off-peak seasons can be a challenge so planning and an alternative source of income is important.
4. Customer Trust: Building trust with customers is crucial in the service industry. It might take time to establish a positive reputation. Customer reviews and word-of-mouth referrals will play a significant role in gaining trust.
5. Physically demanding: A decent level of agility and physical fitness is required. Working at height can take its toll on the body.

 

From registering your company, establishing your brand to marketing your services, we’ll cover everything you need to know to help you turn your entrepreneurial talent into a successful gutter cleaning business.

 

 

Qualifications 

Although running a gutter cleaning business does not need any specific qualifications, you may want to consider some training courses.

Working at height remains one of the biggest causes of fatalities and major injuries. Common cases include falls from ladders and through fragile surfaces. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 will apply to you as a sole trader or an employer of staff. Make sure you take simple, practical measures to reduce risk, using the right type of equipment and assessing each job before starting. 

A short course in DIY skills at your local college or a Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Building Maintenance Multi-Trade: Repair & Refurbishment can give you extra confidence. As can taking a short business course, there are many available online to complete at your own pace.

All qualifications will help enormously when you are starting out, giving potential customers confidence in your working ability. 

 

The all-important question – How much can I earn running my own gutter cleaning business?

How many hours, where and when you work will determine your income. 

Because of this, salaries can vary a lot but the UK average employed gutter cleaner earns around £22,000 whilst a sole trader brings in an average of around £37,000.

Obviously as a sole trader you will have to cover all expenses, including van purchase and maintenance, fuel, insurance, tools, repairs, business insurance, marketing etc. 

You can charge by the hour, metre or by the job. Some gutters are dirtier than others. That’s just a fact of life.  For particularly debris laden gutters, extra time can be charged for. You will find that most customers will want to be charged by the job with a fixed quote before the work starts.

To keep fuel costs down try and stay in your local area. If you need to work further away make sure the job is worth the extra outgoings and cost the job accordingly. 

When considering how much to charge to clean gutters, there are several details to consider.

If possible, inspect a property and determine its height before quoting. Clearing gutters many floors high will be more time consuming, so adjust your pricing accordingly. Also, some buildings will carry more risks and complications, therefore assessment before starting the job is crucial.

Your customer database could be varied, from residential homes, housing associations or schools to large commercial properties such as restaurants, shopping centres, care homes and hotels.

Contact your local landlords or the council for any work contracts in your town. 

Keep your eyes open for new builds in your area. New housing estates are a great place to advertise your business, you´ll have a fresh supply of new customers who will inevitably need you soon!

 

How much does it cost to start a gutter cleaning business?

Aside from the normal start-up requirements for any business, such as licences, insurance and registration, there are actually very few items needed to start a guttering cleaning business. 

Obvious items are a decent set of ladders, although there is now a shift away from using traditional methods to using long pole, gutter vacuum machines with cameras that you can use from ground level. 

These ingenious new gutter cleaning solutions are improving the safety hazards enormously. The days of precariously balancing on roofs, cleaning out leaf matter with a ladder and gloves are long gone.

These vacuums are naturally more expensive but are time saving so more jobs can be completed per day. Plus using a camera is great for marketing and educating your customers about the perils of not keeping up with property maintenance.  

If starting out with the traditional equipment as you find your feet, a leaf blower, safety equipment and protective clothing, a gutter scoop, poles and waste disposal will be necessary. 

Whether you are tackling gutters for the first time or you are an experienced gutter cleaner and have now decided to become a sole trader your first task is to write a business plan. 

 

How I’d set this business up.

Choice of business structure

This is fundamentally important when you are setting up any business. As a solopreneur, you can start this business as either a sole trader or a limited company. 

 I’d also strongly consider a hybrid startup structure where you can reap the benefits of both structures with minimal cost and risk.

This could enable you to start trading with the simplicity of a sole trader but also have secured the limited company for marketing hacks and saving tax later if you decide to incorporate your business.

Consider the long-term goals and vision for your gutter cleaning business when making this decision.

 Search through a database of over 5 million registered company names and more than 11 million UK domain names using our FREE Company Name Checker Tool. Here you can find  your memorable name! You can also see what domain names are available.

