Top 5 Gutter Installer Scams and How to Avoid Them

You don’t want to become another “contractor nightmare horror story” do you? Of course not, who would, right? But sadly it happens all the time to unsuspecting home owners who don’t properly research and vet the people who are working on their homes.

In this article you will learn how to avoid the Top 5 Gutter Installer Scams by showing you what to look for in a local gutter installer.

You will also discover the right questions to ask so you don’t get tricked into a bad experience.

Avoid Becoming a Victim of these Top 5 Gutter Installer Scams

1) Better Start Today or Someone Will Get Hurt

Less than reputable contractors use scare tactics by appealing to your fears and not letting you think about it first. These people exaggerate the situation and will convince you to have them do the work “Right NOW”.

For example, a gutter installer might tell you, “There is a leak in your gutters and because of that your entire roof is rotting away and could cave in at any moment killing everyone inside so you need to have me fix this right now!”

Ask for a reasonable assessment determining the severity of the problem and the scope and cost of the best solution. A reputable contractor will offer you all that without having to ask for it.

2) Demanding Upfront Payment in Full before Starting

You should be hearing warning bells when a gutter guy tells you that he will need 100% upfront payment before beginning the work on your home. A professional, honest and reliable contractor would never do that.

While it is common that some gutter installers might ask for a 20% or 30% down payment if it’s a very large job that spans more than a few days work (such as an entire apartment complex or a 100K sqft commercial building), they never ask for full payment upfront. The standard is payment in full at completion AFTER the customer inspects the work and is satisfied.

Ask about payment plans and schedules for completion prior to opening a new contract.

3) Offering Exceptionally Low Bids

Professional contractors have material suppliers, dealers, work crews, etc. and they have to pay them a fair price or wage.

A stunningly low bid is going to attract your attention; however, you need to know that an exceptionally low bid is a red flag because there are certain costs involved that can not always be met by charging a super low price. Expect to see low quality materials and poor workmanship in order for them to meet that extra low price. And that’s if they get the work done at all!

Ask how they expect to complete high quality work for a low price that is far below normal in other comparable quotes.

4) High Pressure Up Selling

Customers can be easily swayed by a fast talking contractor with shiny new additions and upgrades. Shady contractors are well aware of how to convince such clients of needing expensive additions before getting started (and sometimes after which is more costly).

They might suggest something like, “Wouldn’t copper gutters look better instead of aluminum?” Or maybe, “You really could use more downspouts all around the house.” Well, these sound like a great ideas but not when all your work has already been finished. Making changes in the middle of a gutter installation project can increase the price. But making changes after the work is already done make things very expensive for you as work has to be undone and redone to accommodate the new plan.

A professional gutter contractor will devise a plan right at the start of the work and tell you how much it will cost you, how much time it will take and how they will proceed. Ask if they suggest upgrades before the project, during or after it’s been completed.

5) Too Many Projects in Play at the Same Time

Some people are easily impressed when a contractor claims he has lots of projects going at the same time. Seemingly it shows the contractor is in demand and successful.

You know, con artists are really good at doing that and they frequently demand payment in full to “lock you in” their schedule. After you give them a substantial amount of money they disappear and you never see them again.

On the other hand, honest contractors who actually are busy and in demand will need to schedule in advance but would never ask for money upfront to set an appointment for a future date.

Ask about the size of his company, onsite gutter fabrication and bending equipment, number of trucks and work crews, nearby vendors and other skilled labor he can utilize on short notice.

THE BOTTOM LINE:

Choosing the right contractor to design and install a well made guttering system can be tough. Finding the perfect contractor can be easier as long as you are knowledgeable and prepared. Hopefully you’ve gained some valuable and useful insights with us today.

If you’re in North San Diego County and looking for a great gutter installer you can trust then please contact Greg Martin at AAA Pro 1 Rain Gutters. He’s built his business on more than his good looks… (joking). Seriously though, honesty and integrity are his two highest values. You can always count on Greg to tell you the truth. His second highest value is his perfectionism. He’s not done until he’s satisfied that the gutter installation is 100% to his highest standards of excellence.

Is Greg Martin the right gutter installer for you?

• If you want to be free from worry, doubt and fear that your contractor might be ripping you off, not listening to you or royally messing up your gutters, then he’s your guy.

• If you want to enjoy the peace of mind a professionally designed and expertly installed seamless rain gutter system has to offer AND be confident it was done right AND that it meets all your expectations, then AAA Pro 1 for you.

• If you want a hassle free experience and know that you paid a fair and reasonable price for your new rain gutters, this is for you.

If you answered “YES” to the previous three questions then call Greg Martin at AAA Pro 1 Rain Gutters (760) 445-8762. You’ll get a hassle free experience, a FREE no obligation on site gutter inspection and an accurate price quote. And you can expect honest answers to all of your questions. Call (760) 445-8762. Serving all of North San Diego County, CA.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Business: AAA Pro 1 Rain Gutters
Contact: Greg Martin, Owner
Phone: 760-445-8762
E-mail: sanmarcosraingutters@gmail.com
Business Location: San Marcos, CA. 92069