 

 

Do I need a Business plan?

Start by formulating a business plan. We highly recommend you do as it can be immensely beneficial.

A business plan serves as a roadmap for your venture, helping you clarify your business idea, set goals and plan for the future. It also helps to focus on delivering a clear message to your potential customers. 

There are many different types of business plan available on the internet from everyone from accountants, insurance companies to banks. But you can use my no nonsense 1 page business plan here.

It’s designed to cut the waffle but has enough detail to make it a meaningful tool so that you remain laser focussed on what needs to be done when you set up your gutter cleaning business.

 

Research

When starting a gutter cleaning business it’s important to research the other local businesses in the area and the services they offer. This will help you identify any gaps in the market and determine what extra services you can offer to stand out from the competition. Adding another string to your bow will also fill in the gaps of seasonal gutter cleaning.

 

Here are 7 standout ideas of additional services you can offer domestic or commercial clients

1. Repair and maintenance: In addition to cleaning, offer services to repair and maintain gutters. This could include fixing leaks, resealing joints and replacing damaged or rusted sections. Ensure that downspouts are properly connected, free of blockages and directing water away from the foundations effectively.
2. Gutter guard installation and downpipe inspection: Guards help prevent debris from entering gutters, reducing the frequency of cleanings and minimising the risk of blockages. 
3. Fascia and soffit cleaning: Extend your services to include cleaning and maintaining fascia and soffits. These areas are often overlooked but contribute significantly to the overall appearance of a property.
4. Roof cleaning: Include roof cleaning. Remove moss, algae and other debris from the roof to enhance its appearance and longevity.
5. General pressure washing: Offer pressure washing services for exterior surfaces such as driveways, patios and decking. This can be an attractive add-on for customers looking to improve the overall cleanliness of their property.
6. Window cleaning: Expand into window cleaning services. 
7. Water butt installation: Help customers save water for the garden in the summer months. 
8. Exterior home maintenance packages: Bundle various services into comprehensive exterior home maintenance packages. This could include gutter cleaning, roof cleaning, pressure washing and more.

 

 

How to market a gutter cleaning business. 

Here are some tips to help you market your gutter cleaning start up business effectively:

This is a business that I would definitely want to fast-track from the beginning for growth. You want to get busy as quickly as possible and there is only one real way to achieve this.

Most potential clients are going to find a gutter cleaner using a Google search. Sure some will use an app, some might ask for a recommendation on social media but MOST will look on Google.

Google knows that when someone is looking for a local gutter cleaning business, they want to see results close to where they are located.

This usually means that Google will show a maps listing at the top of the search results like the image below.

 

 

If your business shows up here then you are right at the top of the search results, under the nose of people who want to find a professional, reliable gutter cleaning business.

For any type of business/search term where Google shows a Maps listing like this, I describe these businesses as having “high local marketability”.

High local marketability means if you know what you are doing and tick the right boxes with Google, you can get a lot of business enquiries very easily.

 

So if potential customers can’t find you on Google, they won’t be calling you. And guess what? That means someone else is vacuuming that clients gutters and you’re missing out!

 

 

So how do you dominate Google search results for this business?

You have to optimise for the Google maps listing.
How do you do that?

10 great steps to marketing a gutter cleaning business:

• Get a website. Make sure it complies with Google’s best practice guidelines.
• Get your new website in Google so clients find YOU.

• Provide LOCAL PROOF. Use a local phone number to tell clients and Google you are definitely a local business. Plus a mobile number.

• Provide SOCIAL PROOF. Show reviews from real customers on your site. This is called “social proof” and turns browsers into buyers!

• Use LANDING PAGES. A landing page is optimised for a specific search term making it rank higher than your competitors. Landing pages are for people who want to buy your service now. They show the client what they want to see.

• Provide great CTA’s (CTA =call to action). Make it super easy on your website for clients to get in touch with you by including features such as a messaging/chat app and CTA’s that show clients exactly how to contact you.

• Share FEEDBACK. Go the extra mile to provide an outstanding service and you are sure to collect plenty of positive feedback from clients. Ensure you harness this by collecting reviews from every new customer.

• AUTOMATE – You won’t have time to be manually updating your website. Make sure you automatically show the new reviews on your website, driving more clients to your business.

• PROMOTE – Regular updates to your website and using Google tools will give your website an extra edge.

• MAINTAIN – From time to time websites need technical maintenance to the software they run on to keep peak performance.

 

Most businesses in this sector DO NOT invest enough time and money to execute this simple marketing  strategy providing you with the opportunity to step in and DOMINATE in the local search engine results.

 

 

The Live Chat Function

This is great as it gives your potential customers a “one click method” to message you straight from your website – you get the messages on your usual Messenger account, this is probably something that your competitors won’t have and we’ve had clients getting great success using this tactic. Make it easy for your potential clients to get in touch with you. 

 

 

Here are 8 more great tips to help you market your business effectively:

Promoting your guttering cleaning business is crucial to attract new customers and grow your business. Here are some tips to get your business marketing underway: 

• Do your research

This industry is competitive, so it’s important to research your competitors in your local area and identify what you can offer that others don’t. This will help you differentiate your business and attract more customers.

• Create a great company and domain name for your website 

Choose a name that is related to you and your business and is memorable for your potential customers. Use our quick Company Name Search Tool below to help you. 
Remember to steer well clear of similar sounding names so confusion does not occur with other companies. 

 

Protecting your brand name (IP or intellectual property) requires a company name, domains and trade mark registration. 

We can quickly and easily help you get the ball rolling with this, registering your company and domain name and even providing you with fully featured business email boxes making your business look more professional, adding credibility when you are approaching new customers. So, instead of emailing from an @yahoo or @hotmail address you can be emailing from @mycompanyname. Doesn´t that look better? 

You will then have to register a domain name for your website. We all know websites are crucial nowadays so make sure you get yours registered as soon as you have chosen your trade name. Take a look at our Domain Name FAQs  which will explain why a domain name is so important to getting your business up and running. 

Let´s get you onto the world wide web with our easy to use Domain Checker

 

Not thought of a company name yet? Take a look at our inspirational tips and ideas

 

• Create a website

We all know a fast, inspiring, easy to use website is essential for any business today!

But can you  design and run one? Can you create the content that actually guides a customer through your site and attracts them to book in a time to talk business with you?

We can create a personal website for you to get you off to the best start. 

 

Photos and videos, especially before and after ones, are fantastic for education. This is where a vacuum gutter cleaner with a camera comes into it´s own!  

Give lots more information about your business and any unique services you offer plus accurate contact details. Also, you can introduce yourself and give your experience and qualifications. A little information about yourself can make the business more personal and boost customer confidence. 

We have already mentioned this (a lot!) but it is vitally important.

Always ask for References and Reviews on your website. 

Start with your friends and family if they have used your services. Also give special offers, ask your clients to introduce friends and family and they´ll receive a discount for a set period on your next job with them. 

Google reviews, testimonials and recommendations are essential. Potential customers WILL check for reviews when they are searching for a service, product or trade. 

This is difficult when you first start out and asking can be uncomfortable but a happy client will want to help you up the ladder every time. 

 

 

• Word of mouth

is probably the most powerful and effective marketing tool and should never be underestimated! Always make sure you ask your clients to recommend you to their friends and family…..in fact anyone they know! Peer recommendations are especially valuable as we trust our friends and family above anyone else. 

A satisfied, happy customer is the golden ticket to your success. Always remain professional and approachable, make sure you leave the job finished to the absolute best of your ability. They´ll thank you for it by singing your praises.

  

• Design an eye-catching logo

Your logo is an important aspect of your brand identity, so it’s essential to design a logo that represents you and your business and can be used on your work uniform, car/van stickers, business cards, and leaflets etc.

If you belong to a trade, being a member of a trade association is always an excellent way to show your professionalism. Make sure this is shown on ALL your marketing materials. 

Have you thought about adding QR codes to your marketing material? 

With a click of their mobile phone, customers can make an appointment, fill out a request form, or write a review by using a QR code. Add a QR code to your work vehicle, magnetic signs are perfect for this. Potential consumers passing by can immediately scan for further information about your services. 

QR codes are perfect for business cards, giving website links, tips or how to find us instructions. They are also an easy way to get that all-important customer feedback and can be added to invoices and receipts that go directly to your review page.

Go back to basics!

Print flyers and distribute them around your local area a month or two before the autumnal weather sets in. Maybe add in an offer for early bookings! 

 

• Use social media

Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram and TikTok can be powerful marketing tools for your gutter cleaning business. 

Shout out loud what makes your business unique! Maybe it´s your seasonal maintenance programs, where customers can sign up for regular services throughout the year at a discounted rate. Whatever if it is, make sure you are getting the word out there. 

Join local business Facebook groups or similar platforms to promote your business and connect with potential customers. 

You can also create social media pages for your business and post regular updates, photos, videos and promotions to attract more customers. 

Create relationships with other businesses, maybe a gardening or a building business would be mutually beneficial if you don’t cover those areas.

 

• Use apps

There are many apps available that can help you manage your business more efficiently. They can be used for booking appointments, saving customer details and receiving payment.  

Project management software will be vital especially as your business starts to grow. Companies such as Asana, Clickup, Monday.com and Zoho all offer good packages that will help you take control of your business and keep those projects running smoothly. 

We can easily help you decide what is relevant to you and your business

 

• SEO (Search engine optimization)

is the art of getting your website to the top of the search results on Google and the other search engines so that you have the best chance of getting their business. 

If you’re new to running a website it’s easy to get caught out with a low cost SEO service that just doesn’t work.

We can help put together an affordable SEO package and we’ll always tell you what we are going to do and what results you might expect to achieve.

 

Also think about joining one of the professional cleaning bodies, this will give kudos to your business and help you to stand out in the marketplace.

The British Institute of Cleaning Science, is the largest, independent, professional and educational body within the cleaning industry. Or the Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme (CHAS) is the UK’s leading provider of compliance and risk management solutions. There are many others.

 

There are other formalities that you will need to complete before you can start trading.

Let’s talk about the boring stuff! 

Open a bank account

Keeping your personal and business finances separate is crucial for several reasons. It simplifies accounting and bookkeeping, making it easier to track business expenses, income, and tax obligations. It also helps demonstrate financial transparency, which can be important for legal and tax purposes.
How about a contactless card payment machine? There are plenty on the market now and easy for you and your customers to use. Perfect for when you are on the move.

You will need Insurance

There are lots of companies offering their services so have a good look around and take their advice.
You will require public and product liability insurance to cover claims of third-party bodily injuries or third-party property damage. For example, if a ladder you’re using tips over and damages a customer’s vehicle, general liability insurance is designed to cover those damages.

If you employ someone Employers’ liability insurance is essential to cover any injury and illness sustained whilst whilst being employed by you,

Then there is insurance for your equipment and tools, protecting you from theft, damage and loss.

If you have a car/van make sure your insurance company knows it is a works vehicle. And make sure your eye-catching logo and your contact details are prominently displayed!

Having the correct insurance will make you feel protected in the event of an accident or your equipment being damaged or stolen. Don’t be without it! 

 

By implementing these marketing strategies, you can attract more customers, improve your brand identity, and grow your business.

 

Conclusion

Starting a gutter cleaning business is an easy, low cost and highly profitable business with potential to scale rapidly. 

Full of fantastic opportunities, you can keep it as a solo enterprise or expand with time as you become busier. 

It’s also a great way to stay fit and active, meeting new people from all walks of life with an ever changing job at differing locations throughout your local area. 

Skills such as practical thinking, problem solving and giving great attention to detail are paramount for your success, as is giving reliable and honest customer service. 

Be prompt, providing clear and detailed estimates and ensure that all work is completed to a high standard. Make sure current and potential customers know about ALL the services you offer. It might be gutter cleaning in November but jet washing their wooden decking come summer! ☀️

By going above and beyond for your clients, you’ll be more likely to receive positive reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations, which can be invaluable in attracting new business. And don´t forget to offer incentives, such as discounts or rewards for customers who refer your business to others, encouraging them to spread the word about your cleaning services. 

Make Your Business Gutter Perfection!

So, before you set foot on that ladder, learn more and get in touch today for no nonsense guidance and get your creative juices flowing!